Orka (character)
Fictional comic book character From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fictional comic book character From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Orka is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Roy Thomas and Marie Severin, and has a killer whale theme. Orka primarily appears as a villain fighting the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, She-Hulk, and the Defenders, and also appears as a member of Heroes for Hire.
| Orka | |
|---|---|
Orka's debut appearance in Sub-Mariner #23 (March 1970). Art by Marie Severin. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #23 (March 1970)[1] |
| 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 Defenders of the Deep |
| Partnerships | Warlord Krang Virago |
| Notable aliases | Killer Whale |
| Abilities | Superhuman strength, speed, agility, stamina, size and durability Superhuman swimming speed Ability to breathe both on land and in water Able to communicate with and summon killer whales via high-pitched whistles Orca-based empowerment Formerly: Land adaptation via belt |
![[icon]](#/media/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2016) |
Orka first appears in Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #23 (March 1970) and was created by Roy Thomas and Marie Severin.[2]
Orka was originally an Atlantean soldier who served Krang and aided him in an attempt to usurp the Atlantean throne from Namor. When this attempt fails, Orka goes into exile and is given orca-based abilities by scientist Lemuel Dorcas.[3] However, he comes into conflict with fellow Dorcas creation Tiger Shark, and the pair cause an undersea avalanche that buries them for several months.[4]
Orka eventually freed himself and allies with the other-dimensional Virago, and after battling Namor twice is defeated.[5] 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.[6]
When the Atlantean barbarian Attuma takes over 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.[7]
Orka escapes imprisonment[8] 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.[9]
Orka features in several other Marvel titles such as Fantastic Four[10] She-Hulk[11] and the Defenders.[12] After the events of the Civil War,[13] Orka features in the title Heroes for Hire and joins the team (also falling in love with fellow member Misty Knight).[14] He also strikes up a friendship with the Heroes for Hire's invulnerable administrative assistant.[15] Orka is killed in combat by a Doombot (a robotic copy of villain Doctor Doom) reprogrammed by the Headmen.[16]
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.[17]
Orka turns up alive and is imprisoned in the Cellar by soldiers working for Regent's company Empire Unlimited.[18]
Orka appears as a member of Namor's Defenders of the Deep.[19] Orka was shown being attacked by Hyperion of the Squadron Supreme of America.[20]
Orka possesses superhuman physical abilities, and wields a belt that allows him to remain on land indefinitely. He can communicate with and summon orcas through high-pitched whistles, and gains further strength in their presence.
Orka appears in the Avengers Assemble episode "King Breaker", voiced by Roger Craig Smith.[21]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.
