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{{Short description|Fictional character appearing in Marvel comics}}
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|image=Thor252ULIK.jpg
|image=Thor252ULIK.jpg
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|creators=[[Stan Lee]] (writer)<br>[[Jack Kirby]] (artist)
|creators=[[Stan Lee]] (writer)<br>[[Jack Kirby]] (artist)
|species=Rock Troll
|species=Rock Troll
|partners=[[Loki (comics)|Loki]]
|alliances=[[Roxxon Energy Corporation]]<br>Dark Council<br/>[[Circus of Crime]]<ref>Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Everett, Bill (i). "Ulik Unleashed!" ''Thor'' #173 (February 1970)</ref>
|alliances=[[Roxxon Energy Corporation]]<br>Dark Council<br/>[[Circus of Crime]]<ref>Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Everett, Bill (i). "Ulik Unleashed!" ''Thor'' #173 (February 1970)</ref>
|aliases=Tanarus: God of Thunder
|aliases=Tanarus: God of Thunder
|powers=Superior hand to hand combatant<br>Superhuman strength, stamina and durability<br>Night vision<br>Use of pounders
|powers=Superior hand to hand combatant<br>Superhuman strength, stamina and durability<br>Night vision<br>Use of pounders
|}}
}}
'''Ulik''' is a [[fictional]] character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. He usually appears as an adversary of [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]. Ulik was created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Jack Kirby]], and first appears in ''Thor'' #137 (February 1967).
'''Ulik''' is a [[fictional]] character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. He usually appears as an adversary of [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]. Ulik was created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Jack Kirby]], and first appears in ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' #137 (February 1967).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Brevoort |first1=Tom |last2=DeFalco |first2=Tom |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=Sanderson |first4=Peter |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |title=Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History |date=2017 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1465455505 |page=121}}</ref>


Debuting in the [[Silver Age of Comic Books]], Ulik has appeared in over four decades of Marvel continuity, principally as a member of the character [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'s [[Rogues' Gallery]]. The character has also appeared in other Marvel-related products including [[animated]] [[television series]], [[toy]]s, and [[trading cards]].
Debuting in the [[Silver Age of Comic Books]], Ulik has appeared in over four decades of Marvel continuity, principally as a member of Thor's [[rogues' gallery]]. The character has also appeared in other Marvel-related products including [[animated]] [[television series]], [[toy]]s, and [[trading cards]].


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
Writer [[Mike Conroy (writer)|Mike Conroy]] commented on Ulik's debut in ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' #137 (Feb. 1967): "In a strip as steeped in Norse mythology as Marvel's ''Thor'', it was no surprise to come across a troll as big and mean as Ulik."<ref>Conroy, Mike. ''500 Comicbook Villains'', Collins & Brown, 2004.</ref> Created as a physical equal for the Thunder God, the [[Asgard (comics)|Asgardian]] [[troll]] Ulik became a perennial villain for the hero.
Writer [[Mike Conroy (writer)|Mike Conroy]] commented on Ulik's debut in ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' #137 (Feb. 1967): "In a strip as steeped in Norse mythology as Marvel's ''Thor'', it was no surprise to come across a troll as big and mean as Ulik."<ref>Conroy, Mike. ''500 Comicbook Villains'', Collins & Brown, 2004.</ref> Created as a physical equal for the Thunder God, the [[Asgard (comics)|Asgardian]] [[troll]] Ulik became a perennial villain for the hero.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rovin |first=Jeff |title=[[The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains]] |date=1987 |publisher=Facts on File |isbn=0-8160-1356-X |location=New York |page=356 |authorlink=Jeff Rovin}}[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofsu0000rovi_h5r9/page/356/mode/2up]</ref>


