Krang (Marvel Comics)

Warlord Krang first appeared in Fantastic Four Annual #1 (1963), and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.^[2]

Warlord Krang was born in Atlantis City, Atlantis. He became a leader of the Atlantean military and warlord of Atlantis who rose to prominence during the time in which Namor, the Prince of Atlantis was missing.^[3] Upon Namor's return, Krang's bride-to-be, the Lady Dorma, deserted him for Namor, bringing a great hatred for Namor from Krang. Shortly thereafter, when Namor attempted to conquer New York City, he made Krang his second in command. However, the Fantastic Four fought off the first attack and Namor stopped the invasion in order to save Sue Storm of the Fantastic Four.^[4] Feeling that Namor had betrayed his own people to save an enemy, Krang was even more angered and after the Atlanteans left Atlantis he seized control and usurped the throne of Atlantis from Namor.^[5] Krang imprisoned Namor, and forced the Prince to prove himself on a quest to find Neptune's trident, made additionally difficult by traps set by Krang. Meanwhile, Krang plotted a conquest of the surface world, ruled Atlantis as a despot, and put down a revolt against his rule. When Namor returned, he defeated Krang in personal combat. Krang was dethroned and exiled.^[6]

Krang, now a professional criminal, through the Puppet Master, set the Behemoth against Namor. While Namor was busy, Krang returned to Atlantis and tricked Lady Dorma into renewing their engagement and accompanying him to the surface world, as well as tricking Namor into believing that she had betrayed him and left willingly. Fleeing to the surface world with Dorma he would come into conflict with the armored avenger Iron Man, and fomented a battle between Namor and Iron Man.^[7] In a battle with Krang, Namor was inflicted with temporary amnesia. Krang used Atlantean technology to create a tidal wave in Manhattan. However Namor finally recovered, capturing Krang and defeating him in personal combat. Namor imprisoned him, exiling him once more.^[8] When Namor's evil cousin Byrrah seized the throne of Atlantis and invited Krang back to enjoy his former position, Krang formed an alliance with Byrrah and Attuma. This however was short-lived and soon Krang was forced to flee yet again when Byrrah's scheme failed.^[9]

After this he would attempt to steal the Serpent Crown, a powerful object, which would make him nearly invincible. These efforts however were thwarted by Namor and Captain America (who called himself Nomad at the time). Krang was driven fully insane.^{[volume & issue needed]} When Namor spent much time on the surface world allied with Doctor Doom, Krang once more seized control of Atlantis.^{[volume & issue needed]} Stealing the Trumpet Horn of Namor, he summoned the great beast Gargantus, to defeat the returning Namor, but it was soundly defeated by the Prince, while his ally, Dr. Doom, beat Krang within an inch of his life with a neuro-shock blade.^{[volume & issue needed]}

Somewhat after altering his physiology through the technological means of Wundagore Mountain,^[10] Krang has been recruited as a member of the Defenders.^[11]

Warlord Krang later appears as one of the Atlanteans living on the X-Men's base Utopia.^[12]

As an Atlantean, Krang possesses various adaptations that enable him to survive underwater, including gills, enhanced vision, and resistance to cold and pressure. He is initially unable to survive out of water without a special serum, but later modifies himself to possess the ability naturally.^[13]

Additionally, Krang is a skilled combatant and strategist, and wields various Atlantean technology, including an electric sword and gauntlets.

An alternate universe variant of Krang from Earth-58163 appears in Civil War: House of M #3.^[14]

• Warlord Krang appears in the "Sub-Mariner" segment of The Marvel Super Heroes, voiced by Paul Kligman.^[15]
• Warlord Krang appears in the Fantastic Four episode "Now Comes the Sub-Mariner", voiced by Neil Ross.^[15]

Warlord Krang appears as a mini-boss in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, voiced by Fred Tatasciore.^[15] This version is a member of Doctor Doom's Masters of Evil and a cousin of Byrrah who took part in Attuma's coup against Namor. If the player fails to create medicine for Namor, Krang will take over Atlantis and lead them in stealing nuclear weapons to wage war against the surface.

• Warlord Krang at Marvel.com