Kree

Revision as of 10:32, 9 April 2015

The Invaders stand before the Kree Empire from All-New Invaders v1 #5.

The Kree are a blue skinned race of aliens that feature in Marvel Comics.

History

Origin

Pink Kree Mar-Vell vs. Blue Kree Ronan from Captain Marvel v1 #41.

The Kree race evolved on the planet Hala in the Greater Magellanic Cloud where they were one of the two native intelligent species the other being the plant-like Cotati. Millennia ago during the time of prehistoric Hala, the Kree were visited by an alien race of humanoid reptiles who were known as the Skrulls. This starfaring race were largely peaceful and were set about forming a large trading empire and wishing to educate the natives to the point that they could join the Skrulls in peaceful unit. In order to judge which race was worthier of joining them, the Skrulls took members of both races and created a friendly contest. They travelled to the Milky Way galaxy around the moon that orbited Earth thus creating the Blue Area of the Moon. In this space, the Skrulls asked the Kree and Cotati to build something beautiful with the resources they had after which they departed until a specified time where they would return.

During that time, the Kree and Cotati both laboured to create something to impress the Skrulls. The Kree began the construction of a magnificent city whilst the Cotati instead made a beautiful garden. With their tasks completed, they waited for the Skrulls to return. When they did, they began to judge the two races accomplishments and ultimately found the Cotati's venture to have been worthier. This act enraged the Kree who killed both the Skrulls and Cotati after which they took control of the Skrull's starship. Using the vessel, the crew returned to their home planet of Hala where they began to reverse engineer and decipher the technology ot the starship in order to make a mighty Kree Empire.

A century after acquiring interstellar technology from the Skrulls, the Kree extended throughout their native galaxy in the Greater Magellanic Cloud where they formed the Kree Empire. Becoming a powerful force in space, they launched an attack against the then peaceful Skrull race forcing them into a state where they had to become more war-like in order to defend themselves. Thus, the Kree-Skrull War began and continued for hundreds of thousands of years as both sides sought to defeat the other. At the same time on the Kree homeworld of Hala, the Kree began a campaign of genocide against the peaceful Cotati driving the race to the point of extinction. However, a group of Kree called the Priests of Pama hid and kept a group of Cotati safe. Eventually, this group began to worship the Cotati and safely relocated the surviving members of the race throughout the universe.

At an unknown, their species began light experiments which inadvertently created solar energy beings called Solams at star system 127-B which almost saw the entire Kree Empire laid waste until the entities were conquered. (Captain Marvel v1 #6) Around 250 years ago, the Kree Science Council learnt that the Skrulls had once created a very powerful weapon called the Cosmic Cube. In order to combat this threat, they in turned sought to design a cyber-organic supercomputer which was called the Supreme Intelligence. The Kree had hoped that this machine wuld help them in creating their own cube but once the Supremor came online, it determined that the Cosmic Cube was too dangerous to construct whereupon it refused the Science Council's request. Despite the failure in obtaining a powerful weapon, the Kree allowed the Supreme Intelligence to continue to function whereupon it took on an advisory role. (Captain America Annual v1 #7)

Countless years ago, the Supreme Intelligence decided to engage in a period of experiments to find a catalyst to combat the stagnation within the evolution of the Kree. Thus, he authorized the creation of the Inhumans with the official statement was the creation of biological sentient weapons. A result of this program saw experimentation being conducted of five different races creating the Universal Inhumans. On a Parallax-class science base in the Sol system, the Kree observed humanity from Uranus and determined that they had a unique genetic potential. (Fantastic Four v1 #577) In humans, the Kree discovered a race that could duplicate the features of other alien species. (Inhumans v3 #2) At this base designated Outpost #213, a group of Eternals exiled from Earth arrived at Uranus where they destroyed the Kree Sentry guarding the site. This attracted the attention of a Kree expedition who destroyed the exiled Eternal's starship where they took possession of the remains one of the crewmen known as Arlok. The advanced nature of the Eternal led to he Kree arriving in force to Earth at the direction of the Supreme Intelligence in order to conduct similar evolutionary experiments as the Celestial. After their experiments, the Kree would abandon Earth and in the span of twenty five years a human branch of the Inhuman race developed on the planet. (What If? v1 #28) Mankind had their gene pool tampered with to allow for the duplication of abilities of other spacefaring races leading to the Inhumans not being products of evolution but careful strategy. (Inhumans v3 #2)