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
Ulik belongs to a race of Rock Trolls who live in the dimension of [[Asgard (comics)|Asgard]] in the "Domain of Trolls" in Nornheim. Like all trolls, Ulik has an innate hatred of the Asgardians, as they were driven underground by the King of the [[Norse mythology|Norse]] gods, [[Odin (comics)|Odin]], and forbidden to live on the surface. Ulik is commanded by the Rock Troll King, [[Geirrodur]], to steal Thor's enchanted hammer, [[Mjolnir (comics)|Mjolnir]], before an attempt can be made to invade Asgard, leading to an extended series of battles with the Thunder God. Ulik proves to be a match for Thor, as the character possessing increasing strength and is equipped with [[knuckle duster]]s made of the metal uru (the same metal of which Mjolnir is composed). He nearly defeats Thor after going into the berserker state of mind, but is transported away by Geirrodur. Later on Earth, he traps Thor in his guise as Don Blake, and tries to gain the power of Thor with his cane. Blake tells him to strike it again, although Ulik says if this fails he will kill Blake, but when Ulik brings the cane down, Blake suddenly holds it, meaning that he transforms into Thor.<ref>''Thor'' #137 - 139 (February - April 1967). Marvel Comics.</ref>
Ulik belongs to a race of Rock Trolls who live in the dimension of [[Asgard (comics)|Asgard]] in Nornheim. Like all trolls, Ulik has an innate hatred of the Asgardians, as they were driven underground by King [[Odin (comics)|Odin]] and forbidden to live on the surface. Being the strongest of his kind, Ulik is commanded by Troll King [[Geirrodur]] to steal Thor's enchanted hammer [[Mjolnir (comics)|Mjolnir]], leading to an extended series of battles with him. Ulik proves to be a match for Thor, enhancing his already formidable strength with [[knuckle duster]]s made of the metal uru (the same metal of which Mjolnir is composed). He nearly defeats Thor after going into the berserker state of mind but is mystically returned to his realm by Geirrodur when the Asgardians threaten to intervene. He then manages to trap Thor in his Don Blake form; after failing to summon Mjolnir, Blake tells him to strike his cane again. When Ulik does so, Blake suddenly grabs it, transforms into Thor, and defeats him.<ref>''Thor'' #137-139 (Feb.-April 1967). Marvel Comics.</ref>


Ulik returns on a regular basis: battling Thor and being thrown down a deep hole before accidentally waking Odin's former foe [[Mangog]], hoping that he can be used as an ally against Asgard after reading an inscription on the prison door by Odin;<ref>''Thor'' #151 - 154 (April - July 1968). Marvel Comics.</ref> aiding Geirrodur once again;<ref>''Thor'' #210 - 211 (April - May 1973). Marvel Comics.</ref> kidnapping Thor's mortal love [[Jane Foster (comics)|Jane Foster]];<ref>''Thor'' #237 - 239 (July - September 1975). Marvel Comics.</ref> and battling Thor for possession of a mystic artifact called the Ruby Eye.<ref>''Thor'' #252 (Oct. 1976). Marvel Comics.</ref> The character has also travelled to Earth and battled both Thor and [[Olympian (comics)|Olympian]] ally [[Hercules (Marvel Comics)|Hercules]].<ref>''Thor'' #413 - 414 (January - February 1990). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Thor'' #430 - 431 (March - April 1991). Marvel Comics.</ref>
Ulik returns on a regular basis: in one instance, he was bested by Thor and thrown into a deep hole before accidentally waking Odin's former foe [[Mangog]], mistakenly believing that Mangog will help him destroy Asgard after reading an inscription on the prison door left by Odin;<ref>''Thor'' #151-154 (April–July 1968). Marvel Comics.</ref> aiding Geirrodur once again;<ref>''Thor'' #210-211 (April–May 1973). Marvel Comics.</ref> kidnapping Thor's mortal love [[Jane Foster (comics)|Jane Foster]];<ref>''Thor'' #237-239 (July-Sept. 1975). Marvel Comics.</ref> and battling Thor for possession of a mystic artifact called the Ruby Eye.<ref>''Thor'' #252 (Oct. 1976). Marvel Comics.</ref> The character has also travelled to Earth and battled both Thor and [[Olympian (comics)|Olympian]] ally [[Hercules (Marvel Comics)|Hercules]].<ref>''Thor'' #413-414 (Jan.-Feb. 1990). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Thor'' #430-431 (March–April 1991). Marvel Comics.</ref>


