Mongul () is a

supervillain A supervillain, supervillainess or supercriminal is a major antagonist and variant of the villainous stock character who possesses Superpower (ability), superpowers. The character type is sometimes found in comic books and is often the primary ...

appearing in

comic books A comic book, comic-magazine, or simply comic is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panel (comics), panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are often accompanied by descriptive prose and wri ...

published by

DC Comics DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...

. Writer

Len Wein Leonard Norman Wein (; June 12, 1948 – September 10, 2017) was an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine (character), Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel sup ...

and artist

Jim Starlin James P. Starlin (born October 9, 1949) is an American comics artist and writer. Beginning his career in the early 1970s, he is best known for space opera stories, for revamping the Marvel Comics characters Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock, an ...

created the first version of the character, who debuted in ''

DC Comics Presents ''DC Comics Presents'' is a comic book series published by DC Comics from 1978 to 1986 which ran for 97 issues and four ''Annual''s. It featured team-ups between Superman and a wide variety of other characters in the DC Universe. A recurring bac ...

'' #27 (November 1980).

Jerry Ordway Jeremiah Joseph Ordway (born November 28, 1957) is an American writer, penciller, inker and painter of comic books. He is known for his inking work on a wide variety of DC Comics titles, including the continuity-redefining ''Crisis on Infinite E ...

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 Scot Eaton is a Comic book creator, comic book artist, best known for his work on ''Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'', ''Thor (Marvel Comics), Thor'', ''X-Men: Endangered Species'', and ''X-Men: Messiah Complex''. Career In the early 1990s Eato ...

in ''Showcase '95'', #8. He is based on the

Mongol Empire The Mongol Empire was the List of largest empires, largest contiguous empire in human history, history. Originating in present-day Mongolia in East Asia, the Mongol Empire at its height stretched from the Sea of Japan to parts of Eastern Euro ...

's founder

Genghis Khan Genghis Khan (born Temüjin; August 1227), also known as Chinggis Khan, was the founder and first khan (title), khan of the Mongol Empire. After spending most of his life uniting the Mongols, Mongol tribes, he launched Mongol invasions and ...

and his successors, hence his name. The character was given an origin story in Green Lantern #23.2 by his co-creator

and artist Howard Porter as homage to the writers who participated in developing the character. He has become one of

Superman Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...

's most enduring enemies belonging to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery. Debuting in the

Bronze Age of Comic Books The Bronze Age of Comic Books is an informal name for a period in the history of American superhero comic books, usually said to run from 1970 to 1985. It follows the Silver Age of Comic Books and is followed by the Modern Age of Comic Books. ...

, Mongul has been featured in other DC Comics-endorsed products such as

animated series An animated series, or a cartoon series, is a set of Animation, animated films with a common title, usually related to one another. These episodes typically share the same main heroes, some different secondary characters and a basic theme. Series ...

video game A video game or computer game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device (such as a joystick, game controller, controller, computer keyboard, keyboard, or motion sensing device) to generate visual fe ...

s, a

direct-to-DVD Direct-to-video or straight-to-video refers to the release of a film, television series, short or special to the public immediately on home video formats rather than an initial theatrical release or television premiere. This distribution strateg ...

film, and merchandise such as

action figures An action figure is a poseable character (arts), character model figure made most commonly of plastic, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, military, video game, television program, or sport; fictional or historical. These fig ...

and

trading cards A trading card (or collectible card) is a small card, usually made out of paperboard or thick paper, which usually contains an image of a certain person, place or thing (fictional or real) and a short description of the picture, along with other t ...

Publication history

Mongul debuted in the title ''

'' and was created by writer

and artist

. Starlin often receives credit as creator of the character, but Wein in an interview stated: "Well, ongulhad Starlin visuals, but he was my creation". Wein said he conceived Mongul specifically as a villain to physically challenge

. 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 Thanos () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-artist Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in '' The Invincible Iron Man'' #55 (cover date February 1973). An Eternal– Devia ...

in the DC universe"

Fictional character biography

Mongul is the ruler of his species until he is overthrown and forced to flee his planet.''

'' #28 (December 1980) He is the leader of Warworld, a mobile weaponized satellite, and has battled Superman on numerous occasions.''DC Comics Presents'' #27 (November 1980)''DC Comics Presents'' #36 (August 1981)''DC Comics Presents'' #43 (March 1982) Following the ''

Crisis on Infinite Earths ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' is a 1985 to 1986 American comic book fictional crossover, crossover series published by DC Comics. Written by Marv Wolfman and penciller, pencilled by George Pérez, it was first released as a 12-issue limited ser ...

'' continuity reboot, Mongul is reintroduced as the ruler of the Warworld empire. In ''

Underworld Unleashed ''Underworld Unleashed'' was a multi-title American comic book crossover event released by DC Comics in 1995. The main theme of ''Underworld Unleashed'' involved the new ruler of Hell, a demon-lord named Neron, offering first many of the DC Un ...

'', Neron kills Mongul after he refuses his offer of power. Following Mongul's death, his son Mongul II succeeds him as ruler of Warworld, and later obtains a

Sinestro Corps The Sinestro Corps, occasionally known as the Yellow Lantern Corps, is a supervillainous group and analogy, analog to the Green Lantern Corps in the DC Universe. They are led by Sinestro, and derive power from the emotional electromagnetic spectr ...

ring.

