TAURUS KILLGAREN TAURUS KILLGAREN
Real Name: Taurus Killgaren
Identity/Class: Alternate
Reality (Reality-8116) extradimensional (presumably the 10th-12th planes of existence; see comments) demon-mortal hybrid magic-user;
apparently active 1 million years in the future
Occupation: Sorcerer, cosmic scholar
Group Membership: Sorcerers of the Dread Veil plane
Affiliations: Hymlok;
Syzygy Darklock (both enemy and ally);
formerly unwillingly served by Bialgesuard
Enemies: Bialgesuard, Ajar'l Darklock, Syzygy Darklock (both enemy and ally), Sister Marian;
Known Relatives: Unidentified demon father, unidentified mortal/humanoid woman
Aliases: "Demon-Bastard" and "Demon-Spawn" (per Syzygy Darklock)
Base of Operations: Unrevealed;
formerly an unidentified tower, presumably in the Dread Veil plane (see comments) in Reality-8116
First Appearance: "The Price," Eclipse Graphic Album Series#5 (1981) - see comments
Powers/Abilities: Taurus Killgaren was a
sorcerer of such power that he dwarfed the might of the
Instrumentality's Lord Papal and the arch-demon Bialgesuard. However,
only a few of his powers were noted or demonstrated.
He was powerful enough that he used neither hexagram nor pentagram when performing his mystic rites.
Via his orb, he
could perceive future events. With intense study, he could determine
some of the events and beings that led to such futures.
He apparently possessed a number of scholarly and/or mystic tomes.
Hymlok may or may not have enhanced or focused his abilities.
Height: Unrevealed (approximately 6')
Weight: Unrevealed (approximately 190 lbs. based on the above height)
Eyes: Light green or light blue or perhaps hazel
Hair: White (at least his eyebrows and "beard" were white; he
was not shown with his hood off, but no hair protruded from underneath
it)
History:
("The Price" (fb) - BTS) - Taurus Killgaren was the hybrid offspring of a demon and a mortal woman.
Killgaren became the leading/chief mystic of the Dread Veil plane's magicians, which he considered a group of cosmic scholars.
Due to Killgaren's mystic
might, the Instrumentality left him in peace Taurus Killgaren as long as he left them in peace. 
Due to his lack of faith in their religion, the
Instrumentality considered him an infidel and a black sorcerer.
Additionally, the Lord Papal and all his cardinals feared Killgaren and
kept his very existence a secret from the masses and lower echelon
priest hood to further their myth of the church's omnipotence.
("The Price" (fb) - BTS) - Like the others of his ilk, Taurus Killgaren spent centuries
gathering mystic power and furthering the collective knowledge of the dark sciences for the betterment of his cousins,
mortal beings.
("The Price" (fb) - BTS) - At some point, the demon Bialgesuard became a servant of Taurus Killgaren (and possibly other sorcerers of the Dread Veil Plane).
("The Price" (fb) - BTS) - A few decades ago, Killgaren was
studying an astronomical phenomenon due to occur in the future to see
what astrological effects it would have on mortal "mankind" (see comments).
He soon realized he had
stumbled upon a great future stellar event that would have a tremendous
and very positive effect on
mankind. However, as he studied this possible tomorrow, it became clear
to him just how unstable the structure of this future was: It had a
good chance of never happening.
Seeking to
aid this tomorrow's coming to pass, Killgaren began studying the characters who
would play important parts in forming the future, hoping to help the
weaker and guide the more uncertain members of the "cast."
Killgaren soon determined that one of the "first flaws of the stars' great plan" involved the brothers Syzygy or Ajar'l Darklock, one of whom was destined to be a major factor in this grand scheme, although it wasn't yet determined which).
Killgaren chose Syzygy and influenced him into joining the priesthood of the Instrumentality (the theocracy ruling Altarix, the planet that was home to Ajar'l and Syzygy). Rising to the position of Lord High Bishop, Syzygy sought to rule the Instrumentality and put an end the war with the Monarchy. To this end, Syzygy spent long hours at night with forbidden tomes and parchments and casting secret spells.
Realizing the amount of power Syzygy would need
to achieve his destiny and that the fiercely loyal Syzygy would have to
sacrifice the soul of the mortal he most loved in the universe to the
demon Slytis to gain that power,
Killgaren plotted to have Bialgesuard slay Ajar'l in order to lead
Syzygy to investigate, learn his involvement, and gain the power to
confront him (Killgaren); only this level of power would allow Darlock
to summon and deal with Slytis.
From there, Killgaren would inform Syzygy how to gain even greater power from Slytis.