For a time Ulik fought on the side of several Asgardians, who were lost in their own Earthly identities. This group included the [[Warriors Three]], Balder and Sif. He battled a version of Thor called [[Red Norvell]] and worked with his temporary allies to escape a Midgard-based technological conspiracy against lost Asgardians.<ref>''Journey Into Mystery'' #1-11 (1996 - 1997). Marvel Comics.</ref>
For a time, Ulik fought on the side of several Asgardians who had taken the forms of various humans on Earth. This group included Thor's companions the [[Warriors Three]], Balder, and Sif. He battled a version of Thor called [[Red Norvell]] and worked with his temporary allies to escape a Midgard-based technological conspiracy against lost Asgardians.<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' #1-11 (1996-1997). Marvel Comics.</ref>


Much later, maddened and feral, Ulik is given weapons made from the same forge which created [[Mjolnir (comics)|Mjolnir]]. He becomes the lead in Loki's attack on Asgard; this snowballs into the true Ragnarok. Ulik perishes early on in the battles. A child's hammer, made of troll-hurting iron, is thrown into his mouth by [[Captain America]]. This results in an explosion that ends his life.<ref>''Thor'' (vol. 2) #80-81 (2004). Marvel Comics.</ref>
Much later, maddened and feral, Ulik is given weapons made from the same forge which created [[Mjolnir (comics)|Mjolnir]]. He becomes the lead in Loki's attack on Asgard; this snowballs into the true Ragnarok. During this time, he is killed after [[Captain America]] throws an iron hammer into his mouth.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 2 #80-81 (2004). Marvel Comics.</ref>


However, like all of Asgard, Ulik is reformed on Earth. During the "[[World War Hulks]]" storyline, Ulik resurfaces and is shown to have gone on a multi-state drinking binge. He ends up destroying a train bridge with the disaster being averted by [[Rick Jones (comics)|A-Bomb]] and [[Marlo Chandler]]'s Harpy form. When Ulik starts choking Marlo, he is defeated by A-Bomb.<ref>''World War Hulks'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>
During the "[[World War Hulks]]" storyline, Ulik is resurrected and is shown to have gone on a multi-state drinking binge. He ends up destroying a train bridge with the disaster being averted by [[Rick Jones (character)|A-Bomb]] and [[Marlo Chandler]]'s Harpy form. When Ulik starts choking Marlo, he is defeated by A-Bomb.<ref>''World War Hulks'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>


After Thor dies during the "[[Fear Itself (comics)|Fear Itself]]" storyline, Ulik replaces him as '''Tanarus''', the new Thunder God, endorsed by the All-Mothers of the Vanir ([[Frigga (comics)|Freyja]], [[Gaea (Marvel Comics)|Gaea]], and [[Idunn (comics)|Idunn]]). Exploiting a glamour charm given by Karnilla the Norn Queen and the circumstances of Thor's death, Ulik is able to retroactively place himself in Thor's place, rewriting history in the process. Only a few individuals like Karnilla and the current juvenile incarnation of Loki are aware of the deception.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #8 (November 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref> Tanarus' blunt nature in contrast to the honor of the true Thor allows Heimdall and Sif to realize that something is wrong relatively quickly,<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #10 (January 2012). Marvel Comics.</ref> culminating in the returned Thor defeating "Tanarus" after his resurrection with relative ease.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #12 (March 2012). Marvel Comics.</ref>
After Thor dies during the "[[Fear Itself (comics)|Fear Itself]]" storyline, Ulik replaces him as '''Tanarus''', the new Thunder God, endorsed by the All-Mothers of the Vanir ([[Frigga (comics)|Freyja]], Gaea, and [[Idunn (comics)|Idunn]]). Exploiting a glamour charm given by Karnilla the Norn Queen and the circumstances of Thor's death, Ulik is able to retroactively place himself in Thor's place, rewriting history in the process. Only a few individuals like Karnilla and the current juvenile incarnation of Loki are aware of the deception.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #8 (November 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref> Tanarus' blunt nature in contrast to the honor of the true Thor allows Heimdall and Sif to realize that something is wrong relatively quickly,<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #10 (January 2012). Marvel Comics.</ref> culminating in the returned Thor defeating "Tanarus" after his resurrection with relative ease.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #12 (March 2012). Marvel Comics.</ref>


