Tricephalous (comics)

Last updated
Tricephalous
Tricephalous.jpg
Tricephalous as depicted in Marvel Universe #4 (September 1998). Art by Mike Manley.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Fantastic Four #1 (November 1961)
Created by Stan Lee
Jack Kirby
In-story information
Species Deviant mutate
Team affiliationsDeviants
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength
  • Flight
  • Fire breath

Tricephalous is a fictional three-headed monster appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Contents

Publication history

Tricephalous first appeared in Fantastic Four #1 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Fictional character biography

Tricephalous is a three-headed creature who was created on Monster Island by the Deviants under the command of Kro. [1] When Monster Island is attacked by Monster Hunters, Kro has Tricephalous attack while Kro escapes. Though much of Monster Island is destroyed, Tricephalous became a servant of the Mole Man. [2] [3] [4]

When the Fantastic Four arrive on Monster Island, Tricephalous tries to stop them. However, it is caught off guard and defeated. [5]

A Skrull named De'Lila arrives looking for the Inorganic Technodrome and takes over Tricephalous and the other monsters, causing them to go on a rampage. [6] When De'Lila is defeated, Tricephalous and the other monsters return to Monster Island with the Punisher on their trail. However, he abandons the chase after seeing the Fantastic Four. [7]

To prevent the Fantastic Four from preventing him in his plan to create a pocket dimension, Aron summons Mole Man, Giganto, and Tricephalous to fight them. Thing defeats Tricephalous by grabbing his necks and throwing him into Super-Skrull. [8]

Mole Man later sends Tricephalous and the other monsters to attack Manhattan. The Fantastic Four halt their attack by using Pym Particles to shrink the monsters, causing them to retreat. [9]

In The Immortal Hulk (2020), Roxxon acquires Tricephalous and uses it to wreak havoc in Arizona. However, Tricephalous is driven off by Rick Jones, who destroys its middle head. [10] [4] Tricephalous later appears in Fantastic Four (2024), where it is revealed to have regenerated its body. [11]

Powers and abilities

Each of Tricephalous' three heads can spew fire from their mouths. The wings on its back enable it to fly. [3] [4]

Other versions

Tricephalous appears in JLA/Avengers #1. [12]

In other media

Tricephalous appears in The Super Hero Squad Show , with vocal effects provided by Ted Biaselli. [13]

References

  1. Beard, Jim (December 27, 2017). "The Treacherous History of Monster Island". Marvel.com. Retrieved February 25, 2025. Over the years, a who's who of monstrous notables called the island home, including Googam, Gigantus, Giganto, Fin Fang Foom, and the dreaded Tricephalous. The latter owed its creation to the Deviant race, which once occupied Monster Island away from their enemies, namely humans and Eternals.
  2. Marvel Universe #7 (December 1998)
  3. 1 2 Torres, Xavier (October 20, 2022). "Werewolf by Night: 10 MCU Monsters That Could Use Their Own Special". Collider. Retrieved February 25, 2025. [Tricephalous] was introduced as a servant of the Mole Man in one of the first Fantastic Four comics. Tricephalous' abilities include super strength, flight, and fire breath from each of its three heads.
  4. 1 2 3 Chrysostomou, George (December 20, 2020). "10 Terrifying Monsters In The Marvel Universe That Could Rival Godzilla". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved February 25, 2025. The Tricephalous is a three-headed beast that was also controlled by the Mole Man and has faced the Fantastic Four on numerous occasions. It has also stood toe-to-toe with other monsters, such as the Incredible Hulk. He's been experimented on by Roxxon and controlled by the Skrulls in the past, but he just keeps coming back stronger than ever. With flight, a fiery breath, and unbelievable scale, it's no wonder so many are scared of this monstrous beast.
  5. Fantastic Four #1 (November 1961)
  6. Fantastic Four #347 (December 1990)
  7. Fantastic Four #349 (February 1991)
  8. Fantastic Four #400 (May 1995)
  9. Fantastic Four vol. 3+12 (March 1998)
  10. The Immortal Hulk #30 (March 2020)
  11. Fantastic Four (vol. 7) #20 (July 2024)
  12. JLA/Avengers #1 (September 2003)
  13. "Marvel Super Hero Squad Voice Cast". Comics Continuum. July 28, 2009. Archived from the original on July 31, 2009.