Kra
(King of the alien robots)
Context
The Challengers of the Unknown were one of the lesser lights of the Silver Age , appearing in 1957. They are a fine example of the mash-up of pulps adventure logic, 1950s sci-fi themes, comic book dynamics… Also, Kirby was involved, and the Challs are widely considered a prototype for his later Fantastic Four.
Kra was one of the few recurrent enemies of the Challengers. Here are short, older notes about him.
Background
- Real Name: Kra.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: League of Challenger-Haters.
- Base Of Operations: Mobile.
- Hair: None
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History
His army of robots was defeated by the Challs on Robot Planet [COTU#8]. While in jail awaiting his trial, he read up on the Challengers. He was sentenced to exile to a planet of his choice. Desiring revenge, he chose Earth.
He previously had the ability to teleport through space (Teleportation: 43), but this ability was removed when he was exiled. However, he is still able to teleport anywhere on Earth. Upon his arrival, he began to form the League of Challenger-Haters. It was Kra who invented the Thermo Belt to regulate Volcano Man’s temperature.
After assembling the group of Drabny, Volcano Man, Multi-Man, and himself, Kra declares himself leader of the group. Multi-Man balks at first, but gives in eventually. They battle the Challs and lose. All of this takes place in COTU#42. He was seen as a member of the League again in COTU#45 and 55.
No info about “the alien robots” is available. He was knowledgable about other planets, though, knowing that the League could just go elsewhere if they chose to destroy the Earth. He’s about 10‘ tall.
Description
He’s an oddly formed metallic robot, humanoid in form, though clearly not human.
Personality
Vain and egotistical, Kra is not a villain to be taken too seriously. He acts completely human, complete with human foibles. He once went gaga over Multi-Woman, for example (talk about a bad romance ! – ed.).
Quotes
“Those pesky Challengers will rue the day they came to my world, Robot Planet, and stymied my robot revolution !”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Kra, King of the [Alien] Robots
| Dex: 06 | Str: 10 | Bod: 09 | Motivation: Power Lust |
| Int: 08 | Wil: 04 | Min: 05 | Occupation: Conqueror |
| Inf: 04 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 04 | Resources {or Wealth}: varies |
| Init: 018 | HP: 040 |
Powers:
Skin Armor: 02, Teleportation: 18, Growth: 02, Self Link (Gadgetry): 18
Bonuses and Limitations:
Growth is Always On and is reflected in the above stats.
Skills:
Gadgetry*: 08
Advantages:
Genius, Scholar (COTU) until issue #42.
Drawbacks:
Exile, Loss Vulnerability (loses all stats and Teleportation when immersed in water).
New rules
Self Link (Gadgetry) is what some people might call a Robotic Construction Advantage. Anyone with this power is a Gadget which can be repaired and modified by anyone with Gadgetry. APs represent the highest AP of any ability that the Self Linked Gadget may possess.
Gadgets are of course immune to disease, poison, etc and have no need to breathe. They are also immune to most mental powers unless those mental powers specifically affect robotic characters.
Source of Character: DC Comics (Challenger of the Unknown comics).