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The Defilement of All Things[]

When theAvengers battled the Goddess of the NightNyx, theHyborian Age berserkerConan emerged in present day to assist them in their fight. Following their triumph over Nyx, Conan did no return, relocating to theSavage Land.^[1] Ironically, his deadly nemesisKulan Gath had also been residing in the Savage Land, acquiring power by cannibalizing sorcerers for knowledge.^[2] In order to bring chaos to Earth, Kulan Gath wished to revive theJhoatun Lau, the Marrow God. Through his disciple, theSickle Priest, as well as agents of theHand and of an Ancient Egyptian cult, Gath kidnapped artists and warriors as sacrificial lambs for his plans.^[3] One of his victims was related to the lethal mutant warriorWolverine, catching his attention.^[4] Wolverine teamed up with Conan to save the victims, which included the necromancerBrother Voodoo. Another target was thePunisher, whose family's graves were desecrated to lure him.^[5] The Punisher was intercepted by the deadly ninjaElektra, who investigated the Hand's involvement in the crisis.^[6]

Kulan Gath proved to be more powerful than anticipated, managing to summon the Marrow God despite his opponents' efforts.^[6] The monstrosity was unleashed onShanghai, where the lethal protectorVenom joined the other antiheroes in their battle, having been attracted by asymbiote Conan had merged with to cure a lethal wound.^[7] The Marrow God was destroyed by the assassins, who avenged those who had been slain. However, Kulan Gath vanished with his followers. Voodoo decided to follow him, but not before asking Elektra to contact the Sorcerer SupremeDoctor Strange to inform him about the threat Gath posed. Wolverine, Elektra, and Venom were teleported away from the Savage Land.^[8] However, the Punisher and Conan chose to journey back by themselves. They parted ways in South America, with Conan spending time inBrazil,^[9] where he soon identified Gath's evil influence in the local crime. The superspyBlack Widow and the son of satanHellstorm investigated the issue as well, temporarily joining Conan in battle.^[10]

Being in possession of an amulet from Gath, Conan was kidnapped byDoctor Doom toLatveria.^[11] Doctor Doom and Conan were approached by Doctor Strange, who had been updated by Elektra. Eventually, Doom identified the amulet had been booby trapped by Kulan Gath, who emerged before his three enemies.^[12] Following a difficult battle, Gath was momentarily fended off. However, Brother Boodoo succumbed to Gath, being consumed by the dark creatureShuma-Gorath. It was revealed that Kulan Gath planned to consume Shuma-Gorath's power. Strange then prepared himself for another encounter with the dark magician.^[13] Conan battled victims Gath infected with Shuma-Gorath's essence inMexico, where he was assisted by Venom.^[14] Meanwhile, Strange investigated Kulan Gath's past, realizing Conan might play a crucial role in his defeat. This prompted Doctor Strange and Elektra to formally assemble a team formed by those who had faced Kulan Gath recently.^[2] To round up his team, he recruited the mutant sorceressMagik, who had faced Gath in the past.^[15] After resurrecting Voodoo, Strange and Elektra finally recruited Conan to join their "Savage Avengers."^[16]

Doctor Strange communed with Shuma-Gorath to keep him aware of Kulan Gath's attack.^[17] Part of the team was assigned of combatting Gath's acolytes and end the corruption brought by the use of Shuma-Gorath's essence, executing the Sickle Priest in the process. As such, Gath lost his ability to feast on Shuma-Gorath.^[18] Another group was to retrieve theEye of Power from the dragonSadurang. Magik recruited the unstoppableJuggernaut and the wielder of theEbony BladeBlack Knight for the quest.^[19] Magik trapped Sadurang inLimbo, securing the Eye of Power for Strange. Fully prepared, the savage assembly of champions waited for Gath to emerge again.^[20] Afterwards, Conan adapted himself to the modern world, meeting other super heroes and engaging in adventures.^[21] Most prominently, he crossed paths with the Spirit of VengeanceGhost Rider, who also hunted Kulan Gath.^[22]

• The Savage Avengers were created as a parting gift for long-time Marvel artistMike Deodato Jr.. Five months before his exclusivity contract with Marvel Comics expired, he was asked for a list of his favorite characters, and they became the team's first roster.^[29]

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