("The Price" (fb) - BTS) - Taurus Killgaren abused Bialgesuard, seeking to inspire the demon to betray his master.
("The Price" - BTS) - Bialgesuard and/or one of his agents slew Ajar'l.
("The Price" (fb) - BTS) - Sensing Killgaren's involvement in the death of Ajar'l Darklock, the Lord Papal chose to encourage Syzygy to investigate, hoping to see his rival eliminated by the powerful sorcerer..
("The Price" - BTS) - Mystically identifying Bialgesuard as responsible and recognizing the demon from his research; Syzygy realized the power he sensed would have had to emanate from someone as powerful as a Dread Veil sorcerer.
Despite the
danger, Syzygy conjured Bialgesuard with Sister Marian (whom he secretly loved and was loved by in return) mystically anchoring him from the
next room.
Syzygy used the means he had prepared to pain the demon into compliance, and Bialgesuard identified his master as Taurus Killgaren. After Bialgesuard noted Killgaren's power, Syzygy asked about commanding Bialgesuard to slay Killgaren, but Bialgesuard revealed that Killgaren's power was far superior to his own and he could terminate the demon's existence with very little effort.
However, Bialgesuard offered Syzygy a chance to gain additional power as he wished to free himself from Killgaren's dominance, noting how Killgaren had treated him very badly and how he wished Darklock to slay Killgaren in a most horrible fashion, Darklock considered that he had to either trust Bialgesuard or abandon his quest.
Syzygy accepted the offer after mystically compelling Bialgesuard to only speaking the truth, and Bialgesuard arranged for Syzygy to access an 11th level reality -- even forfeiting a chance to destroy Darklock when he failed to specify orders to maintain his control -- where the gods stored their reserves of mystic energies.Syzygy gained vast power but a s Darklock's body began to suffer damage from the energies of the realm of the gods, Bialgesuard remotely closed the Eye of the Gods portal (so that Darklock would survive to slay Killgaren), but -- seeking vengeance for Darklock's disciplining -- not before Syzygy had lost both legs, most of his left arm, and his left eye, and suffered third degree burns over 80% of his body.
("The Price" - BTS) - After recovering with the aid of bionic implants, Darklock prepared to confront Killgaren.
("The Price") - Within Killgaren's tower, his presumptive familiar (see comments),
Hymlok, noted Darklock's approach, as well as his awesome power. Hymlok
asked what Killgaren would do when Darklock was finally upon him, and
Killgaren replied, "Most likely, I will die...but it will all be worth
it." Hymlok noted with excitement that the great plan would begin, and
Killgaren added that Darklock would at last see the truth.
When the furious Darklock arrived
and confronted him, Killgaren urged that Darklock must hear him out,
and Darklock noted that he would more than happy to speak with
him...once he assured that Killgaren could not walk out in
mid-conversation (which he assured by blasting off Killgaren's legs
just above the knees). When Hymlok charged Darklock, urging him to
stop, Darklock obliterated him/her/it with a mystic blast. 
Lifting the injured Killgaren off the ground, Darklock told him he would die, but only after he answered why...or he would make his passing most painful.
The frustrated Killgaren noted that he had been trying to explain why, and he then did so. When he told Syzygy he would need to sacrifice Sister Marian to gain the power he would need, Syzygy could not fathom performing such a foul deed. However, Killgaren then told him that while he couldn't speak of the future, as voicing it could cause the gods to void its fulfillment, he directed Darklock to his mystic orb to gain a vision, "a mad kaleidoscope flash, which would immediately touch you with its scope and importance but leave you with blurred images and half-formed concepts that would clear with the years...but be warned...once you've seen the future, there may be no turning back. For to see tomorrow is to seen by tomorrow...and once it has set eyes on such a major element of its being as yourself, it may determine to exist. Once that happens, nothing can stop it..."
Having witnessed his own destiny
and the cause of his death, Darklock cursed Killgaren, who noted that
they could both sense his destiny's foundations hardening into place.
Confused, Syzygy asked Killgaren whether he had ambitions of taking his place in this grand drama, and Killgaren burst into laughter, noting that the had accomplished everything he had set out to do, and that -- even though he was about to die -- he wouldn't trade places with Darklock for all the treasures of the universe.
Infuriated by the position into
which he had been forced, Darlock blasted Killgaren, leaving him a
smoking skeleton.
("The Price" - BTS) - Returning to the mortal plane,
Darklock sacrificed Marian to Slytis and gained the desired power, quit
the priesthood, and departed Altarix, traveling to Caldor and seeking
out Vanth, the man most prominent in his vision of the future.
