The Marvel Universe is filled with fantastical nations and empires ruled by legendary kings. In addition to the standard political turmoil that comes with ruling a country, these characters often engage in epic battles to either protect or expand their nations. The quality of these monarchs’ rule varies drastically. Some are benevolent kings who put the lives and well-being of their citizens above their own. Others are egotistical dictators who prioritize their own interests. The identity of some of these characters is defined solely by their royal status, while for others, their thrones were only a brief part in specific storylines.
Videos by ComicBook.com
From rulers of Atlantis to Asgard, these are the smartest, strongest, and most iconic kings in Marvel Comics.
10) Zeus
The Norse Gods aren’t the only pantheon of ancient Gods that inhabit Marvel Comics. The Greek Gods, also figure in Marvel. Zeus is the king of the Greek Gods and is the God of Thunder. Zeus ascended his throne when he and his siblings overthrew their father, the king of the Titans, Cronus. As the Skyfather, Zeus has ruled the Olympians for thousands of years. In addition to his divine might, Zeus is a cunning strategist and leader who has defeated numerous gods and monsters that sought to overthrow him. Zeus is also very well-known for having multiple affairs and siring many offspring, including the demigod hero Hercules. However, despite his incredible reputation as the King of Olympus, in the modern-day, Zeus primarily keeps to himself and is rarely seen, because Marvel would rather focus on another God of Thunder: Thor.
9) Vulcan
The long-lost little brother of X-Men members Cyclops and Havok, Gabriel Summers, aka Vulcan, grew up to become one of the most feared emperors in the galaxy. The aliens of the Shi’ar Empire abducted Gabriel’s mother while she was pregnant with him. Gabriel was born into slavery, but was able to escape to Earth. There, he joined Professor X’s first X-Men team. However, his team members were killed on their first mission, and Gabriel was left for dead. Years later, Gabriel left Earth and travelled to the Shi’ar Empire. With his power to manipulate energy, Gabriel easily took the throne for himself. However, his unstable mind made him a cruel leader who began wars on a whim. When he led the Shi’ar Empire against the Kree Empire and the Inhumans, many of his subjects grew tired of his tyrannical rule and revolted. Gabrial finally lost his throne after a brutal civil war and his beating by the Inhuman Black Bolt.
8) Hulk
On Earth the Hulk is a monster, on the planet Sakaar, he was a hero and a king. When Hulk’s unstable and destructive nature became a threat to humanity, the Illuminati launched him into space in a rocket. The Jolly Green Giant crash-landed on Sakaar, which was a brutal planet ruled by the cruel Red King. The Hulk was immediately enslaved and forced to participate in brutal death games as a gladiator. However, the Hulk led a revolution and overthrew the tyrannical Red King. Gaining the throne for himself, the Hulk became a benevolent ruler and made the alien warrior Cairia his queen. However, everything fell apart when the ship that transported the Hulk exploded in a freak accident that killed millions, including Cairia. The Hulk blamed the Illuminati for the explosion and lead his army to Earth for revenge. After a long battle, the heroes of Earth defeated the Hulk. Since then, the Hulk has renounced his title as the king of Sakaar.
7) Thor
The God of Thunder and founding Avenger, Thor Odinson, is one of the most powerful and recognizable heroes in Marvel Comics. For thousands of years, Thor has been the crown prince and protector of Asgard. However, Thor has been more comfortable fighting monsters on the battlefield than dealing with Asgardian politics. Even so, there have been numerous instances when Odin has died or become too weak to lead that have forced Thor to accept his royal responsibility and take the throne. Given his history as a warrior, and not a political leader, Thor often has trouble living up to his father’s standard of an ideal leader. There have been many times when Thor’s new position of power made him more arrogant and hard-headed. Still, Thor loves his people and does his best to protect them, even from himself. Whenever the opportunity arises, Thor will gladly abdicate the throne and hand it to someone more suitable for the role. Even if Thor isn’t ready now, a glimpse into the far future reveals that he is destined to become a powerful and wise ruler, just like Odin.
