Tyrannus (comics)

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caption = The Hulk vs. Tyrannus
character_name = Tyrannus
publisher = Marvel Comics
debut = "Incredible Hulk" vol. 1, #5 (January 1963)
creators = Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
alter_ego = Romulus Augustilus
full_name =
species =
homeworld =
alliances = Moloids, former member of the Brotherhood of They
aliases = Des
supports=
powers = Immortality

Tyrannus (real name Romulus Augustilus) is an immortal supervillain in the Marvel Universe. He first appeared in "Incredible Hulk" vol. 1 #5 (January 1963).

The character is based on Romulus Augustus, Western Roman Emperor from 475 to 476.Fact|date=October 2007

Fictional character biography

Tyrannus claims to be a "sorcerer" in Roman times, but is actually a scientist far ahead of his time. He was exiled by Merlin to Subterranea, a network of caves and tunnels miles beneath the Earth's surface. There Tyrannus discovers a race of orange-skinned semi-humanoid Subterraneans who are eager to find in him a new master to serve. He also discovers a pool of liquid which he drinks to maintain his youth through the centuries. The Subterraneans acquaint Tyrannus with examples and records of technology designed by the Deviants who were their original masters. Tyrannus' scientific genius enables him to master and improve upon the Deviants' scientific wonders over the centuries.

In recent years, Tyrannus is finally ready to use this technology and the Subterraneans in conquering the surface world. Tyrannus makes several attempts at conquering the surface world as well as fighting wars against the forces of a new arrival in Subterranea, the Mole Man.

Tyrannus woos Betty Ross underground and kidnaps her with his Moloids. ["Incredible Hulk" #5 (January 1963)] When the Hulk challenges him, he agrees to give her back on the condition that the Hulk performs a list of nigh-impossible menial tasks. However, eventually the Hulk completes the list, and Tyranus is forced to honor his word. Since then, he has plagued several superheroes. He decides to gain revenge on the Hulk by using advanced technology to temporarily drive him into destructive rampages.

For a time, Tyrannus abandons his human form and merges with an immensely powerful cobalt energy "flame" that had been created in the Andes Mountains of South America by the Deviants and had been maintained by the people of the lost city of El Dorado. Tyrannus' consciousness controls the Flame after he merges with it. The Hulk destroys the machinery from which the Flame arises, and the Flame, still infused with Tyrannus's consciousness, is hurled far into outer space. ["Incredible Hulk" Vol. 2 #243]

The Abomination's atomized body merges with the disembodied mind of Tyrannus. This gestalt being attempts to force Bruce Banner to cure this condition, but the procedure goes wrong, leaving Tyrannus in the Abomination body and returning Blonsky to a normal human form. ["Incredible Hulk Annual" #15] Tyrannus briefly operates as the Abomination and attacks Wonder Man, ["West Coast Avengers" #25; "Solo Avengers" #12] until Ghaur and Llyra restore Tyrannus to normal. ["Amazing Spider-Man Annual #23"] .

Powers and abilities

Tyrannus was granted immunity to aging after drinking from the Fountain of Youth. He possessed lingering psionic abilities after his merger with the Flame of Life, but these have not been demonstrated in recent appearances. He is an extraordinary scientific genius that Bruce Banner has acknowledged as superior to himself, has access to weapons created by Deviant technology, and certain mystic knowledge.

Other media

Television

Tyrannus appeared in The Incredible Hulk portion of "The Marvel Superheroes".

References

External links

* [http://www.rapsheet.co.uk/RapSheetMain/Character.asp?UniqueId=557 A short profile]