Xemu (comics)

Xemu (comics)

Xemu is the ruler of a dimension in the Marvel Comics universe.

The character, created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby, first appeared in Strange Tales #103 (December 1962). His name was spelled "Zemu" in this initial appearance, but was changed to Xemu when he reappeared in Fantastic Four #158 (May 1975).

Within the context of the stories, Xemu is a would-be conqueror who has sometime ruled a world in the so-called "Fifth Dimension". When a house-building firm tries to establish a lot in the region of a portal to Xemu's dimension, one of Xemu's agents causes the houses to sink into the ground. The Human Torch investigates, but has his powers sapped by an energy ray and is taken to the Fifth Dimension and imprisoned. Rebels led by the scientist Phineas freed the Torch, who helps them depose Xemu and allow Phineas to take his place.

Eventually, Xemu escapes and overthrows Phineas, determined to once again try to take over the Earth. He invades Attilan and captures the Inhumans' Royal Family. Xemu wishes for Black Bolt to power his Thunder Horn's devastating sonic powers and cause Earth's governments to surrender to him. He forces Quicksilver to retrieve his wife Crystal, who was serving as a member of the Fantastic Four at the time. The Fantastic Four overpower Xemu's troops, and the Human Torch follows Xemu to the Fifth Dimension and recaptures him, allowing Phineas to resume his rule.