| Character Name: | Orka |
| Publisher: | Marvel Comics |
| Debut: | Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #23 (March 1970)[1] |
| Creators: | Roy Thomas (writer) Marie Severin (artist) |
| Real Name: | Orka |
| Species: | Homo mermanus |
| Alliances: | Heroes for Hire Deep Six Brand Corporation Defenders of the Deep |
| Aliases: | Killer Whale |
| Partners: | Warlord Krang Virago |
| Powers: | Superhuman strength, speed, agility, stamina, size and durability Superhuman swimming speed Ability to breathe both on land and in water Able to communicate with and summon killer whales via high-pitched whistles Orca-based empowerment Formerly: Land adaptation via belt |
Orka is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Roy Thomas and Marie Severin, and has a killer whale theme. Orka primarily appears as a villain fighting the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, She-Hulk, and the Defenders, and also appears as a member of Heroes for Hire.
Orka first appears in Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner #23 (March 1970) and was created by Roy Thomas and Marie Severin.[2]
Orka is an Atlantean soldier who serves Krang and aids him in an attempt to usurp the Atlantean throne from Namor. When this attempt fails, Orka goes into exile and is given orca-based abilities by scientist Lemuel Dorcas.[3] However, he battles Dorcas' other creation Tiger Shark, causing an undersea avalanche that buries them for several months.[4]
Orka eventually escapes and allies with the other-dimensional Virago, and after battling Namor twice is defeated.[5] The Brand Corporation (a subsidiary of Roxxon Energy Corporation) summon Orka with the aid of the Serpent Crown and augment his abilities. Orka is sent on a mission that brings him into conflict with superhero team the Avengers, with Thor knocking him unconscious.[6]
When the Atlantean barbarian Attuma takes over Atlantis, Orka is pardoned from his exile and joins the Imperial Army. Part of an invasion force that attacks the surface world, Orka battles the Avengers and the Fantastic Four, but is defeated by heroine She-Hulk and the Black Panther and imprisoned.[7]
Orka escapes imprisonment[8] and joins marine team Deep Six (also consisting of Attuma, Nagala, Piranha, Sea Urchin and Tiger Shark). The group attack the United States and battles the Avengers and the People's Protectorate and are eventually defeated.[9]
Orka features in several other Marvel titles such as Fantastic Four,[10] She-Hulk[11] and the Defenders.[12] After the events of the Civil War,[13] Orka features in the title Heroes for Hire and joins the team before being killed by a Doombot.[14] [15] [16]
During the "Dark Reign" storyline, Orka appears in Erebus gambling to be resurrected. He is later seen on Pluto's jury during Zeus' trial.[17]
Orka turns up alive and is imprisoned in the Cellar by soldiers working for Regent's company Empire Unlimited.[18]
Orka later appears as a member of Namor's Defenders of the Deep.[19] [20]
Orka possesses superhuman physical abilities, and wields a belt that allows him to remain on land indefinitely. He can communicate with and summon orcas through high-pitched whistles, and gains further strength in their presence.
Orka appears in the Avengers Assemble episode "King Breaker", voiced by Roger Craig Smith.[21]
. Jeff Rovin . . Facts on File . 1987 . New York . 0-8160-1356-X . 254. https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofsu0000rovi_h5r9/page/254/mode/2up