# Firelord (character)

Firelord (Pyreus Kril) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

## Publication history

Firelord first appears in Thor #225 (July 1974) and was created by writer Gerry Conway and penciler John Buscema.

## Fictional character biography

Pyreus Kril is a Xandarian who was born on the planet Xandar, in the Andromeda Galaxy. He is a graduate of the Nova Corps Academy, the military and exploratory force of the planet Xandar. During his commission, he served aboard a Xandarian ship under the command of Gabriel Lan. Gabriel and Pyreus became friends, until Gabriel was abducted by the cosmic entity Galactus and transformed into his herald, the Air-Walker. Pyreus assumes command as captain and begins an obsessive search for Gabriel. Pyreus eventually locates Galactus' vessel and confronts the entity, only to discover that Gabriel was killed in combat. Galactus tells this to Pyreus only after he agrees to serve him as his latest herald.
Pyreus is then transformed into Firelord, and after a period of servitude asked for his freedom. Galactus agrees on the condition that Firelord first find a replacement. Firelord travels to Earth and after an encounter with the Thunder God Thor and Hercules is freed when Thor presents Galactus with the armor of the Asgardian Destroyer to animate and use as a herald. After aiding Thor on several occasions, Firelord returns to deep space. He returns months later with the Shi'ar agent Erik the Red, who tricks Firelord into battling the X-Men.
Several years later Firelord discovers that Thor has battled a robot replica of the Air-Walker, and after revealing the origin of the two heralds to Thor returns to space with the remains of the android. Firelord later encounters Spider-Man in a fight - albeit one provoked by humans who drove Firelord into a temper because they believed that he was a mutant - but he was defeated due to Spider-Man's hit-and-run approach serving as an effective counter to Firelord's raw power. Firelord also meets the Avengers, and assists them against the space-pirate Nebula. Firelord has since aided his fellow herald Silver Surfer on a number of occasions, particularly against Morg. Firelord assisted Thor in his battle against Thanos and his thrall Mangog. Firelord and Air-Walker also helped Nova and the New Warriors fight the Xandarian villain Supernova.

### Annihilation

Firelord battles the Annihilation Wave alongside his fellow heralds, including Red Shift and Stardust. Although wounded at one point, Firelord recovers and seeks vengeance against the remnants of the forces of Annihilus for destroying Xandar.

## Powers and abilities

Pyreus Kril was a normal Xandarian man until transformed by Galactus. Given mastery over the cosmic flame, Firelord wields a flaming staff and can project energy from his eyes and staff. Like all heralds, the Power Cosmic provides Firelord with superhuman strength, reflexes and durability, flight, mastery of the electromagnetic spectrum and total immunity to the rigors of space. Firelord is also capable of travelling faster than the speed of light.
Pyreus Kril graduated from the Xandarian Nova Corps Academy, and in addition to a thorough knowledge of combat has knowledge of advanced alien technology and space navigation.

## Other versions
### Guardians of the Galaxy

In the 31st century of Earth-691, Firelord is an ally of the Guardians of the Galaxy. He is known as "Protector of the Universe", but does not wear the Quantum Bands traditionally assigned to the role. He soon joins the sub-group, the Galactic Guardians.

### Heroes Reborn

Firelord serves Galactus alongside his fellow heralds, with the entire group being worshipped by the Inhumans.

### Marvel Zombies 2

A zombified alternate universe variant of Firelord from Earth-2149 appears in Marvel Zombies 2.

## In other media
### Television

* Firelord appears in the Fantastic Four episode "The Silver Surfer and the Coming of Galactus", voiced by Alan Oppenheimer.
* Firelord makes non-speaking appearances in The Super Hero Squad Show.
* Firelord makes a non-speaking appearance in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes episode "Avengers Assemble".
* Firelord appears in the Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. episode "Planet Hulk", voiced by John DiMaggio.

### Video games

* Firelord appears as a boss in Silver Surfer.