Ulik later shows up as a consultant to the [[Minotaur (comics)|Minotaur]] of [[Roxxon Energy Corporation|Roxxon]]. First, he helps Roxxon destroy Broxton, Oklahoma, right below Asgard,<ref>''Thor: God of Thunder'' 22. Marvel Comics.</ref> then he offers advice and battle against the Frost Giants of Jotunheim. This failed as the Frost Giants proceeded to take over the Roxxon facility.<ref>''Thor'' (vol. 4) #2 (November 2014). Marvel Comics.</ref>
Ulik later shows up as a consultant to the [[Minotaur (comics)|Minotaur]] of [[Roxxon Energy Corporation|Roxxon]]. First, he helps Roxxon destroy Broxton, Oklahoma, right below Asgard,<ref>''Thor: God of Thunder'' 22. Marvel Comics.</ref> then he offers advice and battle against the Frost Giants of Jotunheim. This failed as the Frost Giants take over the Roxxon facility.<ref>''Thor'' vol. 4 #2 (November 2014). Marvel Comics.</ref>


As part of the "[[All-New, All-Different Marvel]]," Ulik appears as a member of the Dark Council alongside Malekith the Accursed, the Minotaur, [[Laufey (comics)|Laufey]], and some unnamed Fire Demons.<ref>''Mighty Thor'' vol. 2 #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>
As part of the "[[All-New, All-Different Marvel]]," Ulik appears as a member of the Dark Council alongside [[Malekith the Accursed|Malekith]], the Minotaur, [[Laufey (character)|Laufey]], and the Fire Demons.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' vol. 2 #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>


Ulik and some of his trolls later appear on the Moon where they are found and encountered by Thor Odinson. After an intense battle, Ulik and the trolls escape.<ref>''The Unworthy Thor'' #1 (2016). Marvel Comics.</ref>
Ulik and some of his trolls later appear on the Moon where they are found and encountered by Thor. After an intense battle, Ulik and the trolls escape.<ref>''The Unworthy Thor'' #1 (2016). Marvel Comics.</ref>


''The Mighty Thor'' #12 reveals a legend stating that Mjolnir was created during a confrontation with Ulik.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' vol. 2 #12 (2016)</ref>
⚫
During the "[[War of the Realms]]" storyline, Ulik was present with Malekith as he begins his invasion on Midgard.<ref>''War of the Realms'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> She-Hulk later fights Ulik and his fellow Rock Trolls.<ref>''War of the Realms'' #5. Marvel Comics.</ref>

⚫
During the "[[War of the Realms]]" storyline, Ulik was present with Malekith as he invades Midgard.<ref>''War of the Realms'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> [[She-Hulk]] later fights Ulik and his fellow Rock Trolls.<ref>''War of the Realms'' #5 (2019). Marvel Comics.</ref>

In [[Spider-Boy]]'s solo series, Ulik is revealed to have a pet giant spider named Klöpp who was transported to Midgard after falling through a portal. After learning of this, Thor and Spider-Boy reunite the two.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Matthew |date=February 5, 2024 |title=''Spider-Boy'' #3 Review |url=https://majorspoilers.com/2024/02/05/spider-boy-3-review/ |access-date=August 14, 2024 |website=Major Spoilers |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
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==Other versions==
==Other versions==


