Wikipedia

Annihilus

Annihilus (/əˈnaɪ.ələs/) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, primarily as an adversary to the Fantastic Four. The character debuted in Fantastic Four Annual #6, which was published in November 1968. Annihilus was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and was notably featured in the "Annihilation" event.

Annihilus
Annihilus as depicted in Annihilation #1 (October 2006). Art by Gabriele Dell'Otto.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceFantastic Four Annual #6 (November 1968)[1]
Created byStan Lee
Jack Kirby
In-story information
SpeciesArthrosian
Place of originThe planet Arthros, in Sector 17A of the Negative Zone
Team affiliationsAnnihilation Wave
PartnershipsBlastaar
Notable aliasesLord of the Negative Zone, the Living Death that Walks, Ahmyor
AbilitiesSuperhuman strength, speed, stamina, agility and reflexes
Chitinous exoskeleton grants increased durability
Flight
Wields Cosmic Control Rod:
  • Molecular manipulation
  • Energy blasts
  • Slowed aging process

Annihilus has at various times been the ruler of the Negative Zone, controlling its inhabitants via his powerful Cosmic Control Rod.[2] He first encountered the Fantastic Four after Reed Richards discovered how to travel to the Negative Zone from Earth.[3] Over the years he clashed with the Fantastic Four on many occasions, often with the group foiling his plans to invade Earth. He is often the partner of Blastaar, who started out as a rival to Annihilus' rule of the Negative Zone before becoming an ally.

Annihilus has appeared in a number of Marvel media, including several Fantastic Four shows, as well as The Super Hero Squad Show, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. and Ultimate Spider-Man. In 2009, Annihilus was ranked as IGN's 94th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.[4]

Publication history

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The character first appeared in Fantastic Four Annual #6 (1968), and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.[5][6] He had a recurring role in the series, including issues #108–110, #140–141, #181–183, #251–256, #289–290, and Fantastic Four Unlimited #3.

He played a small role in the Kree–Skrull War issues of Avengers, #89, 96–97.[6] Other appearances include The Avengers #233, Marvel Team-Up #2, Marvel Two-in-One #75, and Thor #404–405, #434–435.

The character was the main antagonist in Annihilation, appearing in the prologue, the second issue of the Silver Surfer mini-series, and all six issues of the main title. He was killed in issue six, but has since been reborn. He appeared as an infant in War of Kings: Ascension #2.

Fictional character biography

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The first appearance of Annihilus. Cover to Fantastic Four Annual #6. Art by Jack Kirby

Annihilus first encounters the Fantastic Four when they enter the Negative Zone seeking anti-particles needed to treat Sue Storm's cosmic ray-related pregnancy complications. Annihilus's minions capture the heroes, but they escape, stealing his Cosmic Control Rod. They return the Rod after siphoning off the needed anti-particles and return to Earth.[7][8]

Annihilus is challenged by a research scientist, Janus the Nega-Man, who develops a module capable of harnessing antimatter energy within the Negative Zone. Annihilus defeats Janus, forcing the Nega-Man to lead him to Earth, but Janus is instead seemingly killed in the exploding atmosphere where matter meets antimatter.[9][10] Annihilus nearly crosses over to Earth through one of Mister Fantastic's portals, but is driven back by the Avengers.[11] Annihilus battles the Frightful Four, and once again attempts to escape the Negative Zone, but is foiled by Spider-Man and the Human Torch.[12]

Annihilus begins leading the Annihilation Wave, an enormous fleet of Negative Zone battleships, ostensibly claiming to have the goal of conquering the universe. He claims that the universe is expanding into areas of the Negative Zone, making the universe now rightfully his territory. His forces destroy the Kyln, an intergalactic power station and maximum security prison, and the planet Xandar, headquarters of the Nova Corps.[13] In reality, Annihilus intends to create a massive Power Cosmic bomb that will destroy the universe and the Negative Zone, leaving him the only survivor.[14] Drax and the Silver Surfer manage to free Galactus, who destroys the Annihilation Wave. Nova battles and kills Annihilus, who is reborn as an infant while retaining his memories.[15][16][6] Annihilus is placed under the care of Catastrophus, a lord of the Negative Zone who uses the Cosmic Control Rod to stunt Annihilus' growth.[17]

The Human Torch dies stopping a horde of aliens from the Negative Zone.[18] Annihilus uses regenerative surgery to revive the Human Torch and forces him to work as a gladiator when he refuses to reopen the portal from the Negative Zone.[19][20]

