Krang
Krang is an Atlantean and former prince and warlord of Atlantis. He has been regularly at odds with Atlantis's rightful prince, Namor the Sub-Mariner, due to his own desire to hold the throne.
Biography
By 1963, Krang was romantically linked with Dorma and eyeing the throne as Atlantis' leader. Unfortunately for him, his plans were disrupted by the heralded return of Namor the Sub-Mariner, former prince, who was quickly returned to the throne by his loving subjects. Dorma similarly took the side of Namor, her cousin and true love, leaving Krang in the process. Namor soon declared war on humanity, but his army was defeated by the Fantastic Four. Namor kidnapped Invisible Girl and kept her hostage in an underwater submersible with Krang and Dorma by his side. The rest of the Four soon arrived above the surface, and Namor fought them as Krang observed via periscope. Invisible Girl showed concern for Namor's welfare, piquing Krang's curiosity. He correctly speculated that she and Namor had a special attraction, which raised the jealous Dorma's ire. Dorma smashed the window, causing water to flood in and forcing the hero to try to escape by jumping out. Invisible Girl passed out as the Atlanteans repaired the hole in their craft. Namor recovered Invisible Girl and returned to the submersible, taking an attached subcraft to transport her to safety. Krang and Dorma protested, incensed that Namor would care so deeply for a human. What the two did next is unclear, but by the time Namor returned to Atlantis, it was empty and barren: his people had abandoned him.[1]
Namor eventually reclaimed his throne in late 1964,[2] and set his sights on the surface once again. While Namor attempted to employ a legal, peaceful route to surface rule with human lawyers, Krang usurped the throne in his absence.[3] Namor returned and Krang had him thrown in the dungeon, but Namor escaped with help from Dorma, who had long since fallen for the true prince. Namor sought out the trident of Neptune, which legend said would allow him to inarguably reclaim the throne. Krang antagonized Dorma while Namor was gone, trying to convince her to be his princess. She repeatedly refused, and he banished her to the realm of the Faceless Ones for her supposed treason. The people of Atlantis revolted, but Krang used his military prowess and superior resources to hold them back, knocking them unconscious with a powerful robot. Defying Neptune's law, Krang repeatedly interfered with Namor's quest, throwing additional challenges into an already daunting journey. In the end, Namor recovered the trident, rescued Dorma, returned to Atlantis, defeated Krang, and reclaimed his crown. Namor banished Krang from Atlantis, leaving him to wander among the barren seas. Krang quietly mocked Namor's mercy, knowing that this sentence would give him time to plan his revenge.[4][note 1]
Notes
- ↑ These events transpired across Tales to Astonish #70 through #76.
References
- ↑ Fantastic Four Annual #1a: "Sub-Mariner Versus the Human Race!" (June 1963) Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Ayers, Dick (i), Simek, Artie (let), Lee, Stan (ed).
- ↑ Fantastic Four #33: "Side-by-Side with Sub-Mariner!" (December 1964) Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Stone, Chic (i), Simek, Artie (let).
- ↑ Daredevil #7: "In Mortal Combat with...Sub-Mariner!" (April 1965) Lee, Stan (w), Wood, Wallace (art), Simek, Artie (let).
- ↑ Tales to Astonish #76a: "Uneasy Hangs the Head...!" (February 1966) Lee, Stan (w), Austin, Adam (p), Colletta, Vince (i), Rosen, Sam (let).