THERMA-RAYS

Classification: Undersea manta ray variant

Location/Base of Operations: a volcanic vent in the Atlantic ocean

Known Members: None named

Affiliations: Sub-Mariner

First Appearance: Namor I#5 (August, 1990)

Powers/Abilities: Therma-Rays presumably contain the same abilities as other manta rays, but they evolved as to be able to live in places of extreme heat.  They feed on thermal energy and process the energy as a plant does sunlight.  They can also float above the water for a limited amount of time.

Traits: Large black 'wings' and a pink underbelly.

History: (Namor I#5 (fb)) - In Namor's words: "Unguessed millennia ago [the Therma-ray's] shark-like ancestors found their way into these warmer waters, and in the manner of all living things adapted to this hostile realm.  Now they literally feed on thermal energy, processing it much as a plant does sunlight."

(Namor I#5) - Though Namor knew of the existence of the Therma-Rays, he never revealed their existence to the surface world because he feared the surface-men would try to capture Therma-rays for study.  When an oil tanker exploded and the oil was ignited, Namor needed the Therma-Rays to absorb the heat from the flames in order to save thousands of surface-men's lives.  He swam to the trench where the Therma-rays lived and compelled them to help him.  The Rays drew energy into their forms from the volcanic trench and followed Namor through the uncomfortably cold waters to the blaze.  The Rays flew through it, absorbing the heat and dissipating the flames.  They then returned to the sea.  Surface-men on site, Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, and Iron Man, were asked by the Sub-Mariner to keep the existence of the Therma-rays a secret.

Comments: Created by John Byrne.

Profile by Chadman

Clarifications:

No known connection to

• Thermal, member of Mutant Liberation Front @ Punisher III#15
• Thermal Man, Dr. Chen's android @ Thor I#168
• Thermal Thief @ Captain America and the Campbell Kids
• Thermatron, of the Retrievers of Atlantis @ Fantastic Four I#195
• Thermite, of the Redeemers of Earth-S @ Squadron Supreme I#10
• Thermite, of the New Enforcers @ Web of Spider-man I#99
• Thermo, Dr. Walter Michaels @ Marvel Team-Up I#108
• Thermos, Hand ally @ Wolverine II#26
• Equinox, the Thermodynamic Man @ Giant-Size Spider-man I#1
• or to anyone or anything else with a similar name.

images:

Namor I#5, p24, pan4
Namor I#5, p27, pan1

Last updated: 02/01/06

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

Non-Marvel Copyright info
All other characters mentioned or pictured are ™  and © 1941-2099 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you like this stuff, you should check out the real thing!
Please visit The Marvel Official Site at: http://www.marvel.com/

Special Thanks to www.g-mart.com for hosting the Appendix, Master List, etc.!

Back to Races