It is later revealed that Annihilus is still trapped in a child form, and has been using a mechanized stand-in for public appearances. Seeking to return to a more impressive size, he has his agents arrange the abduction of Bruce Banner. After his scientists study Banner's physiology and learn what allows him to transform into the Hulk, Annihilus is mutated into a gigantic, more monstrous form.[21] With this new form, Annihilus and his army make another attempt to conquer the universe. They are successful, ravaging many worlds and killing most of Earth's heroes.[22] However, Thanos and Adam Warlock travel back in time and prevent Annihilus' invasion from ever occurring. Warlock devolves Annihilus into a primitive insect, which is then stepped on by Thanos.[23]

Annihilus, now back to a more standard form, later begins kidnapping and enslaving shipwreck survivors on a desolate world. Using the Nega-Bands to open a portal out of the Negative Zone, Annihilus plots to destroy Earth and the rest of the universe by using a powerful energy cannon. However, he is thwarted by the All-New, All-Different Avengers, who are able to steal the Nega-Bands and destroy the weapon.[24]

In the "Annihilation - Scourge" event, the Negative Zone is attacked by forces from the Cancerverse, collectively known as the Scourge and led by the Void. Annihilus and Blastaar work together to fight the Scourge. The Silver Surfer reunites the Void with his other half, Sentry, while Nova sacrifices himself to stop the Scourge. However, he is resurrected by Annihilus soon after.[25]

During the "One World Under Doom" storyline, Annihilus leads the Annihilation Wave into attacking Washington DC. They are repelled by Doctor Doom's Superior Avengers.[26]

Powers and abilities

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Annihilus is capable of self-propelled flight and can withstand the vacuum of space. He possesses an insectoid exoskeleton with armored components that grants him resistance to most forms of injury.[6] He has superhuman physical abilities. He is able to breathe in the vacuum of empty space, and can fly at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour.[27]

Annihilus wields the Cosmic Control Rod, which slows his aging process and enables him to manipulate energy and matter.[6][28] Though not always engaging himself in direct combat, Annihilus has proved to be a formidable opponent, and was able to defeat the Thing, Thor, Nova Prime, Quasar, and Blastaar in individual fights with relative ease.[29][9][30]

Annihilus also leads an elite personal guard, the Centurions, who have occasionally wielded portions of the Cosmic Control Rod's power.[29]

Annihilus can continuously resurrect if he is killed.[20]

Reception

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  • In 2018, CBR.com ranked Ahmyor 12th in their "Age Of Apocalypse: The 30 Strongest Characters In Marvel's Coolest Alternate World" list.[31]
  • In 2022, GamesRadar+ ranked Annihilus third in their "Best Fantastic Four Villains" list.[32]

Other versions

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Age of Apocalypse

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An alternate universe version of Annihilus from Earth-295 appears in Age of Apocalypse. This version is a member of a resistance against Blastaar who was previously rendered amnesiac, assumed a humanoid form, and took the identity of Ahmyor. While fighting Blastaar alongside Blink, Annihilus regains his memories and returns to his original form. Annihilus begs Blink to leave the Negative Zone, as he is no longer the man she loved.[33]

Heroes Reborn (2021)

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An alternate universe version of Annihilus from Earth-21798 appears in Heroes Reborn. This version is the leader of the Bottled Hive of Annihilation, a race of small but powerful insects from the Negative Zone.[34]

Mangaverse

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An alternate universe version of Annihilus from Earth-2301 appears in Marvel Mangaverse: Fantastic Four #1. This version is a kaiju-like monster.[35]

Ultimate Marvel

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Nihil, a character from Earth-1610 inspired by Annihilus, appears in Ultimate Fantastic Four. He is the ruler of a space station composed of the remains of alien spaceships that orbits a dying red dwarf star. After learning of the Ultimate Universe, Nihil attempts to travel to it to escape the Negative Zone's decay, only to be killed by the Fantastic Four.[36]

In other media

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Television

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Annihilus (bottom right) as depicted in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.

