Marvel Comics
MANDARIN
172
APPEARANCES
542
TOTAL ISSUES
56
SERIES
The Mandarin is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the archenemy of Iron Man. The character was created by Stan Lee and designed by Don Heck, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #50 (cover-dated Feb. 1964). The character is described as being born in China before the Communist revolution, to a wealthy Chinese father and an English aristocratic mother, both of whom died when he was very young. He is characterized as a megalomaniac, attempting to conquer the world on several occasions, yet also possessing a strong sense of honor. The Mandarin is portrayed as a genius scientist and a super-humanly skilled martial artist. However, his primary sources of power are ten power rings that he adapted from the alien technology of a crashed space ship. Each ring has a different power and is worn on a specific finger.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Tales of Suspense #50
February 1964
Earliest catalogued appearance of Mandarin.
CREATORS
Writers and artists on Mandarin's earliest appearances.