* An alternate universe variant of Ulik from Earth-982 appears in ''[[A-Next]]''.<ref>''A-Next'' #1-5 (Nov. 2006-Jan. 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>
===MC2===
* An alternate universe variant of Ulik from Earth-1610 appears in ''[[Ultimate Comics: Thor]]''.<ref>''Ultimate Comics: Thor'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>
In the [[Marvel Comics 2|MC2]] [[imprint (trade name)|imprint]] title ''[[A-Next]]'', a future [[Parallel universe (fiction)|alternate universe]] version of Ulik aids [[Loki (comics)|Loki]]'s daughter Sylene in temporarily turning Earth into a new version of Asgard.<ref>''A-Next'' #1 - 5 (Nov. 2006 - Jan. 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Ultimate Marvel===
In the limited series ''[[The Ultimates 3]]'', Thor talks of how Ulik forged weapons for his father, including his hammer [[Mjolnir (comics)#Ultimate Marvel|Mjolnir]].<ref>''The Ultimates'' Vol.3 #4 (2008). Marvel Comics.</ref> The troll appears in flashback in the [[prequel]] miniseries ''[[Ultimate Comics: Thor]]''.<ref>''Ultimate Comics: Thor'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==


===Television===
===Television===
* Ulik appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'', voiced by [[Troy Baker]]. In the episode "The Fall of Asgard", he ambushes Eitri and the Dwarves before they can make it to their forge and ends up fighting them and Iron Man. Ulik is defeated when Iron Man dislodges the cap on the armor's chest device which knocked Ulik unconscious. Shortly after that, Eitri reattaches the cap to Iron Man's chest device to save his life.
* Ulik appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'', voiced by [[Troy Baker]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Ulik Voices (Thor) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Thor/Ulik/ |access-date=August 14, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>
* Ulik appears in the various animated series seen on [[Disney XD]], voiced by [[Kevin Michael Richardson]].
* Ulik appears in ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]'', voiced by [[Kevin Michael Richardson]].<ref name="btva" />
* Ulik appears in the ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' two-part episode "The Avenging Spider-Man", voiced again by Kevin Michael Richardson.<ref name="btva" />
** Ulik first appears in the ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]'' animated series. In the episode "The Serpent of Doom", Ulik travels to Midgard wielding his Codgel weapon and fights [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] and the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] in New York. The Avengers defeat Ulik but lose the Codgel in the process, which ended up in [[Doctor Doom]]'s possession. Ulik was placed in a special cell at [[Stark Tower|Avengers Tower]]. After Doctor Doom and the [[Midgard Serpent (Marvel Comics)|Midgard Serpent]] are defeated, Thor visits Ulik's cell and takes him to Asgard so that [[Odin (Marvel Comics)|Odin]] can deal with him. In the episode "Avengers: Impossible", Ulik is among the villains summoned to Avengers Tower by [[Impossible Man]] in order to spice up his own show on Falcon. Ulik ends up fighting the [[Hulk]] until Impossible Man 'scrubs the scene' by making the villains disappear. Ulik also has a minor appearance in ''Avengers: Ultron Revolution''. In the episode "A Friend in Need", Ulik's pounders are shown to be in Asgard's custody, and that Thor mentioned that it took a quarreling Balder and Tyr to help Thor take down Ulik. He is then shown trying to break out of his prison cell, managing to break out and reclaim his pounders then fights Thor until being taken down by the [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]].
** Ulik also appears in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors]]''.<ref name="Avenging Spider-Man, Part 2">{{cite episode|title=Avenging Spider-Man, Part 2|series=Ultimate Spider-Man|network=[[Disney XD]]|season=3|number=2|airdate=June 7, 2014}}</ref> In the two-part episode "Avenging Spider-Man", he and [[Fenris Wolf (Marvel Comics)|Fenris Wolf]], along with his fellow Trolls, Frost Giants and Ice Dragons are used by [[Loki (comics)|Loki]] as part of [[Doctor Octopus]]'s experiments with a mass-produced [[Venom (Marvel Comics character)|Venom]] [[Symbiote (comics)|symbiote]]. Ulik is among the possessed as one of Venom's many hosts when the creatures go on a rampage in Manhattan. When the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] and the [[New Warriors|S.H.I.E.L.D. Trainees]] separate Venom's various hosts, Ulik and the other creatures are freed one by one and sent back to Asgard. Upon Loki retreating upon defeat, it's revealed to be the same area where Ulik and the other creatures are as they prepare to get revenge on Loki.


