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On the Face of Things
A Case of Mistakang Identity
James Paraha
November 5, 2005
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On the Face of Things



In 'On the Face of Things' we take a look at who those people in the little pictures actually are, their histories, powers and how these qualities are represented on their VS. cards.

If anyone reading has watched 12 Monkeys or Back to the Future 2 and got a little lost due to theoretical complexities of time travel, now may be the time to stop and go have a nice lie down instead. The subject of today's article is not only a time traveller but also a pan-dimensional conqueror and temporal schizophrenic as well*. We're talking about the man with multiple personalities, all of whom dress badly - Kang the Conqueror.

History:

Kang, or at least the man who would eventually become Kang, was born in the year 3000. A descendant of Dr. Doom, Kang had been named Nathaniel Richards after the great hero of that era* whom had bought lasting peace, harmony and understanding to the whole of the Earth**.

When he was 16 Nathaniel was rescued from a temporal attack by enemies of Kang by his future self in his Kang identity***. Kang outfitted the young Nathaniel with a suit of psychokinetic armor to protect him from further attacks, however the armor was able to give him access to information on Kang's bloody past. Unable to reconcile the bloodthirsty deeds of his future self, young Nathaniel triggers the time circuitry of the armor, escaping Kang and bringing him back to 2005 to find the Avengers for protection^.

Unfortunately Nathaniel had landed at a time when no Avengers team existed^*. He was able to find the memory core of the destroyed Vision and integrate it into his armor which gave him access to a number of teenagers who had been earmarked by the Vision to take the place of the Avengers if the original Avengers were ever incapacitated or killed. Taking the name Iron Lad, Nathaniel contacted the teenagers and created the team the Young Avengers, hoping to train them into a force that could protect him when Kang came calling to take him home.

The Young Avengers were eventually found by Captain America and Iron Man who sought to protect them when Kang attacked. However it was revealed to Iron Lad that if he stayed in this time he would cause the death of Captain America, Iron Man and many other heroes as the battled against Kang reclaiming him. Nathaniel chose to give up the armor^** and surrender to Kang, who wiped his memory and returned him to the timestream moments after the original attack.

Whether due to the repressed memories or the normal rebelliousness of youth, Nathaniel became restless with his perfect society and took to studying the history of warfare. When his family was bankrupted and the family assets sold, Nathaniel found a time machine created by his ancestor Dr. Doom.

Availing himself of various future armaments and technology Nathaniel used the time machine to travel back in time to ancient Egypt and installed himself as the ruler known as Rama Tut. Eventually Rama Tut was ousted from his rulership by the intervention of the timelost 20th century heroes the Fantastic Four^*** and the West Coast Avengers.

Nathaniel escaped capture in Egypt by using his time machine. Stopping briefly in the 20th century, Nathaniel meets his ancestor Dr. Doom who inspires him to create his own suit of armor. Initially he dons the guise of the Scarlet Centurion^^ and menaces the Avengers once again. But soon leaves his base in the 30th century for the 40th century, during a time of constant war where he is able to acquire the  resources needed to create his Kang battlesuit and helm.

Nathaniel returns to the 20th century,  announces himself to be 'Kang the First' and is quickly beat down by the Avengers^^*. Since then Kang has returned to clash with the Marvel Universe heroes again and again. Amongst his numerous battles with the Avengers Kang encountered and fought with his future self in the guise of Immortus.

Despite his failure to conquer the mainstream 20th century Marvel universe, Kang had many successes in other realms creating himself a vast interplanetary/cross dimensional/cross temporal empire. In many timelines his consort Ravonna bore him an heir named Marcus. Planets and eras fell to his armies and soon his frequent cross reality travels started to tear at the fabric of the universe creating alternate realities and in turn alternate Kangs. Soon there were vast numbers of Kangs running around with there own agendas. In order to stop working at cross purposes the Council of Kangs was formed to kill off the renegade Kangs.

It is about this point that things get screwy again. Historically (from a publishing perspective) Kang would go on for many years before becoming dissatisfied and when approached by the omnipotent Time-Keepers, would accept a position as their time 'fixer', preserving the fabric of time and adopting the identity of Immortus. Immortus would then go on^^** to have various encounters with the Avengers and other heroes from the Marvel universe and not least clashes with his younger self as Kang.

