Shuma-Gorath

Shuma-Gorath is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Shuma-Gorath was first mentioned in a short story by author Robert E. Howard.

Publication history

Shuma-Gorath is first mentioned in the Robert E. Howard short story "The Curse of the Golden Skull," in The Howard Collector #9, Spring 1967, which features the character Kull. A dying magician named Rotath invokes the "iron-bound books of Shuma-Gorath" in a curse against humanity.

As a Marvel character, his first appearance was as an adversary for Doctor Strange in Marvel Premiere #5 (November 1972), created by Steve Englehart and Frank Brunner.

Fictional character biography

During Earth's pre-history Shuma-Gorath ruled the world, and demanded human sacrifice until eventually banished by time-traveling sorcerer Sise-Neg. The entity eventually returns during the Hyborian Age, but is imprisoned within a mountain by the power of the god Crom. Shuma-Gorath continues to be an influence on Earth until returned to its home dimension by Crom.