| King Kull | |
|---|---|
 King Kull battling theJustice League, theJustice Society, and Shazam'sSquadron of Justice on the cover ofJustice League of America #135; art byErnie Chan. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Fawcett Comics (1951–1953) DC Comics (1976–present) |
| First appearance | Captain Marvel Adventures #125 (October 1951) |
| Created by | Otto Binder C. C. Beck |
| In-story information | |
| Full name | Kull |
| Species | Subman |
| Team affiliations | Monster Society of Evil |
| Notable aliases | The Beastman The Beast Man |
| Abilities |
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King Kull (also known as theBeastman or theBeast Man) is a fictional character appearing inAmerican comic books published originally byFawcett Comics and currently byDC Comics. Created byOtto Binder andC. C. Beck, he originally first appeared in Fawcett Comics’Captain Marvel Adventures in October 1951, and appeared from then until 1953 when the company ceased publishing its superhero titles. DC later acquired Fawcett's properties, and revived the character in the 1970s.[1]
Created by writerOtto Binder and artistC. C. Beck, King Kull's first appearance was inCaptain Marvel Adventures #125 (cover-dated October 1951).[2] King Kull appeared in adventures of Captain Marvel during the 1950s and the period in which DC Comics revived the hero during the 1970s.[3]
According to one account, King Kull is ruler of the Submen (also called Beast-Men), a brutish but technologically advanced race who ruled humanity until they were overthrown in a revolt, as the humans vastly outnumbered them and killed all the other Beast-Men. Kull fakes his death with a bomb and survives until the 20th century in suspended animation in a cavern, then awakens due to an earthquake and repeatedly threatens the human-dominated modern world with his immense strength, durability, and technology. However, other versions claim he emerged throughout human history and attempted to stop the spread of democracy, and is apparently the basis for theBogeyman and other mythical monsters.[4]
He is usually thwarted byCaptain Marvel or theMarvel Family.[5] On one occasion, he collaborated withDoctor Sivana.[6] On another occasion, he released theSeven Deadly Enemies of Man and used Sin bombs to try destroying the world.[7] King Kull once tried to turn Billy to stone.[4]
One particularly well-planned escapade requires the efforts of theJustice League of America and theJustice Society of America (in one of theirdimension-crossing team-ups, which DC produced annually from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s), as well as a group of heroes of Captain Marvel and King Kull's home universe of Earth-S, referred to unofficially as theSquadron of Justice. Kull has captured both the wizardShazam who grants the Marvel Family's powers and the ancient gods and goddesses the powers are drawn from after gaining access to theRock of Eternity with a faster-than-light ship, paralyzing them with a device that slowed down their impulses, except forMercury, who was able to get away in time; after Shazam makes telepathic communication with him he warns other heroes from the three Earths about Kull.Johnny Thunder'sThunderbolt helps the Marvels get their powers back in the final issue and transports them to the Rock of Eternity. Kull recruits the aid of villains from the three Earths to cause havoc.[8] They are all defeated, and the heroes then head to the Rock of Eternity, with Superman leading the attack. Kull is imprisoned with magic chains that supposedly evenHercules cannot break, and the heroes return to their own worlds.[9]
Following the events ofCrisis on Infinite Earths, Kull does not appear for many years. He makes his first appearance in over 20 years inJustice League: Cry For Justice, where he battlesStargirl andCyclone as part of a massive plot byPrometheus to distract Earth's superheroes so that he can plant massive teleportation devices in various cities.[10]
In the "DC Rebirth" relaunch, King Kull originates from the Earthlands and is a member of the Monster Society of Evil.[11] He states that his species used to rule the Earthlands.[12] In the "Dawn of DC" initiative, Kull is given a vastly different design, having pointed ears, fangs, and claws, while his Submen are smaller, scrawnier, and gray-furred.[13]
King Kull has enhanced strength, stamina, and durability. He possesses superhuman intelligence and is an expert at unarmed combat. He additionally has access to an advancedairship.[14]
King Kull appears inBilly Batson and the Magic of Shazam! #6.
A character partially inspired by King Kull namedKru'll the Eternal appears inBatman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced byMichael Dorn.[15] Following his introduction in the episode "Menace of the Conqueror Caveman!", he joins theMonster Society of Evil in the episode "The Malicious Mr. Mind!".
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