===Video games===
===Video games===
* Ulik appears as a mini-boss in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'', voiced by [[Fred Tatasciore]]. He and Kurse steal a chest containing [[Volla (comics)|Volla]]'s ring and the heroes have to fight them to get it back.
* Ulik appears as a miniboss in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'', voiced by [[Fred Tatasciore]].{{cn|date=December 2023}}
* Ulik appears in ''[[Thor: God of Thunder]]'',<ref name="businesswire">{{cite news|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101202005510/en/SEGA-Inks-Actors-Chris-Hemsworth-Tom-Hiddleston|title=SEGA Inks Actors Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston to Star in the Video Game Thor: God of Thunder|work=Business Wire|date=2010-12-02|accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> voiced by [[Steve Blum]]. Loki diverts Thor to Ulik's realm as part of a plan to make himself the new hero of Asgard by defeating the powerful [[Mangog]] only for Loki to be forced to help Thor activate Frostgrinder (the Troll version of Bifrost) upon realizing that Mangog is too strong, culminating in Thor defeating Ulik to gain access to Frostgrinder.
* Ulik appears in ''[[Thor: God of Thunder]]'',<ref name="businesswire">{{cite news |date=December 2, 2010 |title=SEGA Inks Actors Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston to Star in the Video Game ''Thor: God of Thunder'' |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101202005510/en/SEGA-Inks-Actors-Chris-Hemsworth-Tom-Hiddleston |access-date=December 2, 2010 |work=Business Wire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206010006/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101202005510/en/SEGA-Inks-Actors-Chris-Hemsworth-Tom-Hiddleston |archive-date=2010-12-06 }}</ref> voiced by [[Steve Blum]].<ref name="btva" />
* Ulik appears as a boss in ''[[Marvel Future Revolution]]'', voiced by [[Isaac C. Singleton Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MarvelFutureRev/status/1417997913624518658|title="My fury is endless! Trolls never surrender!" Ulik is forever a thorn in the side of Midgardians in #MARVELFutureRevolution.|date=July 22, 2021|work=Marvel Future Revolution|publisher=Twitter}}</ref>

===Merchandise===
* An action figure of Ulik was produced as part of Hasbro's [[Marvel Legends]] line in 2022.


==References==
==References==
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{{Jack Kirby}}
{{Jack Kirby}}


⚫
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1967]]
[[Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby]]
[[Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby]]
[[Category:Characters created by Stan Lee]]
[[Category:Characters created by Stan Lee]]
⚫
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1967]]
[[Category:Fictional melee weapons practitioners]]
[[Category:Fictional trolls]]
[[Category:Fictional trolls]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Thor (Marvel Comics)]]
[[Category:Thor (Marvel Comics)]]

Latest revision as of 03:23, 24 November 2024

Ulik
Thor battles Ulik on the cover of Thor #252 (Oct. 1976).
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceThor #137
(Feb. 1967)
Created byStan Lee (writer)
Jack Kirby (artist)
In-story information
Alter egoUlik
SpeciesRock Troll
Team affiliationsRoxxon Energy Corporation
Dark Council
Circus of Crime[1]
Notable aliasesTanarus: God of Thunder
AbilitiesSuperior hand to hand combatant
Superhuman strength, stamina and durability
Night vision
Use of pounders

Ulik is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He usually appears as an adversary of Thor. Ulik was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and first appears in Thor #137 (February 1967).[2]

Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, Ulik has appeared in over four decades of Marvel continuity, principally as a member of Thor's rogues' gallery. The character has also appeared in other Marvel-related products including animated television series, toys, and trading cards.