At an unknown point in their history, the Kree homeworld was nearly devastated by the outbreak of Virus-Z-3 until the Kree developed a chemical immunity to it whereupon they kept stores of the disease in their arsenal. (Captain Marvel v1 #7) The Kree empire had once established trade relations with the Shi'ar Imperium. (Untold Legend of Captain Marvel v1 #1) Their homeworld was once threatened by the Vintar of Galaxy-7 who had a non-finite cell structure that meant nothing could penetrate or destroy them. In desperation, an armada of Kree vessels attacked with giant X-Ray cannons that managed to defeat the threat. (Captain Marvel v1 #5)

At some recent point, the Kree began a treatment process of the females of their race in order to remove their psychic abilities which they were capable of life draining from a male during the process of mating. In order to keep male Kree confident when mating, they began to employ Bloodhounds who sought the female Kree and returned them to Kree-Lar where their psychic abilities were forcibly taken away from them. (Captain Marvel V#13)

Fall

In the aftermath, the Kree territory was annexed by the Shi'ar with Majestrix Lilandra placing her sister Deathbird as the region's administrator. At some point, the remaining surviving Kree had evolved into a new race known as the Ruul due to the machinations of the Supreme Intelligence. Through unknown events, the Ruul reverted back to their original form as the Kree.

Around the time of the Annihilation, the Annihilation Wave surged from the Negative Zone to conquer the normal universe under the command of Annihilus. At this point, Ronan the Accuser was declared a traitor to the empire and removed from his position. This would see him seeking out new allies in order to search for evidence to clear his name. Around this time, he learnt that mercantile House Fiyero had taken control of the Kree Empire and were actually responsible for his disgrace. Due to their poor leadership, the Kree became easy targets for the rampaging Annihilation Wave. House Fiyero would attempt to make a deal with Annihilus and join his forces so that the war could end allowing them to return to their commerce activities. Upon finding proof of their betrayal, Ronan would execute the enemies of the empire and named the leader of the empire after mercy killing the Supreme Intelligence that had been lobotomized. Despite his ascension, he was forced to cede several worlds to Ravenous who now commanded the Annihilation Wave in the wake of Annihilus's death. In the aftermath, the Kree attempted to bolster their defenses with the aid of the Galadorian Space Knights but these warriors had actually been infected by the Phalanx who infiltrated the Kree technology. It was only through the efforts of the Guardians of the Galaxy and their allies did they managed to free Kree space from the infectious Phalanx.

Resurgence

The Kree vs. the Inhumans in FF v1 #11.

After the War of Kings, it was discovered that Black Bolt had survived and that the Universal Inhumans arrived on Earth. As a result, the Inhumans abandoned the Kree Empire and took Attilan back to Earth. In this time, Ronan was convinced to complete the plan of the Supreme Intelligence that had predicted the rise of the Inhumans. He would take a force of Kree and his wife Crystal to Earth to activate the Supremor Seed that led to the resurrection of the Supreme Intelligence. Under the leadership of the Supreme Intelligence, the Kree were united once more and sought to eliminate the Inhumans. It was only the arrival of the Annilation Wave under the command of Johnny Storm and a confrontation with Black Bolt did the battle end with the Supremor retreating with his forces.

The latest plan of the Kree involved the Supremor directing his Pursuer Corps under Tanalth to recover the Gods' Whisper that had been dismantled on Earth. Tanalth's Pursuers managed to track the pieces to the original Invaders and assembled it on Hala where they used it to take control of the Eternal Ikaris. It was only the Invaders destroying the device was Ikaris freed from its effects. (All-New Invaders v1)

Overview

Ronan, a Kree Public Accuser from Annihilation v1 #5.

