Zarathos

Zarathos (UK: /ˈzærəθɒs/, US: /-θoʊs/) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is usually depicted in stories featuring the character known as the Ghost Rider. A demonic being who tortures and devours souls, Zarathos first appeared in Marvel Spotlight #5 (August 1972) and was created by writers Roy Thomas and Gary Friedrich and artist Mike Ploog.^[1]

Zarathos
Cover of Marvel Comics' Ghost Rider (vol. 2) #77
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Marvel Spotlight #5 (August 1972)
Created by	Roy Thomas, Gary Friedrich and Mike Ploog
In-story information
Full name	Zarathos
Species	Demon
Place of origin	Earth
Partnerships	Mephisto Lilith
Notable aliases	Ghost Rider
Abilities	Virtual immortality Superhuman strength Healing factor Elemental powers

Publication history

He first appears in Marvel Spotlight #5 (August 1972). He was created by writers Roy Thomas and Gary Friedrich and artist Mike Ploog.

Fictional character biography

As explained in Ghost Rider (vol. 2) #77, the physical stone body of the demon Zarathos had lain inert and inanimate beneath the Earth for eons until his spirit was summoned by a Native American tribal sorcerer named K'Nutu to help his tribe. Zarathos was then offered a steady supply of souls to consume in exchange for his aid in vanquishing enemies of the sorcerer's tribe and for offering his might in their service.

A cult was built up around Zarathos, which garnered the attention of Mephisto, who decided that Zarathos had too much of a following and was depriving him and the other Lords of Hell of souls. Mephisto eventually confronted Zarathos and defeated him (by the deceptive use of his soulless pawn, Centurious).^[2]

Powers and abilities

Zarathos is continuously shown to be able to challenge Mephisto in both Earthly and magical combat. He possesses immeasurable levels of strength and stamina well beyond that of his hosts and is wholly immune to anything other than the powers of beings such as the One Above All. When at full strength, Zarathos has exhibited influence over certain Earthly elements; he is able to conjure thunderstorms to incinerate his opponents with bolts of lightning, as well as rupture the ground either to trap his victims in hard rock or to impale them with spiked stalagmites.

He is able to shoot hellfire from his hands, and can transport both himself and others to different locations. Apparently, the more souls he consumes, the more powerful he becomes. Zarathos also has significant knowledge of magical lore and possesses the ability to manipulate magical energies for a variety of effects.