Publication history

[edit]

Writer Mike Conroy commented on Ulik's debut in Thor #137 (Feb. 1967): "In a strip as steeped in Norse mythology as Marvel's Thor, it was no surprise to come across a troll as big and mean as Ulik."[3] Created as a physical equal for the Thunder God, the Asgardian troll Ulik became a perennial villain for the hero.[4]

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Ulik belongs to a race of Rock Trolls who live in the dimension of Asgard in Nornheim. Like all trolls, Ulik has an innate hatred of the Asgardians, as they were driven underground by King Odin and forbidden to live on the surface. Being the strongest of his kind, Ulik is commanded by Troll King Geirrodur to steal Thor's enchanted hammer Mjolnir, leading to an extended series of battles with him. Ulik proves to be a match for Thor, enhancing his already formidable strength with knuckle dusters made of the metal uru (the same metal of which Mjolnir is composed). He nearly defeats Thor after going into the berserker state of mind but is mystically returned to his realm by Geirrodur when the Asgardians threaten to intervene. He then manages to trap Thor in his Don Blake form; after failing to summon Mjolnir, Blake tells him to strike his cane again. When Ulik does so, Blake suddenly grabs it, transforms into Thor, and defeats him.[5]

Ulik returns on a regular basis: in one instance, he was bested by Thor and thrown into a deep hole before accidentally waking Odin's former foe Mangog, mistakenly believing that Mangog will help him destroy Asgard after reading an inscription on the prison door left by Odin;[6] aiding Geirrodur once again;[7] kidnapping Thor's mortal love Jane Foster;[8] and battling Thor for possession of a mystic artifact called the Ruby Eye.[9] The character has also travelled to Earth and battled both Thor and Olympian ally Hercules.[10][11]

For a time, Ulik fought on the side of several Asgardians who had taken the forms of various humans on Earth. This group included Thor's companions the Warriors Three, Balder, and Sif. He battled a version of Thor called Red Norvell and worked with his temporary allies to escape a Midgard-based technological conspiracy against lost Asgardians.[12]

Much later, maddened and feral, Ulik is given weapons made from the same forge which created Mjolnir. He becomes the lead in Loki's attack on Asgard; this snowballs into the true Ragnarok. During this time, he is killed after Captain America throws an iron hammer into his mouth.[13]

During the "World War Hulks" storyline, Ulik is resurrected and is shown to have gone on a multi-state drinking binge. He ends up destroying a train bridge with the disaster being averted by A-Bomb and Marlo Chandler's Harpy form. When Ulik starts choking Marlo, he is defeated by A-Bomb.[14]

After Thor dies during the "Fear Itself" storyline, Ulik replaces him as Tanarus, the new Thunder God, endorsed by the All-Mothers of the Vanir (Freyja, Gaea, and Idunn). Exploiting a glamour charm given by Karnilla the Norn Queen and the circumstances of Thor's death, Ulik is able to retroactively place himself in Thor's place, rewriting history in the process. Only a few individuals like Karnilla and the current juvenile incarnation of Loki are aware of the deception.[15] Tanarus' blunt nature in contrast to the honor of the true Thor allows Heimdall and Sif to realize that something is wrong relatively quickly,[16] culminating in the returned Thor defeating "Tanarus" after his resurrection with relative ease.[17]

Ulik later shows up as a consultant to the Minotaur of Roxxon. First, he helps Roxxon destroy Broxton, Oklahoma, right below Asgard,[18] then he offers advice and battle against the Frost Giants of Jotunheim. This failed as the Frost Giants take over the Roxxon facility.[19]

As part of the "All-New, All-Different Marvel," Ulik appears as a member of the Dark Council alongside Malekith, the Minotaur, Laufey, and the Fire Demons.[20]