Members of the Kree race were humanoids that resembled the inhabitants of Earth though with the sole exception of having blue skin. Despite appearances, they had a higher degree of strength than that of a Human and required more nitrogen in order to breath comfortably. Their biology had adapted to unique environmental characteristics which was a higher greater and the greater concentration of nitrogen in their homeworlds atmosphere. Thus, on planets such as Earth, they experienced a greater degree of strength and speed. In oxygen based atmospheres such as Earth's, they were incapable of breathing without a chemicals or a breathing formula or through the use of artificial life support systems.

Though the original Kree had a blue skin tone, there was a second racial group who's skins were pink in colour making them resemble Human caucasians that emerged over the millennia. The blue skinned Kree are considered the pure breed and are a small but powerful minority. The pink skinned brethren are noted for being more durable then their blue skinned cousins.

It was known that female members of the species tended to have psychic abilities which allowed them to drain the life energy of a male Kree during the process of mating.

A number of splinter species formed included:

• Ruul
• Nameless

Society

The Kree aristocracy was noted for holding a traditional powerbase among their people. (Realm of Kings: Inhumans v1 #1)

One of the positions in their Empire was that held by the Imperial Minister. (Captain Marvel v1 #1) Military matters were handled by the High Command. (Captain Marvel v1 #7)

The species was noted for their devotion to science and rational thought which was why some Kree did not believe in deities. Instead, they decided to create a living god in the form of the Supreme Intelligence that embodied their ideals. However, whilst this was the case, there was a place known as the quantum fields where the deceased were expected to reside. (X-Men Unlimited v1 #5) Some followed the old precepts of the Cotati religion but such practices were outlawed by their High Command as these were seen as signs of sedition. However, in certain cases, such beliefs were tolerated if the subject was valuable to their society. (Untold Legend of Captain Marvel v1 #1) At one point, a cult formed on Halla consisting of Kree that believed in an icon that they called Tam-Bor. In actual fact, this was an artificial construction and a device made by Imperial Minister Zarek who intended to purge the empire of impure Kree. (Captain Marvel v1 #16)

In the Kree term "Ruhi-Tugu" meant "Protector" that was also a title given to those responsible for defending an important world. (Dark Avengers v1 Annual #1) Among the highest crimes within their society was being considered un-Kree. (Captain Marvel v1 #5) Genetic purity of the Kree was considered sacrament to their people and any genetic deviation such as mating with alien species was considered a crime in their empire. (Annihilation Conquest Starlord v1 #1)

Kree guards were honor bound to obey but so long as such actions were in furtherance of the Kree. As such, if forced to serve another, then if an action was not in self-interest than orders were open to interpretation. (Annihilation Conquest Starlord v1 #4)

There were a number of groups within Kree society which include the Priests of Pama and the Nameless.

Technology

Their knowledge base was much more advanced when compared to humanity to the point that they referred to it as Kree Super-Science. (Captain Marvel v1 #6)

In certain alien environments, the atmospheric requirements were not suitable for the Kree. This resulted in them creating a breathing potion which they had to take to function for hours otherwise they begin to struggle for breath in the alien environment. In its pure form, the potion was too concentrated and needed to be diluted so that it could be used. (Captain Marvel v1 #2) Mind erasers were used to remove select memories from an individual. (Captain Marvel v1 #5) A truth chair was an item used to interrogate their own people and determine the truthfulness of a Kree if their loyalty was ever in question as judged by the readings of the veraticometer. (Captain Marvel v1 #7)

The Kree Empire was noted as being a highly advanced race that possessed various pieces of technology. These include the Omni-Wave Projector which allowed them to communicate across hyperspace and was also used as an offensive weapon at times. Furthermore, they made use of cloaking technology known as an "aura of negativity". The Kree have a high degree of knowledge in regards to advanced warp-drive starships, advanced robotics, cybernetics, advanced genetic engineering, psionic technology, advanced energy weapons, nuclear power and weapons.

