Zabu

{{Expand section|date=November 2012}}

He first appeared in X-Men #10 (March 1965),{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=436}} created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Zabu starred in the Pet Avengers series.

Zabu was born in the Savage Land. While still a cub, his mother and siblings were killed by human hunters. He wandered the Savage Land on his own, teaching himself how to survive as he grew to adulthood. His mate was among the Smilodons killed by a Man-Ape tribe led by Maa-Gor. Zabu encountered a young boy named Kevin Plunder as he was about to be attacked by a group of Man-Apes. Zabu saved Kevin, and the two became companions. Zabu protected the boy as he grew to adulthood, and eventually took on the name Ka-Zar, which means "Son of the Tiger". Zabu was brought to near-human intelligence due to exposure to radioactive mists.

Zabu helps Ka-Zar battle many enemies. For example, in Ka-Zar: Lord of the Hidden Jungle #3 they confront El Tigre and Maa-Gor's Man-God form. This particular battle resulted in El Tigre mentally controlling Zabu for a time, causing him to attack Ka-Zar. El Tigre lost control before any serious injuries happened. The assistance of Bobbi Morse was vital in rescuing Zabu's mind.Ka-Zar: Lord of the Hidden Jungle #2-4 (1974). Marvel Comics. Later, Zabu is involved with one of the earlier confrontations with the demonic Belasco. This involves the seeming death of a good friend, 'Dherk'.Ka-Zar the Savage #12 (March 1982). Marvel Comics. Zabu teams up with the X-Men to root out villains in the Savage Land.Marvel Fanfare #4 (September 1982). Marvel Comics.

Zabu's family grows by two when Ka-Zar marries Shanna the She-Devil and they later have a son named Matthew. Zabu befriends the Savage Land native, Zira, who becomes Matthew's nanny. He also assists when Gregor, a hunter, kidnaps Matthew.Ka-Zar (vol. 3) #1-3 (May–July 1997). Marvel Comics.

Zabu left the Savage Land in at least one instance, venturing to New York City with Ka-Zar during marital difficulties; his master was having difficulty controlling an addiction to outside technology. Zabu had many adventures in New York City, as he assisted Ka-Zar and Shanna against Parnival Plunder, who wished to kill them all.Ka-Zar (vol. 3) #3-9 (1997-1998). Marvel Comics. In a follow-up to these sequence of adventures, as Kevin attempts to clear out their New York holdings, Zabu is forced to act as a seeing eye tiger. His master had been temporarily blinded and deafened in a subway shoot-out, framed for it and pursued by the police and the Punisher. During this, Zabu practices his jumping, as he keeps blowing them, causing property damage.Ka-Zar (vol. 3) #14-16 (1998). Marvel Comics.

In a Spider-Man family one-shot in issue #6, the secondary story is about Zabu having emotional troubles, knowing that he has no family left. Ka-Zar asked Peter to watch Zabu while he attends a world summit on global warming. Later, Peter's Aunt May (completely unaware that Zabu is hiding in the garage, because after Uncle Ben was killed, she tries to stay away from there) told Peter that this is how she felt, knowing she has outlived her friends, husband, and relatives. Peter uses this to bond with Zabu. Peter took Zabu to a museum to interact with the fake saber-toothed cats on display, and they were almost caught by a guard. Peter told Zabu to pull a "Calvin and Hobbes" maneuver, to which he played as though he were a stuffed animal, leaving Peter stunned at Zabu's intelligence. Afterward, Zabu felt better and Ka-Zar picked him up from Spider-Man.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=September 2010}} Zabu and Ka-Zar returned apparently months later, and teamed up with Spidey to fight Sauron. Zabu jumped on Peter/Spider-Man and seemed to be hugging him; Ka-Zar said this was a sign that he was part of Zabu's family, and that he had not seen Zabu do this for quite some time.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=April 2009}}

Around this time, hyper-evolved dino-humanoids try to take the entirety of the Savage Land. Zabu fights in a resistance cell with an array of inhabitants, hampered by the fact that Ka-Zar is psychically bonded to the forces controlled by the evil Brainchild. In the end, involved X-Men make friends with the humanoids.The Uncanny X-Men #457-459 (May–July 2005). Marvel Comics.

Zabu is part of the resistance army when the Savage Land comes under attack by resource-stealing Skrulls disguised as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. An array of Avengers help beat back this invasion, unaware of the Skrull involvement.The New Avengers #4-5 (April–May 2005). Marvel Comics.

