Comic book supervillain
Mongul () is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Writer Len Wein and artist Jim Starlin created the first version of the character, who debuted in "DC Comics Presents" #27 (November 1980). Jerry Ordway created the second version, who first appeared in "The Adventures of Superman" #454 as the lord of Warworld. He was later embellished by Peter Tomasi and Scot Eaton in "Showcase '95", #8. He is based on the Mongol Empire's founder Genghis Khan and his successors, hence his name. The character was given an origin story in Green Lantern #23.2 by his co-creator Jim Starlin and artist Howard Porter as homage to the writers who participated in developing the character. He has become one of Superman's most enduring enemies belonging to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.
Debuting in the Bronze Age of Comic Books, Mongul has been featured in other DC Comics-endorsed products such as animated series, video games, a direct-to-DVD film, and merchandise such as action figures and trading cards.
Publication history.
Mongul debuted in the title "DC Comics Presents" and was created by writer Len Wein and artist Jim Starlin. Starlin often receives credit as creator of the character, but Wein in an interview stated: "Well, [Mongul] had Starlin visuals, but he was my creation". Wein said he conceived Mongul specifically as a villain to physically challenge Superman. Starlin commented on the character as well stating, "When I went over to DC... I went over and created Mongul and he was definitely supposed to be Thanos in the DC universe"
Fictional character biography.
Bronze Age (1980–1985).
Mongul is the ruler of his species until he is overthrown and forced to flee his planet. In his first appearance, Mongul kidnaps Superman's friends Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Steve Lombard and threatens to kill them unless the hero brings him a key to activate Warworld. Mongul is rendered unconscious by the mental strain from using Warworld, but escapes before the heroes destroy it.
Mongul then tries to conquer Throneworld, the home planet of Prince Gavyn / Starman. He murders Gavyn's sister and obtains a Sun-Eater that he attempts to use to destroy Earth's sun before the Justice League of America and Legion of Super-Heroes stop him.
In "For the Man Who Has Everything", Mongul attacks Superman on his birthday and imprisons him in a dream world using the Black Mercy plant. Batman, Robin, and Wonder Woman defeat Mongul and use the Black Mercy on him.
Modern Age (1985–present).
Following the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" continuity reboot, Mongul is reintroduced as the ruler of the Warworld empire. Mongul captures Superman, who works with Mongul's champion Draaga to defeat him. Mongul later destroys Hal Jordan's hometown of Coast City, leading to his transformation into Parallax. In "Underworld Unleashed", Neron kills Mongul after he refuses his offer of power.
Son of Mongul.
Following Mongul's death, his son Mongul II succeeds him as ruler of Warworld and battles Superman to prepare him for the threat of Imperiex. In the prelude to "Blackest Night", Mongul obtains a Sinestro Corps ring and seizes control of the Corps before Sinestro imprisons him in the Yellow Lantern power battery.
"The New 52".
In "The New 52" continuity reboot, the original Mongul is resurrected and attacks the Sinestro Corps. After being deposed by Sinestro, Mongul allies with the Pale Vicors, a group who loot planets and nullify their inhabitants' ability to feel emotions.
In the "Superman: Villains" one-shot (May 2020), Mongul is killed and succeeded by his son, Mongul MDCCXCII.
Powers and abilities.
Mongul possesses immense superhuman physical abilities comparable to Superman. Furthermore, he can teleport, generate energy blasts, possesses limited telepathy and telekinesis, and wields a chest-mounted cannon. For a time, he was also part of the Sinestro Corps, having access to all that it entailed; i.e., the ability to create fear-based energy constructs and gain power from the fear of others. As a Pale Vicor, Mongul can negate the powers of the emotional spectrum and generate a protective aura.
Reception.
In 2009, Mongul was ranked as IGN's 41st Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.
References.
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