In combat, they wore synthesized battle-suits that preserved their strength and had vibration-absorbing qualities. (Captain Marvel v1 #1) These actually generated a specific form of radiation that could be tracked. They also used carry-all cylinders that were used to store equipment but if captured they had a two hour period where they could be recovered otherwise the equipment a device that was the equivalent of an atomic warhead. (Captain Marvel v1 #2) Part of the suit included a Uni-Beam that was both multiple weapons and tools. (Captain Marvel v1 #7)

An information gathering tool used by the Kree included the Intelligence Matrix that were designed to obtain valuable telemetry for defensive purposes. (Untold Legend of Captain Marvel v1 #1) For communication, members of the Kree were provided with personal communi-disks. (Captain Marvel v1 #1) Monitor bands located beneath the gloves were able to send a distress signal to ships in orbit. (Captain Marvel v1 #3) Images were shown on vizeoscopes that allowed the Kree to observe distant locations. (Captain Marvel v1 #7)

At some point long ago, they had made a number of experiments in light energy but these were deemed dangerous as initial tests created photo-kinetic being known as a Solam. Such entities were energy that was converted into living breathing mass who possessed great destructive power. (Captain Marvel v1 #6) They made use of beta rays to teleport individual from one site to another which went by five times the speed of light. Through their knowledge of bionics science, they transmuted the individuals each living cell into naked energy that was sent to the target site. (Captain Marvel v1 #7)

One of their noted accomplishments was the Psyche-Magnetron which was a device with the power to shape matter. Wielders of this item was noted as being able to create anything known by Kree science and when its ray hit its user, it allowed them to create machinery that they desired or even alter the genetic structure body of a body as well as gift them with superpower. The Magnetron Power Core was contained within a small shielded box in order to protect everyone outside from its high degree of radiation. If the power unit was separated from the box, it changed its form immediately into that of a bigger starred polyhedron. It still emitted the same energy as the Psyche Magnetron but to such a level that it bathed subjects with high quanities of energy that burnt, blinded, destroyed the senses or even killed a subject in minutes. However, those that were exposed to it gained even greater levels of matter shaping powers that were unfortunately difficult to control. The radiation was noted as covering all the known spectrums and was powerful enough to transform the area the size of Northern Florida into a radioactive wasteland.

Another more noted weapon of war were the Kree's Destructoids which were designed for use in war time. Each was manned by hundreds of soldiers and took on two forms. The first was s tarship that travelled space until it arrived at its destination. The second form was a giant humanoid shape. Their weaponry had great destructive power with only two such units capable of pacifying a primitive defenseless planet. (Silver Surface v3 #6 December 1987)

A type of Imperial Cruiser used were the Worldbeater class that could hold a crew compliment of 103 and measuring 390,000 tons. (Untold Legend of Captain Marvel v1 #1)

Kree technology constructed a number of mechanical constructs to serve their needs. Among these included Mind-Meks that were equipped to both speak and monitor information from across a ship. (Captain Marvel v1 #1) They also made use of automated war machines from droids to Synth-Men with these being perfectly suited for a war of annihilation. Syth-Men were humanoid robots that were artificially maintained by their armors which amplified their strength and stamina. Their dedication to warfare was so absolute that some did not know any other life. Beetledroids were another form of combat machine that resembled small insectoids that moved to incapacitate their targets. (Inhumans v3 #1)

Among their construction's included Omni-Domes that were within outposts that contained stockpiles of weaponry and guarded by a Sentry. (What If? v1 #27)

Members

• Ronan :
• Zarek :
• Mar-Vell :
• Una :
• Korath :
• Yon-Rogg :