Comments: Created by Jim Starlin.
Dreadstar / Reality-8116 primer
According to Epic Illustrated#9: Metamorphosis Odyssey, Chapter XIII: Doomsday, there are fifteen known power levels or dimensions of mystical existence:
The first level is mortal existence as we know it, including the stars, the planets, and all plant and animal life, including humans.
Sadly, despite the price Syzygy paid, the vast power he gained in his origin story did not persist. Perhaps his body could not handle the magical energies, and his power faded as a result of his body dying (his life only maintained by his magical energies). Certainly the Lord Papal later had his powers amplified by the gods of the Instrumentality or something, but I suspect it was to some degree a plot device, as having Syzygy be that powerful just couldn't fit into regularly stories and not make him a virtually invincible foe.
I'll go progressively through the entire series/appearances of
Dreadstar (though it may take me a decade or three to do so), but I'm
not aware of any further appearances of Taurs Killgaren. I think he
should stay dead, but a little more back story, perhaps some previous
encounters with the Instrumentality, etc. would be cool.
The Price was originally published in black and white in Eclipse Graphic Album Series #5 (1981). It was reprinted, with colorized artwork, in Dreadstar Annual#1 (1983) by Epic (the licensed characters/stories division of Marvel).
Starlin repeatedly uses the terms mankind and humanity in his tales of distant galaxies and future times. He's referring to mortal beings, generally humanoids, when he does so.
This profile was completed 07/25/2020, but its publication was delayed as it was intended for the Appendix 20th anniversary 's celebratory event.
Profile by Snood.
CLARIFICATIONS:
Taurus Killgaren should be distinguished from:
 Hymlok apparently dwelled within Taurus Killgaren's tower/base within the Dread Veil Plane, or perhaps Hymlok just visited Killgaren at times. A green, bird-dragon-reptile creature, Hymlok had a bird-like beak with fins, spikes running from the top (dorsal/posterior) of his/her/its neck, running down the back, and extending the length of the long tail. Hymlok appeared to be perhaps 3-4' long from beak to tail or perhaps 2.5 - 3' tall when standing erect (assuming it could do that). The tail itself was perhaps 2' long, while the neck was perhaps 1-1.5 feet tall/long. Its ventral/anterior aspect was a light yellow or green with apparent scutes or some other divisions running horizontally. Its dorsal/posterior aspect, sides, and arms were covered in a solid light green skin (scaled were not clearly seen). It looked to have three fingers and a thumb on each hand, while its feet/toes could not be clearly seen (perhaps two toes). Hymlok possessed certain mystic sensitivities and could sense the approach of beings of mystic power. It could apparently cling to smooth surfaces and support itself against a wall of the side of a smooth structure, and it could spring and leap at least several feet. ("The Price") - Within Killgaren's tower, Hymlok noted Syzygy Darklock's approach to Killgaren: "He draws near. I sense his coming and his power, which is awesome." Hymlok asked what Killgaren would do when Darklock was finally upon
him, and Killgaren replied, "Most likely, I will die...but it will all
be worth it." Hymlok noted with excitement that the great plan would begin, and Killgaren added that Darklock would at last see the truth. When the furious Darklock arrived and confronted
him, Killgaren urged that Darklock must hear him out, and Darklock
noted that he would more than happy to speak with him...once he assured
that Killgaren could not walk out in mid-conversation (which he assured
by blasting off Killgaren's legs just above the knees). When Hymlok leapt at Darklock, urging him, "No! You don't understand! You must stop!", Darklock obliterated him/her/it
with a mystic blast, noting Syzygy Darklock stops for nothing! Note: Hymlok seemed to be Taurus Killgaren's familiar, but he/she/it could also have been a companion, a sibling, or perhaps even a lover. Stranger things have happened... |
(Epic Illustrated#9: Metamorphosis Odyssey, Chapter XIII: Doomsday) - There are fifteen known power levels or dimensions of mystical existence:
Levels 10-12 are the natural habitat of creatures of great power, such as demons, spirits, elementals, angels, and dread veil sorcerers("The Price" (fb) - BTS) - Like the others of his ilk, Taurus Killgaren spent centuries gathering mystic power and knowledge for the betterment of his cousins, mortal beings.
("The Price" (fb) - BTS) - At some point, the demon Bialgesuard became a servant of Taurus Killgaren (and possibly other sorcerers of the Dread Veil plane).
