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Annihilus

Marvel Comics fictional character From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Annihilus
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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.

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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]

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Publication history

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.

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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's cosmic ray-related pregnancy complications. Annihilus's minions capture the heroes, but they escape and temporarily steal his Cosmic Control Rod to harness its antimatter particles.[7][8] Annihilus then becomes a recurring enemy of the Fantastic Four.

In the "Annihilation" event, Annihilus leads the Annihilation Wave, a fleet of battleships, ostensibly claiming to have the goal of conquering the universe. Annihilus attempts to destroy the universe, but is killed by Nova while Galactus destroys the Annihilation Wave.[9][10]

Annihilus is later reborn as an infant while retaining his memories.[9][6] He is placed under the care of Catastrophus, a lord of the Negative Zone who uses the Cosmic Control Rod to stunt Annihilus' growth.[11] Annihilus later returns to his normal appearance after harnessing the Hulk's power.[12]

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.[13]

During the "One World Under Doom" storyline, Annihilus led his Annihilation Wave into attacking Washington DC. They were repelled by Doctor Doom's Superior Avengers.[14]

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Powers and abilities

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.[15]

Annihilus wields the Cosmic Control Rod, which slows his aging process and enables him to manipulate energy and matter.[6][16] 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.[17][18][19]

Annihilus also leads an elite personal guard, the Centurions, who have occasionally wielded portions of the Cosmic Control Rod's power.[17]

Fantastic Four #600 reveals that Annihilus can continuously resurrect if he is killed.[20]

Reception

  • In 2018, CBR.com ranked Ahmyor 12th in their "Age Of Apocalypse: The 30 Strongest Characters In Marvel's Coolest Alternate World" list.[21]
  • In 2022, GamesRadar+ ranked Annihilus third in their "Best Fantastic Four Villains" list.[22]

Other versions

Age of Apocalypse

An alternate universe variant 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 before leaving her to battle Blastaar.[23]

Heroes Reborn (2021)

An alternate universe variant 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.[24]

Mangaverse

An alternate universe variant of Annihilus from Earth-2301 appears in Marvel Mangaverse: Fantastic Four #1. This version is a kaiju-like monster.[25]

Ultimate Marvel

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.[26]

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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

Annihilus was originally intended to appear in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but was ultimately replaced with the High Evolutionary.[28]

Video games

Miscellaneous

Annihilus appears in Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game via the "Annihilation" expansion set.[31]

Merchandise

  • 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]
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References

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External links

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