During the "Secret Invasion" storyline, Zabu was present when the Skrull ship landed in the Savage Land. He helped Shanna and Ka-Zar battle the Skrulls, killing the Skrull pretending to be Jessica Jones.Secret Invasion #5 (2008). Marvel Comics. Tie-in issues at this point flashback to Zabu assisting his family in battling the murderous S.H.I.E.L.D. impostors.The New Avengers #38-39 (2008). Marvel Comics.

Zabu joined with other animal sidekicks to form the Pet Avengers. Mentally linked to each other by one of the Infinity Gems, they joined to fight Thanos. The gems were noted for increasing the intelligence of the animals. The mental link also includes President Obama's dog, Bo, an honorary member of the team. During the series, Zabu survives a confrontation with Devil Dinosaur and being swallowed by the monster Giganto.Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #2-4 (2009). Marvel Comics. In another incident, Zabu and his fellow Pet Avengers travel to China to confront a small group of ancient dragons. This incident leads to them fighting the human Avengers. The confrontation ends well, earning Zabu and the others their own personal home-away-from-home on the grounds of the Avengers Mansion.Pet Avengers Vs. Avengers #1-4 (2010-2011). Marvel Comics.

Zabu becomes involved in the fight when a zombie infestation, caused by the infected alternate reality version of Deadpool, reaches his homeland.Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #1 (September 2009). Marvel Comics.

Zabu and the Pet Avengers become involved in a power struggle in the land of Asgard; this situation could lead to the end of all reality.Thor and the Warriors Four #4 (September 2010). Marvel Comics.

During the "Empyre" storyline, Zabu and Ka-Zar later work for the Avengers as part of the Agents of Wakanda.Empyre: Avengers #1 (2020). Marvel Comics. Ka-Zar's son Matthew has matured enough to join the family in defense of the Savage Land against the Cotati.Empyre: Avengers #2 (2020). Marvel Comics.

Zabu possesses the natural abilities associated with saber-toothed cats like Smilodon. The character has razor sharp claws and teeth, heightened sense of smell, remarkable hearing, two sabre-teeth, night vision.{{Cite web |last=Raguparan |first=RaguVarman |date=2022-12-20 |title=10 Scariest Pets In Marvel Comics |url=https://www.cbr.com/scary-marvel-pets/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315030632/https://www.cbr.com/scary-marvel-pets/ |url-status=live }} Zabu ages at a slow rate as well.Marvel Pets Handbook #1. Marvel Comics. The character developed near human intelligence because of a mutation caused by radioactive mists.{{Cite web |last=Shaffery |first=Kevin |date=2020-06-04 |title=Which Superhero Pet Are You, Based On Your Zodiac? |url=https://www.cbr.com/superhero-pet-zodiac-signs/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=CBR |language=en}}

Kevin Lee of Screen Rant included Zabu in their "10 Best From DC & Marvel" list,{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Kevin |date=2022-04-26 |title=Super-Pets: The 10 Best From DC & Marvel |url=https://screenrant.com/best-super-pets-dc-marvel-comics/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203103242/https://screenrant.com/best-super-pets-dc-marvel-comics/ |url-status=live }} while Bradley Prom included him in their "10 Best Animal Characters Who Should Join The MCU" list.{{Cite web |last=Prom |first=Bradley |date=2022-08-12 |title=10 Best Animal Characters Who Should Join The MCU |url=https://screenrant.com/best-animal-characters-should-join-mcu/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=ScreenRant |language=en |archive-date=2023-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205184818/https://screenrant.com/best-animal-characters-should-join-mcu/ |url-status=live }} Darby Harn of CBR.com ranked Zabu 10th in their "10 Most Iconic Pets In Marvel Comics" list,{{Cite web |last=Harn |first=Darby |date=2020-05-11 |title=10 Most Iconic Pets In Marvel Comics, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-most-iconic-pets-ranked/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203103242/https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-most-iconic-pets-ranked/ |url-status=live }} while Kevin Shaffery ranked him 8th in their "15 Coolest Pets In Comic Books" list,{{Cite web |last=Shaffery |first=Kevin |date=2019-08-05 |title=The 15 Coolest Pets In Comic Books, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-pets-ranked/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=2023-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205182756/https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-pets-ranked/ |url-status=live }} and Michael Austin ranked him 10th in their "10 Most Powerful Animals In Marvel Comics" list.{{Cite web |last=Austin |first=Michael |date=2020-03-01 |title=The 10 Most Powerful Animals In Marvel Comics, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/most-powerful-animals-marvel-comics-ranked/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=CBR |language=en |archive-date=2022-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203103243/https://www.cbr.com/most-powerful-animals-marvel-comics-ranked/ |url-status=live }} The A.V. Club ranked Zabu 21st in their "21 Top Superhero Pets" list.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-30 |title=Best in show: The 21 top superhero pets |url=https://www.avclub.com/dc-league-super-pets-krypto-lockheed-lockjaw-bruce-zabu-1849333889 |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The A.V. Club |language=en}}

In the House of M reality, Zabu appeared as a picture in a Daily Bugle article about Ka-Zar and his seeking of asylum in the United States.