Technically what has since happened is that a great and final battle between Kang and Immortus was held called the Destiny War. A team of Avenger became involved through Kang's scheming but ultimately were aided by Immortus as he betrayed his masters the Time-Keepers. The Time-Keepers in turn obliterated Immortus and used their powers to force Kang to assume the identity of Immortus prematurely. Kang resisted creating a 'time loop' which finally resolved itself by recreating both Kang and Immortus as separate entities. This suited Kang, finally free of the predestination of his future.

Kang has since gone on to attack the Earth again^^^ and succeeded in being one of the few beings to conquer the Earth through sheer force. During this crusade Kang imparted his son Marcus23 with the identity of the Crimson Centurion, his second in charge. His rulership was short lived however, when Marcus betrayed Kang giving the Avengers a chance to force Kang from our dimension.

No doubt Kang has retreated to his headquarters to plan his next attack.

Powers:

Kang has no powers of his own. He has the physical attributes of a normal human male that engages in moderate regular exercise. Kang has an above average level intelligence and has intensive training in tactics and the art of war.

Equipment:

Kang employs the use of many futuristic weapons and devices, first and foremost would be his battlesuit and helm which have been show to include strength enhancers, particle beam emitters, energy shield generators and various targeting and tactical enhancers. Various firearms, at times he has been seen to be equipped with up to half a dozen different guns. Robots and vehicles of war. The only item that Kang has consistently utilised in all his identities is a time machine.

The cards:

If only I was getting paid per card reviewed I'd be making a motza today. Feeling too lazy to check at the moment but I am assuming Kang holds the record for most VS card versions currently.

Name: Kang
            Rama Tut
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 1
Team - Type: Kang Council - Shadow Character
Atk / Def: 1 / 1
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Concealed. Kang is not unique. Return Kang to his owner's hand ---> Target Kang Council attacker or defender you control gets +1 ATK / +1 DEF this attack.

Flavor: Cease your struggles, Kang! Accept the fact that I am what you will become!

Rarity: Uncommon
Code: MAV-175

Good start UDE. Kang first appeared as Rama Tut so to me it makes sense to have this as the 1 drop. He's got his range attack which is good as all of Kang's identities have liked to use the big guns a theme you'll see they follow through on in all his cards. Concealed... Yeah, I'll give them that too. The Fantastic Four didn't know he would become Kang and he tended to launch surprise attacks through time so he's got that sneaky aspect to him. Non unique is also a base ability that this team needs as it is pretty much all Kang's but also ties in to plenty of stories where Kang would oft meet up with Rama Tut or Immortus. Power up ability works for me too as I see it as Rama Tut evolving into his next more powerful persona. Decent art too, clear and looks good. It's not going to win any prizes but does the job well.

My only disappointment with this card is the flavour text, I'm sure that is an Immortus line to Kang, not Rama Tut to Kang. Oh, well.

Name: Kang
            Kang Kong
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 2
Team - Type: Kang Council - Character
Atk / Def: 2 / 2
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Kang is not unique. When Kang comes into play, you may reveal a Kang Council character card in your hand or resource row and remove Kang from the game. If you do, search your deck for a card, put it into your hand, and shuffle your deck.

Flavor:

Rarity: Rare
Code: MAV-170

Kang Kong... Kang Kong? WTF? Ok, I realise that Kang has had plenty of personas especially during the Council of Kangs storyline but this is one name I don't remember. Perhaps he was never named cause the mustachioed picture seems familiar. I assume (and am happy to be informed otherwise) that this and the next few cards were semi-humorous names UDE threw at various un-named versions of Kang seen in comics over the years.

Non-unique- check, range - check, so it's got the basic Kang card requisites. His ability basically makes him a tutor and his picture makes him look old so perhaps the ability is supposed to represent the wisdom of an older Kang. Really without knowing if this is based on a specific version of Kang I find it hard to comment. I have to say though that with the altered collar Kang is sporting in the art I would have thought he would have been better to be named Kang Kobra.

Name: Kang
            Kang Cobra
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 3
Team - Type: Kang Council - Shadow Character
Atk / Def: 4 / 3
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Concealed. Kang is not unique. Characters your opponents control cannot become powered-up.

Flavor: You thought you were the Master of Time and Kang would consent to be a mere warlord in your court . . . but Kang is the Master here and you are only his pawn!