6) Kang the Conqueror
One of the Avengers’ most dangerous adversaries, Kang the Conqueror, as his title implies, lives only for conquest. A time traveler from the 30th century, Kang utilizes futuristic technology to conquer worlds across various time periods. Over his many campaigns, Kang has amassed an empire spanning multiple time periods and universes, with millions of subjects. Kang was a ruler of Ancient Egypt, Camelot, and Earth of the 40th century. However, whenever he tries to mess with the main Marvel timeline, heroes like the Fantastic Four and the Avengers have been there to defeat him. Even if the Earth-616 universe remains out of his grasp, there are plenty of other universes and timelines where Kang reigns supreme.
5) Namor
Deep beneath the waves, the underwater city of Atlantis is ruled by Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Namor is the son of a human sea captain and an Atlantean princess. Raised as a member of Atlantean royalty, Namor had a very privileged life and grew a massive ego. He is extraordinarily arrogant and often treats people as if they are beneath him. Still, even with his brash and egotistical nature, Namor genuinely cares for the people of Atlantis, and his subjects love him for it. Namor’s domain expands beyond Atlantis, as his telepathy allows him to command all manner of sea life. And due to his mixed heritage, Namor can breathe air and interact with the surface world. However, Namor is, for the most part, hostile towards surface dwellers and does his best to keep Atlantis isolated.
4) Black Bolt
Black Bolt shows how words are a king’s greatest weapon. Blackagar Boltagon, aka Black Bolt, is the silent yet wise king of Attilan, the homeland of the genetically altered race of superhumans known as the Inhumans. Beloved by his people, Black Bolt fights to protect his country and citizens from villains like Vulcan, Thanos, and even his own brother, Maximus. Although Black Bolt has ruled Attilan for decades, he had seldom said a word. Instead, he has his beloved queen, Medusa, speak for him through the telepathic link they share. The reason Black Bolt is so sparing with words is that with even the faintest of whisper, he can generate a sonic blast capable of annihilating an entire city. Despite such destructive potential, Black Bolt has always ruled as a strategic and benevolent monarch who cherishes his people.
3) Odin
For thousands of years, the All-Father Odin has governed the citizens of Asgard as a wise and just ruler. He is the son of the first king of Asgard, Bor. Odin and his brothers Vili and Ve battled the fire giant Surtur to thwart his plan to destroy the Nine Realms. To defeat Surtur, Vili and Ve gave their power to Odin, who fused their combined essences to create the Odin-Force. This near-infinite divine power gave Odin the strength he needed to overwhelm Surtur. Although the battle was won, Vili and Ve died in the conflict. Odin then took the throne for himself and became the primary defender of the Nine Realms. With his several millennia of experience as both a king and a warrior, Odin is one of the most powerful and respected leaders in all of Marvel Comics.
2) Doctor Doom
There is no greater villain in all of Marvel Comics than Victor Von Doom, aka Doctor Doom. Born into poverty in the European country of Latveria, Doom used his mastery of science, magic, and strategy to overthrow the ruler of his homeland and become its new king. As one of the most brilliant minds on Earth, Doom elevated his country into one of the most technologically advanced and prosperous nations in the world. Despite how prosperous and peaceful Latveria looks on the outside, Doom is still a tyrant who rules his country with an iron fist. The people of Latveria feel a mixture of admiration and dread towards Doom. The Latverian dictator is perfectly content with being both revered and feared by his people. Of course, one mere country is not enough for Doom’s massive ego, so he has on countless occasions tried and failed to take over the world and crown himself as its supreme ruler.
1) Black Panther
For thousands of years, the secret African country of Wakanda has been the most technologically advanced and powerful nation on the planet and for almost its entire history, it has been hidden to the world and stayed in the shadows. T’Challa is Wakanda’s current king. He donned the Black Panther mantle and became the ruler of Wakanda after his father was assassinated, but only after undergoing numerous trials to prove his worthiness. With the aid of the mystical heart-shaped herb, T’Challa gained superhuman strength and reflexes. This power, along with his indestructible Vibranium suit, makes T’Challa a fierce warrior. However, he is also a benevolent ruler who cares for the well-being of his people. T’Challa eventually grew disillusioned with Wakanda’s isolationism. Under his leadership, Wakanda revealed itself to the world and began to be an active participant in the world’s affairs. A visionary and just leader who balances tradition and progress, T’Challa is truly an exemplary king.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Want to stay up to date on the biggest geek entertainment news? Add us as a prefer source in Google – HERE.
Most Viewed
-
Courtesy of Toei Animation