("The Price" - BTS) - Mystically identifying Bialgesuard as responsible for the death of his brother, Ajar'l, and recognizing the demon from his research; Syzygy realized the power he sensed would have had to emanate from someone as powerful as a Dread Veil sorcerer.
 
Taurus Killgaren possessed a mystic tome that allowed him to examine the future and the events and beings that led to it.(The Price (fb)) - Killgaren realized he had stumbled upon a great future stellar event that would have a tremendous and very positive effect on mankind. However, as he studied this possible tomorrow, it became clear to him just how unstable the structure of this future was: It had a good chance of never happening. Seeking to
aid this tomorrow's coming to pass, Killgaren began studying the characters who
would play important parts in forming the future, hoping to help the
weaker and guide the more uncertain members of the "cast." Killgaren soon determined that one of the "first flaws of the stars' great plan" involved the brothers Syzygy or Ajar'l Darklock, one of whom was destined to be a major factor in this grand scheme, although it wasn't yet determined which). Killgaren chose Syzygy and influenced him into joining the priesthood of the Instrumentality (the theocracy ruling Altarix, the planet that was home to Ajar'l and Syzygy). (The Price) - --"The Price" (see comments) Note: |
 Killgaren possessed a number of mystic and scholarly
tomes, which he used to study astrological phenomena and other facets
of the cosmos.(The Price (fb)) <A few decades before the main story> - Taurus Killgaren was studying a certain astronomical phenomenon that was due to occur some time in the future. He was studying to see what astrological effects it would have on mortal beings. --"The Price" (see comments) Note: Neither the name of this tome nor any others Killgaren used were identified in this story. |
 Apparently existing in the Dread Veil plane, this was the home of Taurus Killgaren +/- Hymlok.It housed Killgaren's mystic orb and his tomes. (The Price) - Within his tower and along with his association, Hymlok, Killgaren awaited and sensed the approach of Syzygy Darklock. The vengeful Darklock crippled Killgaren and slew Hymlok, eventually slaying Killgaren after learning his reasons and seeing his own dark destiny. --"The Price" (see comments) Note: |
(The Price) - Killgaren noted that while he couldn't speak
of the future, as voicing it could cause the gods to void its
fulfillment, he directed Syzygy Darklock to his mystic orb to gain a "mad
kaleidoscope flash, which would immediately touch you with its scope
and importance but leave you with blurred images and half-formed
concepts that would clear with the years...but be warned...once you've
seen the future, there may be no turning back. For to see tomorrow
is to seen by tomorrow...and once it has set eyes on such a major
element of its being as yourself, it may determine to exist. Once that
happens, nothing can stop it..."
Having witnessed his own destiny and the cause of his death, Darklock cursed Killgaren, who noted that they could both sense his destiny's foundations hardening into place. (The Price) - --"The Price" (see comments) Note: Chin of person cut off Bald woman Za Pointy eyebrow guy - not Maxam...maybe Doc Delphi? Syzygy Darklock Sword of Icy Fire Delilah? Pointy-nose guy - presumably Cardinal Spydar Vanth/Dreadstar Lord Papal Aknaton woman in profile - not sure eyepatch woman - I think it's someone from the Dreadstar series before Iron Angel Juliet? Whis'par Skeevo Phlatus? six heads that too small for me to evaluate... In the bottom right is presumably one of the Dark Gods of the Instrumentality... |
images: (without ads)
"The Price," story pg. 28, panel 1 (tower/base);
panel 2 (Hymlok face; lateral);
panel 3 (full body, oblique);
pg. 29, panel 2 (legs blasted off);
panel 3 (Hymlok leaping at Darklock);
panel 4 (Hymlok destroyed by Darklock);
pg. 30, panel 5 (studying tomes);
panel 6 (conjuring over orb);
pg. 31, panel 1 (contemplating Darklock brothers);
pg. 32, panel 3 (orb);
pg. 33 (vision of the future);
pg. 34, panel 7 (amputated and laughing);
pg. 35, panel 8 (blasted);
pg. 36, panel 1 (skeleton);
Appearances:
Epic Illustrated#9: Metamorphosis Odyssey, Chapter XIII: Doomsday (December, 1981) - Jim Starlin (writer, artist), Stan Lee
(editor/publisher), Archie Goodwin (editorial director), James Shooter (consulting editor)
"The Price," Eclipse Graphic
Album Series#5 (1981) - Jim Starlin (writer/artist); I don't know who
edited it; reprinted in Epic's Dreadstar Annual#1 (1983) it credited Jo
Duffy (associate editor) and Archie Goodwin (editor)
First posted: 09/05/2021
Last updated: 09/06/2023
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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