Film

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Annihilus was originally intended to appear in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but was ultimately replaced with the High Evolutionary.[38]

Video games

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Miscellaneous

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Annihilus appears in Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game via the "Annihilation" expansion set.[41]

Merchandise

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  • An Annihilus figure was released in series 3 of Toy Biz's Marvel Super Heroes action figure line.[citation needed]
  • An Annihilus figure was released in series 3 of Toy Biz's Fantastic Four (1994) tie-in toy line.[citation needed]
  • Annihilus served as a build-a-figure for the "Annihilus Series" of Hasbro's Marvel Legends line and a Wal-mart exclusive repaint.[citation needed]
  • An Annihilus figure was released in series 5 of Hasbro's Marvel Super Hero Squad line.[citation needed]
  • Annihilus was added to HeroClix in 2013 after winning a fan poll in 2012.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ Misiroglu, Gina Renée; Eury, Michael (2006). The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood. Visible Ink Press. ISBN 9780780809772.
  2. ^ Rovin, Jeff (1987). The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains. New York: Facts on File. p. 6. ISBN 0-8160-1356-X.[1]
  3. ^ Wells, John (2014). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1965-1969. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 198. ISBN 978-1605490557.
  4. ^ Annihilus is number 94 Archived May 9, 2009, at the Wayback Machine IGN. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
  5. ^ DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 23. ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
  6. ^ a b c d e Allan, Scoot (March 1, 2019). "Annihilus: 10 Things To Know About Marvel's Cosmic Villain". Screen Rant. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  7. ^ Fantastic Four Annual #6 (November 1968)
  8. ^ Brevoort, Tom; DeFalco, Tom; Manning, Matthew K.; Sanderson, Peter; Wiacek, Win (2017). Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History. DK Publishing. p. 133. ISBN 978-1465455505.
  9. ^ a b Fantastic Four #108 (March 1971)
  10. ^ Fantastic Four #109 (April 1971)
  11. ^ The Avengers #89 (June 1971)
  12. ^ Marvel Team-Up #2 (May 1972)
  13. ^ Annihilation: Prologue one-shot (May 2006)
  14. ^ Annihilation #4
  15. ^ Annihilation #6 (March 2007)
  16. ^ White, Chris (May 27, 2019). "Annihilation: The 10 Most Unforgettable Moments Of Marvel's Space Epic". CBR. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  17. ^ War of Kings: Ascension #2 (July 2009)
  18. ^ Fantastic Four #587 (January 2011)
  19. ^ Fantastic Four #588 (February 2011)
  20. ^ a b Fantastic Four #600 (January 2012)
  21. ^ Thanos vs. Hulk #3 (April 2015)
  22. ^ Thanos: The Infinity Relativity (August 2015)
  23. ^ Thanos: The Infinity Finale (June 2016)
  24. ^ All-New, All-Different Avengers #10-12 (August - September 2016)
  25. ^ Annihilation - Scourge Omega one-shot (February 2020)
  26. ^ Superior Avengers #1 (April 2025)
  27. ^ Marvel Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded.
  28. ^ Dodge, John (July 27, 2021). "Thanos vs Annihilus: Which Tyrant Is Marvel's Ultimate Cosmic Threat?". CBR. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  29. ^ a b Stanford, Jerry (May 13, 2020). "5 Reasons Why Annihilus Is A Bigger Threat To The Marvel Universe Than Thanos (& 5 Why He Never Will Be)". CBR. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  30. ^ Fantastic Four #290 (May 1986)
  31. ^ Lealos, Shawn S. (September 16, 2018). "Age Of Apocalypse: The 30 Strongest Characters In Marvel's Coolest Alternate World". CBR. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  32. ^ Marston, George (April 7, 2022). "Best Fantastic Four villains". GamesRadar+. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  33. ^ Blink #1 - 4 (March - June 2001)
  34. ^ Heroes Reborn #2 (July 2021)
  35. ^ Marvel Mangaverse: Fantastic Four #1 (January 2002)
  36. ^ Ultimate Fantastic Four #15 - 18 (January - May 2005)
  37. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Annihilus Voices (Fantastic Four)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved January 27, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  38. ^ @caiden_reed (May 6, 2023). "I saw you mentioned Annhilius as a possible villain for Vol 3. Was he also going to be a candidate for Rockets creator?" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  39. ^ Stone, Sam (April 4, 2019). "Marvel Contest of Champions Welcomes Fantastic Four Villain Annihilus". CBR. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  40. ^ Steel, Tom (November 21, 2023). "Marvel Snap: How To Use This Week's Spotlight Cache Cards (11/21)". CBR. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  41. ^ "How to Beat Annihilus in Marvel Legendary Annihilation Expansion (2-Player Strategy)". sharpergamestrategies.com. October 29, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
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