Zabu and Ka-Zar are seen infected with the zombie virus, eating Barbarus and other super-powered inhabitants of the Savage Land.Marvel Zombies vs. The Army of Darkness #3 (2007). Marvel Comics.

In this reality, Zabu is actually a tiger with Smilodon-like fangs rather than looking like a traditional Smilodon as he looks in the main Marvel universe. Flashbacks reveal that Zabu, Shanna, and Ka-Zar have been together since childhood.Ultimates (vol. 3) #3 (2008). Marvel Comics.

• Zabu appears in the Spider-Man episode "The Hunter and the Hunted".{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}
• Zabu appears in X-Men: The Animated Series.{{Cite web |title=Every Non-Mutant Superhero That's Ever Appeared in X-Men: The Animated Series |url=https://comicbook.com/news/every-non-mutant-guest-star-thats-ever-appeared-in-x-men-the-ani/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=Comicbook.com |date=5 September 2017 |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331084259/https://comicbook.com/news/every-non-mutant-guest-star-thats-ever-appeared-in-x-men-the-ani/ |url-status=live }}
• Zabu appears in The Super Hero Squad Show, with his vocal effects provided by Steve Blum.{{Cite web |url=http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0907/28/voices.htm |title=Comics Continuum |access-date=2009-09-10 |archive-date=2009-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731111809/http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0907/28/voices.htm |url-status=dead }} This version wears a collar made from Star Quartz, a material capable of binding and merging any metal in the presence of Vibranium.
• Zabu appears in Ultimate Spider-Man as a member of the New Warriors.{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Brian |date=2016-08-31 |title=Squirrel Girl Is Coming to TV in Marvel's New Warriors Series |url=https://movieweb.com/new-warriors-tv-show-squirrel-girl-marvel-series/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=MovieWeb |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331084656/https://movieweb.com/new-warriors-tv-show-squirrel-girl-marvel-series/ |url-status=live }}
• Zabu makes a cameo appearance in the Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. episode "Savage Land".{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}

• Zabu makes a cameo appearance in Amaterasu's ending in Marvel vs. Capcom 3.{{r|MTV MVC Cameos}}
• Zabu appears in Marvel: Avengers Alliance.{{citation needed|date=November 2014}}
• Zabu appears in Marvel Snap.{{Cite web |title=Marvel Snap Decks - Best Zabu Decks |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-snap-decks-best-zabu-decks/1100-6510954/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331084300/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/marvel-snap-decks-best-zabu-decks/1100-6510954/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Velde |first=Issy van der |date=2023-01-10 |title=Marvel Snap Will Feature Warrior Falls Less Amid New Balance Changes |url=https://www.thegamer.com/marvel-snap-january-patch-notes/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}

• Zabu received a figure in Toy Biz's "X-Men: Savage Land" set alongside Ka-Zar.
• Zabu, alongside Ka-Zar, received a 7-inch statue from sculptor Mark Newman.
• Zabu received a figure in HeroClix's "The Incredible Hulk" expansion set alongside Ka-Zar.

{{Reflist|2|refs=)

{{cite web | url = https://www.mtv.com/news/2462656/marvel-vs-capcom-3-cameos/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211211014838/https://www.mtv.com/news/2462656/marvel-vs-capcom-3-cameos/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = December 11, 2021 | title = Every 'Marvel VS. Capcom 3' Cameos - Worlds Truly Colliding | author = Cipriano, Jason | publisher = MTV | date = 16 February 2011 | work = MTV News | accessdate = 6 November 2021}}

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• [http://marvel.wikia.com/Zabu_(Earth-616) Zabu] at Marvel Wiki

{{Ka-Zar}}

{{Jack Kirby}}

{{Stan Lee}}

Category:Animal superheroes

Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby

Category:Characters created by Stan Lee

Category:Comics characters introduced in 1965

Category:Fictional prehistoric characters

Category:Fictional saber-toothed cats

Category:Marvel Comics animals

Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman senses

Category:Marvel Comics male characters

Category:Savage Land

Category:X-Men supporting characters