Rarity: Common
Code: MAV-169

Another WTF from me, don't know a Kang Kobra. Again the art seems specific enough to have been lifted from an un-named version of Kang of which there have been plenty. Looks like a youngish version of Kang where his helmet isn't in its final design with the blue mask.

Range and non-unique, it must be a Kang card! The ability and the flavour text go together pretty well, I believe that the quote is from Kang to Immortus, when will those loons learn to live together as one big happy family? As for the art, personally I think Kang looking at the pocket watch is a little bit naff, seems more in tune with Immortus than Kang.

Name: Kang
            Kang Ransom
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 3
Team - Type: Kang Council - Character
Atk / Def: 5 / 5
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Kang is not unique. At the start of the combat phase, if you control 3 or fewer resources, move Kang to your hidden area, exhaust him, and replace target resource. At the start of the recovery phase, move Kang to your visible area.

Flavor:

Rarity: Rare
Code: MAV-171

Another made up Kang name here and I don't even get any sense of character originality for the artwork either. Chalk one up for UDE in the extremely generic team filler column.

Surprisingly this card has range and is non-unique, shock! I am supposing his ability is supposed to be a bit like him using his time machine to run away when things go badly for him. I like this art the most out of the cards we have reviewed so far, it's hard to make the goofy purple and green outfit seem menacing and this almost pulls it off. Note I said almost.

Name: Kang
            Earth Mesozoic - 24 
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 4
Team - Type: Kang Council - Character
Atk / Def: 10 / 10
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Kang is not unique. If Kang would come into play during your recruit step, instead, remove him from the game. At the start of the recovery phase this turn, put Kang into your front row.

Flavor: I am not human? Phah! As if being human was desirable! I am KANG! And that is better than being human!

Rarity: Uncommon
Code: MAV-167

See I like this naming idea much better! Tying this Kang to a specific time period seems cooler than generic Kang names of the last three cards. He's got the usual Kang attributes and again his ability seems to try and mimic a time travel sort of theme, appearing in play at an irregular time. Artwork is 100% regular, though I like the nod to his ancient forbearer, Dr. Doom, in the background.

Name: Kang
            Master of Time
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 4
Team - Type: Kang Council - Shadow Character
Atk / Def: 6 / 6
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Concealed. Kang is not unique. At the start of the combat phase, discard a card. At the start of the recovery phase, draw two cards.

Flavor: The final result is already written! And, not your speed, not all your trickery, can change a word of it!

Rarity: Common
Code: MAV-174

These Kangs are starting to wear thin in the originality department.. Yeah he's got an ability that's a bit like time manipulation, borrowing from Peter to pay Paul as it is said. Is Kang supposed to be angry in the art, because to me he looks totally freaked out.

Name: Kang
            The Conqueror
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 5
Team - Type: Kang Council - Character
Atk / Def: 10 / 9
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Loyalty Kang is not unique. At the start of the combat phase, if you control 6 or fewer resources, move Kang to your hidden area, exhaust him, and exhaust target character with cost 5 or less. At the start of the recovery phase, move Kang to your visible area.

Flavor: Now and in all the future, as in all my past, Kang shall have but one goal: CONQUEST!

Rarity: Rare
Code: MAV-176

Lookout it's Kangrilla! He's grown all huge and stuff!! Kang has some kick-ass corny quotes, this one has got a good Kangy feel to it. Dunno how his ability is supposed to represent his Kang the Conqueror moniker.

Name: Kang
            Ultimate Kang 
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 5
Team - Type: Kang Council - Character
Atk / Def: 9 / 9
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Kang is not unique. Activate, stun another character named Kang you control ---> Remove all attackers from this attack. Use this power only if Kang is defending.

Flavor: Warlord of Time, Kang's greatest enemy, his most worthy opponent, is often another incarnation of himself.

Rarity: Common
Code: MAV-177 

Here Kang is suffering from the dreaded 'my head is a giant blueberry' look that is easy for artists to fall into. At least his ability is a bit difference, here it's playing on Kang's tendency to whup his own ass, usually because current Kang was ruining the plans of future Kang. I think it plays out quite nicely. On the flipside what is unique about this Kang that makes him Ultimate Kang? Time for another dip in the generic name pool I believe.

