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VALA-KURI

Classification: Artificially evolved terrestrial human

Location/Base of Operations: Vala-Kuri (city), Savage Land

Known Members: Davair, others

Affiliations: Garokk (loose), Ka-Zar, Zabu

Enemies: Sun People, Zaladane

First Appearance: mentioned: Astonishing Tales I#3/1 (December, 1970); seen: Astonishing Tales I#4/1 (February, 1971)

Powers/Abilities: The green-skinned (possibly tightly green-scaled) Vala-Kuri display no particular powers. They are city dwellers with temples and magnificent high spires.

Traits: The Vala-Kuri are pacifist in nature and run from conflict. Females appear to have brown hair while males are bald with hair growing from cheekbones. Pointed ears are a feature.

Type: Bilaterally symmetric humanoid bipeds
Eyes: Two (white)
Fingers: Four
Toes: Unrevealed
Skin color: Green
Average height: 5' (by approximation)

History:

(OHotMU A-Z#10 (fb) - BTS) - Ancient Atlantean scientists experimented upon captive Man-Apes in the Savage land, genetically altering them into sentient humanoids with bestial characteristics, partially out of irresponsible curiosity and also for servitude. The Atlanteans eventually left and the races endured; this presumably included the reptilian-like Vala-Kuri.

(Astonishing Tales I#4/1 (fb) - BTS) - The pacifist Vala-Kuri lived in a dual-spired city. It is unrevealed if this was built by them or they took up residence in an empty city. They lived for many years in peace with surrounding tribes.

(Astonishing Tales I#3/1) - Inspired by Garokk and questing for war to advance her Sun People, leader Zaladane led her flying-lizard-riding warriors against the Vala-Kuri and their city. The Sun People dropped flaming torch bombs on the city, causing much destruction and death. The Vala-Kuri fled for cover to little avail. Hunting for Zaladane, Ka-Zar raced for the city; there the Vala-Kuri sought his him as champion but he firmly stated that they had to defend themselves. Ka-Zar fought several flyers nevertheless until Garokk intervened, forcefully enforcing peace with his raw power. Zaladane resisted and was stopped soon after by Ka-Zar.

Comments: Created by Gerry Conway, Barry Windsor Smith, Sam Grainger.

Zaladane directed her warriors north to the "kingdom of the Lizard Men" (presumably meaning the Vala-Kuri) but their name as Vala-Kuri is confirmed in next issue and the OHotMU A-Z.

This profile was completed 09/09/2021, but its publication was delayed as it was intended for the Appendix 20th anniversary's celebratory event.

Profile by Grendel Prime.

CLARIFICATIONS:
The Vala-Kuri have no known connections to

images: (without ads)
Astonishing Tales I#4, p2, pan2 (main image)
   p5, pan2 (side headshot)
   p4, pan3 (city)

Appearances:
Astonishing Tales I#4/1 (February, 1971) - Gerry Conway (writer), Barry Smith (pencils), Sam Grainger (inks), Stan Lee (editor)
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z vol. 10 (2009) - Jeff Christiansen, Stuart Vandal & Sean McQuaid (head writers/coordinators), Jeff Youngquist & Jennifer Gruenwald (editors)

First posted: 09/15/2021
Last updated: 09/14/2021

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

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