In other media

Television

• In Fantastic Four the animated series, the Kree were mentioned in the three part Inhuman Saga that was an adaptation of the comic storyline. Within the episode, the Seeker comments on the origins of the Inhuman people and mentions the Kree being responsible in experimenting on earlier humans to create their people.
• In the Silver Surfer animated series, the Kree Empire was headed by the Supreme Intelligence with a Prime Minister beneath him. Their species are noted for believing in utility and often required advanced payment before helping others who need to prove their worth in order to gain their help. However, the Kree were quite capable of treachery in order to accomplish their goals. They saw races like the Trolls as simple slaves that were expendable similar to labour animals or tools. The Kree are noted as near master of genetic engineering, however, they were incapable of creating superior soldiers which resulted in their attempt at invading the planet Carridas in order to obtain their knowledge. The Kree also constructed an organic brain system called a Combined Intelligence which controlled various outposts and slave labour colonies providing a level of automation that did not require a Kree overseer to be present. These apparently took the brain patterns of living beings to accomplish tasks.
• In Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes, Kree law had a criminal charged with crimes against the Kree Empire holding the right to be terminated on their home planet. Furthermore, those that stand against the Kree are considered that are to be killed immediately and that any attack on a Kree Sentry is an assault on the Empire itself. One of the noted position was that of the Supreme Public Accuser who serves as judge and executioner of those that have wronged the Empire. Its also stated that the Kree do not make contact with other races but conquers them. The Kree are noted for the possession of wormhole technology allowing them to transport individuals to their home galaxy. Furthermore, they are capable of encompassing a stadium sized structure in an energy field that can be transported to any location. This barrier appears as a domed energy structure on the outside which is impervious to some forms of attacks. They are also capable of placing collars on individuals that possess superhuman powers allowing the Kree to suppress such abilities.
• In Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the Kree are shown to be enemies of the Skrull empire.
• In Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. the episode of "Yes Men" has a mention of the Kree where Lady Sif mentions them as being one of the races she had encountered in her travel through the realms. They made a further appearance in the episode "Aftershock". Portrayed as blue skinned humanoids from the world of Hala that required a helium to breath and could alter their skin to resemble humans. Ancient Kree history, Terrigenesis came to worlds and altering the inhabitants during an eons long war where they needed living weapons. A vicious faction among their kind made modifications to native lifeforms through Terrigen Crystals with it believed that these experiments had failed. However, in fact, the ones on Earth were a success but they had gone out of control forcing the Kree to shut them down. Six keys known as Diviners were created that were able to transform the altered humans into Inhumans but these were buried. By the modern day, a signal was activated in one of the abandoned Inhuman cities that alerted the Kree Vin-Tak who came to Earth to check that the Diviners remained buried. His arrival on Earth was detected by Heimdall with Odin dispatching Lady Sif to intercept him. Vin-Tak used his truncheon to render Sif losing her memories. She later met Coulsons S.H.I.E.L.D. and captured Vin-Tak as he sought to examine the crate believed to contain the Diviners. He ultimately revealed his purpose as he intended to stop the rise of the Inhumans as he knew that the ruling faction of his people would return to Earth to use them as slave-soldiers. They later discovered that the Diviners were missing and that Skye had accidently undergone Terrigenesis to become an inhuman. Vin-Tak sought to eliminate her and Sif intended to take her away until Skye demonstrated that she was willing to kill herself rather than become dangerous. Thus, she was left behind whilst Vin-Tak was subjected to amnesia when Bobbi Morse used his own truncheon on him making him forget his mission.

Films

• In the Guardians of the Galaxy film, the Kree were a race of blue skinned aliens that ruled an empire and were led by an emperor. It was shown that at some point in the past that they waged a brutal war with the Nova Empire of Xandar until a peace treaty was signed. However, Ronan the Accuser was dissatisfied with this peace and instead went renegade where he intended to destroy the planet.

Video games

Appearances

• Captain Marvel v1 #16:
• X-Men Unlimited v1 #5:
• Dark Avengers v1 Annual #1:

External Links

• Marvel Database Entry
• Comicvine Entry
• Wikipedia Entry

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