| Ch'od | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Ch'od. Art byBilly Tan. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | X-Men #104 (Apr. 1977) |
| Created by | Dave Cockrum[1] |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Ch'od |
| Species | Saurid |
| Team affiliations | Starjammers |
| Abilities |
|
Ch'od is a fictional character appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics. The character is usually seen in theX-Men series and various spin-offs.
Dave Cockrum created the Starjammers with the intent of having them star in their own series. However, when he submitted the concept for Marvel's two try-out series,Marvel Spotlight andMarvel Premiere, he was repeatedly informed that these series were booked for two years solid. Cockrum showed the Starjammers toX-Men writerChris Claremont and convinced him to use the characters for this series.[1] He first appeared inX-Men #104 (April 1977).
Ch'od is a Saurid, a lizard-like alien from the planet Timor (Varanus IV) in theShi'ar Empire and a founding member of theStarjammers. He is often accompanied by Cr'reee, a small furry alien from the planet Lupus.[2]
Ch'od first met theX-Men when the Starjammers came to aid them againstD'Ken'sImperial Guard.[3] He helped saveColossus's life in outer space, and engaged in mock combat withCarol Danvers.[4] With the Starjammers, he aided theNew Mutants against theMagus.[5]
Ch'od andHepzibah sought the "map-rod" holding information on the location of the "Phalkon" power source, which was actually thePhoenix.Deathbird's Shi'ar starships attacked the Starhammers. The Starjammers went to Earth and metExcalibur, and aided a rebellion against Deathbird on a Shi'ar border world.[6]
For a time he and his fellow Starjammers were imprisoned and replaced by theWarskrulls, who were attempting to conquer the Shi'ar Empire. The Warskrulls impersonated the Starjammers and key members of the Imperial Guard, until theX-Men helped rescue them.[7]
Ch'od battledWonder Man and theVision while escorting the Shi'ar nega-bomb.[8]
Ch'od has suffered the death of his loyal friendCorsair.[9] He also endured Hepzibah's stranding on Earth, although several X-Men have remained with the Starjammers.[10]
While trying to rescueLilandra Neramani from the Imperial Guard, Ch'od loses his right hand and blames himself for failing to save her.[11] During the mission to rescue their empress, Ch'od and the Starjammers end up rescuing a team from theGuardians of the Galaxy led byRocket Raccoon, who is an old friend of Ch'od and Corsair. This act however leads to their cover being blown forcing the Starjammers to flee.[12][13]
As a member of the Saurid race, Ch'od possesses superhuman strength, durability, and endurance, and is amphibious.
He is also an expert marksman (with various forms of Shi'ar weaponry), swordsman, and hand-to-hand combatant, having been trained in various forms of combat known in the Shi'ar Galaxy. He is a highly skilled starship pilot. He has carried Shi'ar-manufactured swords, battleaxes, and energy guns as weapons.
In 2018,Comic Book Resources (CBR) ranked Ch'od 15th in their "Age Of Apocalypse: The 30 Strongest Characters In Marvel's Coolest Alternate World" list.[14]
Ch'od makes non-speaking appearances inX-Men: The Animated Series as a member of the Starjammers.[citation needed]