''The New 52''

In ''

The New 52 The New 52 was the 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire Line (comics), line of ongoing monthly superhero American comic books, comic books. Following the conclusion of the "Flashpoint (comics), Flashpoint" Fictional crossover, cros ...

'' continuity reboot, Mongul I is resurrected and attacks the Sinestro Corps.''Sinestro'' #9 (March 2015)''Sinestro'' #10 (April 2015) After being deposed by Sinestro, Mongul allies with the Pale Vicors, a group who loot planets and nullify their inhabitants' emotions.''Sinestro'' #18 (February 2016) 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.''Sinestro'' #21 (May 2016)''Green Lantern'' (vol. 4) #8 (March 2006) For a time, he was also part of the Sinestro Corps and possessed the ability to create energy constructs and empower himself via fear. As a Pale Vicor, Mongul can negate the powers of the emotional spectrum and generate a protective aura.''Sinestro'' #20 (April 2016)

In other media

Television

* Mongul appears in the

DC Animated Universe The DC Animated Universe (DCAU, also referred to as the Timmverse or Diniverse by fans) is a Shared universe, shared fictional universe based on DC Comics properties and media franchise produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It began with ''Batman ...

series ''

Justice League The Justice League, or Justice League of America (JLA), is a group of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). Writer Gardner Fox conceived the ...

'' and ''

Justice League Unlimited ''Justice League Unlimited'' (''JLU'') is an American superhero animated series that was produced by Warner Bros. Animation with DC Comics in season 3 and aired on Cartoon Network. Featuring a wide array of superheroes from the DC Universe, and ...

'', voiced by

Eric Roberts Eric Anthony Roberts (born April 18, 1956) is an American actor. He has amassed more than 700 film and television credits since his debut in 1978, making him one of the most prolific English-speaking screen actors of all time. Roberts' career ...

. 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. * Mongul appears in '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold'', voiced by Gary Anthony Williams. * Mongul appears in ''

Young Justice Young Justice is a fictional DC Comics superhero team consisting of teenaged heroes. The team was formed in 1998 when DC's usual teen hero group, the Teen Titans, had become adults and changed their name to the Titans. Like the original ''Teen T ...

'', voiced by

Keith David Keith David Williams (born June 4, 1956) is an American actor. He is known for his deep voice and screen presence in over 300 roles in film, stage, television, and interactive media. He has starred in such films as '' The Thing'' (1982), ''Pla ...

. * Mongul appears in the ''

Justice League Action ''Justice League Action'' is an American superhero animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero team Justice League. The series is produced by Jim Krieg, Butch Lukic, and Alan Burnett. The show debuted on Cartoon Network UK on N ...

'' episode "Galaxy Jest", voiced by

John DiMaggio John William DiMaggio ( ; born September 4, 1968) is an American actor. His various voice roles include Bender on ''Futurama'', Jake the Dog on ''Adventure Time'', Marcus Fenix in the ''Gears of War'' series, Dr. Drakken on '' Kim Possible'', ...

Film

* Mongul appears in '' Superman/Batman: Public Enemies'', voiced by

Bruce Timm Bruce Walter Timm (born February 5, 1961) is an American artist, animator, writer, producer, and director. He is best known for contributing to building the modern DC Comics animated franchise, most notably as the head producer behind '' Batman: ...

. * Mongul appears in '' Justice League: Warworld'', voiced by

Robin Atkin Downes Robin Atkin Downes is an English actor. He is known for his work in animation and video games. Early life Downes was born in London. He earned an MFA from Temple University in Philadelphia. Career Downes has voiced characters in animated f ...

Video games

* Mongul appears in '' Superman: The Man of Steel'', voiced by J.S. Gilbert. * Mongul appears in ''

Superman Returns ''Superman Returns'' is a 2006 American superhero film directed by Bryan Singer, and written by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris from a story by Singer, Dougherty and Harris, based on the DC Comics character Superman. It serves as a homage ...

'', voiced by Todd Williams. * Mongul appears in '' Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame'', voiced again by Gary Anthony Williams. * Mongul appears as a character summon in '' Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure''. * Mongul appears as a playable character in '' Lego DC Super-Villains'', voiced by

Fred Tatasciore Fred Tatasciore ( , , born June 13, 1967) is an American voice actor who has provided voices in animated and live-action films, television shows, and video games. He is known for voicing the Hulk, Volstagg, and Beast in various Marvel media and ...

Reception

In 2009, Mongul was ranked as

IGN ''IGN'' is an American video gaming and entertainment media website operated by IGN Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc. The company's headquarters is located in San Francisco's SoMa district and is headed by its former e ...

's 41st Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.

References

External links

Supermanica: Mongul
Supermanica entry on the Bronze Age version of the character. * http://idol-head.blogspot.com/search/label/Mongul In-depth history of the character. {{Jim Starlin Characters created by Jim Starlin Characters created by Len Wein Comics characters introduced in 1980 DC Comics aliens DC Comics characters with accelerated healing DC Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability DC Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds DC Comics characters who can teleport DC Comics characters with superhuman strength DC Comics extraterrestrial supervillains DC Comics male supervillains DC Comics psychics DC Comics telekinetics DC Comics telepaths Fictional characters with nuclear or radiation abilities Fictional characters with elemental transmutation abilities Fictional characters with energy-manipulation abilities Fictional characters with fire or heat abilities Fictional dictators Fictional mass murderers Fictional sororicides Fictional warlords Green Lantern characters Superman characters Villains in animated television series