Ulik and some of his trolls later appear on the Moon where they are found and encountered by Thor. After an intense battle, Ulik and the trolls escape.[21]

The Mighty Thor #12 reveals a legend stating that Mjolnir was created during a confrontation with Ulik.[22]

During the "War of the Realms" storyline, Ulik was present with Malekith as he invades Midgard.[23] She-Hulk later fights Ulik and his fellow Rock Trolls.[24]

In Spider-Boy's solo series, Ulik is revealed to have a pet giant spider named Klöpp who was transported to Midgard after falling through a portal. After learning of this, Thor and Spider-Boy reunite the two.[25]

Powers and abilities

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Ulik possesses superhuman strength, stamina and durability, and has the ability to see into the infrared range of the spectrum, allowing complete night vision. He is also a superior hand-to-hand combatant. In battle, Ulik uses "pounders", metal bands forged from uru and worn over the hands like brass knuckles.

Other versions

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In other media

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Television

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Video games

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Merchandise

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  • An action figure of Ulik was produced as part of Hasbro's Marvel Legends line in 2022.

References

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  1. ^ Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Everett, Bill (i). "Ulik Unleashed!" Thor #173 (February 1970)
  2. ^ Brevoort, Tom; DeFalco, Tom; Manning, Matthew K.; Sanderson, Peter; Wiacek, Win (2017). Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History. DK Publishing. p. 121. ISBN 978-1465455505.
  3. ^ Conroy, Mike. 500 Comicbook Villains, Collins & Brown, 2004.
  4. ^ Rovin, Jeff (1987). The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains. New York: Facts on File. p. 356. ISBN 0-8160-1356-X.[1]
  5. ^ Thor #137-139 (Feb.-April 1967). Marvel Comics.
  6. ^ Thor #151-154 (April–July 1968). Marvel Comics.
  7. ^ Thor #210-211 (April–May 1973). Marvel Comics.
  8. ^ Thor #237-239 (July-Sept. 1975). Marvel Comics.
  9. ^ Thor #252 (Oct. 1976). Marvel Comics.
  10. ^ Thor #413-414 (Jan.-Feb. 1990). Marvel Comics.
  11. ^ Thor #430-431 (March–April 1991). Marvel Comics.
  12. ^ Journey into Mystery #1-11 (1996-1997). Marvel Comics.
  13. ^ Thor vol. 2 #80-81 (2004). Marvel Comics.
  14. ^ World War Hulks #1. Marvel Comics.
  15. ^ The Mighty Thor #8 (November 2011). Marvel Comics.
  16. ^ The Mighty Thor #10 (January 2012). Marvel Comics.
  17. ^ The Mighty Thor #12 (March 2012). Marvel Comics.
  18. ^ Thor: God of Thunder 22. Marvel Comics.
  19. ^ Thor vol. 4 #2 (November 2014). Marvel Comics.
  20. ^ The Mighty Thor vol. 2 #1. Marvel Comics.
  21. ^ The Unworthy Thor #1 (2016). Marvel Comics.
  22. ^ The Mighty Thor vol. 2 #12 (2016)
  23. ^ War of the Realms #1. Marvel Comics.
  24. ^ War of the Realms #5 (2019). Marvel Comics.
  25. ^ Peterson, Matthew (February 5, 2024). "Spider-Boy #3 Review". Major Spoilers. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  26. ^ A-Next #1-5 (Nov. 2006-Jan. 2007). Marvel Comics.
  27. ^ Ultimate Comics: Thor #1. Marvel Comics.
  28. ^ a b c d "Ulik Voices (Thor)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 14, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  29. ^ "SEGA Inks Actors Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston to Star in the Video Game Thor: God of Thunder". Business Wire. December 2, 2010. Archived from the original on 2010-12-06. Retrieved December 2, 2010.
  30. ^ ""My fury is endless! Trolls never surrender!" Ulik is forever a thorn in the side of Midgardians in #MARVELFutureRevolution". Marvel Future Revolution. Twitter. July 22, 2021.
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