Orka (comics)

This article is about the Marvel Comics villain Orka. For the DC Comics villain Orca, see Orca (comics).
Orka
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #23 (March 1970)
Created by Roy Thomas (writer)
Marie Severin (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego Orka
Species Homo mermanus
Team affiliations Heroes for Hire
Deep Six
Brand Corporation
Partnerships Warlord Krang
Virago
Notable aliases Killer Whale
Abilities Superhuman strength, speed, agility, stamina and durability
Superhuman swimming speed
Ability to communicate with and summon killer whales via high-pitched whistles
Formerly:
Land adaptation via belt

Orka is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Publication history

Orka first appears in Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #23 (March 1970) and was created by Roy Thomas and Marie Severin.

Fictional character biography

Orka was originally an Atlantean soldier in the army of Warlord Krang, and aids the renegade Krang when he attempts to usurp the Atlantean throne from Namor. When this attempt fails, Orka goes into exile from Atlantis with Krang. Orka is then chosen to be the test subject of Dr. Dorcas, the marine scientist who created Tiger Shark, one of Namor's arch foes. Courtesy of a belt with a psionic amplifier, Orka is given the power of a killer whale, and aids Krang once more against Namor.[1] The character skirmishes with fellow creation Tiger Shark, and the pair cause an undersea avalanche that buries them for several months.[2]

Orka eventually freed himself and allies with the other-dimensional Virago, and after battling Namor twice is defeated.[3] The Brand Corporation (a subsidiary of Roxxon Energy Corporation) summon Orka with the aid of the Serpent Crown, and in exchange for his aid is augmented: the character's size is increased to 20 feet (6.1 m) tall and his natural abilities are increased, eliminating the need for the psionic belt. Orka is sent on a mission that brings him into conflict with superhero team the Avengers, with Thunder God Thor knocking him unconscious.[4]

When the Atlantean barbarian Attuma takes over the city of Atlantis, Orka is pardoned from his exile and joins the Imperial Army. Part of an invasion force that attacks the surface world, Orka battles the Avengers and the Fantastic Four, but is defeated by heroine She-Hulk and the Black Panther and imprisoned.[5] Orka escapes imprisonment[6] and joins marine team Deep Six, (also consisting of Attuma, Nagala, Piranha, Sea Urchin and Tiger Shark). The group attack the United States and battles the Avengers and the People's Protectorate and are eventually defeated.[7]

Orka features in several other Marvel titles such as Fantastic Four[8] She-Hulk[9] and the Defenders.[10] After the events of the Civil War,[11] Orka features in the title Heroes for Hire and joins the team (also falling in love with fellow member Misty Knight).[12] He also strikes up a friendship with the Heroes for Hire's invulnerable administrative assistant.[13] Orka is killed in combat by a Doombot (a robotic copy of villain Doctor Doom) reprogrammed by the Headmen.[14]

During the Dark Reign storyline, Orka was seen in Erebus gambling for his resurrection. He is later seen on Pluto's jury (alongside Abomination, Armless Tiger Man, Artume, Baron Heinrich Zemo, Commander Kraken, Iron Monger, Jack O'Lantern, Kyknos, Nessus, Scourge of the Underworld, and Veranke) at the trial of Zeus.[15]

Powers and abilities

Orka is an exceptionally strong Atlantean, who courtesy of Doctor Dorcas' enhancements Orka has superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, and agility. Orka originally wore a belt which by psionic means provided the added power of a killer whale to the character's already considerable strength. The belt also allowed Orka to exist for indefinite periods on land although he was not at full strength due to dehydration. Using surgical and electrochemical enhancements, the Brand Corporation augmented Orka's natural abilities, which allowed him to retain his strength without the use of the belt. The experimentation also increased Orka's endurance, but at the cost of reduced intelligence. Orka can communicate with and summon killer whales through high-pitched whistles. He can also swim at superhuman speeds.

References

  1. ↑ Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #23 (Mar. 1970)
  2. ↑ Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #24 (Apr. 1970)
  3. ↑ Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #66 - 67 (Oct. - Nov. 1973)
  4. ↑ Avengers #149 (July 1976)
  5. ↑ Avengers Annual #18 (Dec. 1989)
  6. ↑ Avengers: Death Trap - The Vault (1991)
  7. ↑ Avengers #319 - 324 (July - Oct. 1990)
  8. ↑ Fantastic Four #336 (Jan. 1990)
  9. ↑ She-Hulk vol. 2, #12 (Nov. 2006)
  10. ↑ Defenders vol. 2, #7 (Sep. 2001) & 11 (Jan. 2002)
  11. ↑ Civil War #1 - 7 (July 2006 - Jan. 2007)
  12. ↑ Heroes for Hire #4 (Jan. 2007)
  13. ↑ Daughters of the Dragon #3 (Mar. 2006)
  14. ↑ Heroes for Hire vol. 2 #8 (May 2007)
  15. ↑ Incredible Hercules #129
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