Name: Kang
            Lord Kang 
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 6
Team - Type: Kang Council - Character
Atk / Def: 12 / 12
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Kang is not unique. Leader. Whenever an attacker adjacent to Kang becomes powered-up, that attacker cannot be stunned this attack.

Flavor: History will record this upheaval as the first step toward a new era. The Age of Kang!

Rarity Rare
Code: MAV-172

This is the look of older Kang that I remember, unlike Kang Kong and his huge collar. He's got leadership and that suits him too being the elder statesman of Kangs, other than that though he's pretty vanilla.

Name: Kang
            Lord of Limbo
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 7
Team - Type: Kang Council - Character
Atk / Def: 15 / 15
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Kang is not unique. At the start of the combat phase, the controller of target visible character moves it to his hidden area.

Flavor: It will be centuries before men from your age will see the wonders which are commonplace to Kang.

Rarity: Common
Code: MAV-173

Another Kang. The ability represents Kang's tendency to pull people from their place in the timestream to use for his own means, such as his son Marcus or the Avengers from the Avengers Forever mini-series.

 

Name: Kang
           Immortus
Set: Marvel Avengers
Cost: 8
Team - Type: Kang Council - Character
Atk / Def: 20 / 19
Range: yes
Flight: no

Text: Kang is not unique. Remove Kang and two other cards in your hand from the game ---> Negate target non-ongoing plot twist effect. Use this power only if you control a character named Kang and only if Kang is in your hand.

Flavor: It is I who guards and preserves the time stream. Your meddling only hastens your doom!

Rarity: Rare
Code: MAV-168 

At last we see another Kang identity, at this point a reckon I would have been happier to see two Rama Tuts and two Immortus' instead of all those Kangs. It is appropriate that Immortus weighs in as Kang Council's heavy hitter, he is the last known identity of Kang (at this point anyway). He's got the non-unique + range thing going on like all the other Kangs but I am unimpressed by both his ability and art. It doesn't scream Immortus but at least it ain't another generic named Kang.

I never really understood why Kang didn't just retreat from a losing battle to spend a year of his time rebuilding and renewing his army and then use his time machine to attack mere seconds after he had retreated while his enemy was still exhausted. I suppose it's lucky for the Avengers that Kang never seemed to have the patience to pull this off.

Overall I like the idea of Kang Council as a team and it even pulls off a good feel of the character most of the time. Personally I would have like to have seem this team have uber-powered low drops that stopped you playing resources for a number of turns (i.e.. 3 drop with the stats of a 5 but could not play a resource for two turns, else pay 2 extra resource points when playing Kang from hand and play resources as normal). Kinda like getting an advanced Kang from the future. Future sets should see some nice legacy cards for this team, Iron Lad with dual Young Avengers/Kang affiliation, Kang <> Scarlet Centurion and Scarlet Centurion <> Marcus23, maybe even Libra from the Avengers Forever mini-series.

Speaking of Avengers Forever, if you've got a hankering to grab a comic featuring Kang, you could start out with the collected edition of this mini-series. It's better if you're an Avengers fan but features the most kickass Kang I've ever read.

Cheers,

James Paraha (Torquemada on the forums).

* Be prepared for many footnotes today boys and girls.

** The original Nathaniel Richards was actually the father of Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic of the Fantastic Dour), a time traveller himself whom had left the 20th century for the future and for a time was presumed dead by his son.

*** It's probably useful to note that this future utopia no longer exists in Marvel universe's future but has been rendered an alternate future timeline referred to as Other-Earth, due to various changes in the timestream since Kang left.

**** Confused yet?

^ The Avengers being the group who have been most successful at stopping Kang's plans in the past.

^* The former team having been disbanded during the Avengers Disassembled storyline and the New Avengers not yet having formed.

^** The armor would go on to form the body of the new Vision who would become the Young Avengers mentor.

^*** Kang's first published story was as Rama Tut in Fantastic Four #18 (Oct 1963)

^^ I believe this may be out of continuity. Currently the identity of the Scarlet Centurion is held by Kang's son Marcus XXIII. It seems each time Marcus dies, Kang fishes a new one out of an alternate timeline. This would not fill me full of confidence if I was Marcus.

^^* This was Kang's first published appearance as Kang in Avengers #8 (Sept 1964)

^^** Or is that back?

^^^ Avengers (vol 3) 'Kang War' 2001

 

 

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