The Living Shadows

History: Claiming to be from a planet on the opposite side of the sun, Warlord Kaa's people developed a chemical which allowed them to change their shapes. Coming to Earth, Kaa and his warriors transformed themselves into shadow-like forms and then hid within the shadows of humans. An Earthman discovered their scheme and went to the United Nations for help. Many of the shadow warriors were captured, but Kaa escaped, vowing to return.

In modern times, Warlord Kaa returned and gained psychic control of the shadow of The Incredible Hulk, but was defeated when his form was apparently destroyed by exposure to bright floodlights.

Kaa later reformed his body and contacted his homeworld. Several shadow warriors returned to help him in an all-out invasion attempt. Kaa and his warriors fought the super-group known as the Champions; all of the Living Shadows were apparently destroyed.

In a Defenders tale, Warlord Kaa and the Living Shadows were summoned back to Earth as part of a worldwide attack. Kaa's forces arrived in Ontario, where it was mentioned that they were battling Alpha Flight, the Canadian super-group.

Height: Variable
Demonstrated Powers: The Living Shadows could alter their size and shape to a two-dimensional, black shadow-like form. They would use this power to hide within the shadows of humans. Later stories had the Living Shadows with the ability to possess the minds of humans whose shadows they inhabited.

Equipment: Flying saucer

Comment: In Yellow Claw # 4 (1957), “The Living Shadows” by Jack Kirby, similar other-dimensional shadow aliens were featured; possible connection to Warlord Kaa?

In Tales of Suspense # 7, “I Come From the Shadow World” by Steve Ditko, a similar shadow creature appears. This Shadow Man, who came from “the Shadow World in the next dimension”, was destroyed by bright lights surrounding it (similar to Warlord Kaa's demise in the Hulk story).

In Marvel Spotlight (vol. 2) # 9 (art by Ditko), Captain Universe battled the shadowy Mister E from another dimension.

The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition named this dimension the Shadow Realm and established that Warlord Kaa and Mister E both came from there.

The House of Shadows, which Dr. Strange encountered in Strange Tales # 120, may also be from the Shadow Realm.

Comment: Stories with shadowy creatures can be found in Strange Tales # 3, Journey Into Mystery # 46, Astonishing # 48, and Adventures Into Terror # 7 (see Joe the Invisble Goon); is it possible that these entities were also from the “Shadow Realm”?

For another entry on Warlord Kaa, click HERE.

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