History
The Auanoids were hybrid creatures created by Dr. Lemuel Dorcas, regarded as his most extraordinary and powerful creations. Unlike his earlier experiments, such as Tiger Shark or Orka the Human Killer Whale, the Auanoids were not merely marine life or humanoid—they represented the perfect fusion of both. These "men-fish," as Dorcas referred to them, were designed to possess unparalleled strength, capable of rivaling and potentially surpassing even Namor, the Savage Sub-Mariner.
The group consisted of four distinct hybrids, each exhibiting unique characteristics. One resembled a humanoid black manta ray, another was modeled after a green praying mantis, the third had traits of a purplish humanoid octopus, and the final member displayed characteristics of a purplish-pink reptilian humanoid. Together, the Auanoids embodied Dorcas's vision of combining marine and humanoid forms into formidable and controllable beings.
The Auanoids, alongside Tiger Shark, clashed with Spider-Man and Namor in Dr. Dorcas's undersea base, triggering the facility's self-destruct mechanism. While Spider-Man and Namor managed to escape before the base exploded, Tiger Shark later resurfaced to confront Namor once more. However, the four hybrid creatures have not been seen since the incident and are presumed to have perished in the base's destruction.[1]
The Rise of the Piranha Following the destruction of Dorcas's lab, a normal piranha that survived the explosion was exposed to residual radiation from Dorcas's experiments. This exposure caused it to evolve into a humanoid creature known as the Piranha, with heightened intelligence and psionic abilities. Using his newfound powers, Piranha directed other fish into the radiation, creating additional Men-Fish.[2]
Piranha later relocated to South America, where he attempted to replicate Dorcas's work. Although his experiments only slightly altered the piranhas—granting them the ability to survive in salt water and enhancing their size and intelligence—they further expanded his army of Men-Fish. Hoping to accelerate their evolution, Piranha moved his creations to the Bikini Atoll, exposing them to residual radiation in the area.[3]
When Namor traveled to the Bikini Atoll, Piranha and his school of Men-Fish attacked him. Though Namor initially fled, Piranha pursued him relentlessly. During their battle, Piranha became trapped under wreckage and was gravely injured. Attracted by his blood, his own school of piranhas turned on him, devouring him in a grim twist of fate.[4]
Despite Piranha's apparent death, his influence persisted. The piranhas that consumed him evolved into humanoid forms identical to the original Piranha. These new Piranhas, numbering in the hundreds, developed a macabre game: they would capture humans, forcing them into combat where the victor would be set free, and the loser would be eaten. This led to another confrontation with Namor and the Thing, who ultimately destroyed their underwater arena, seemingly crushing the Piranhas.[5]
Piranha and some Men-Fish were infected with a zombie virus originating from Headpool. The infected Piranha led an assault on the cruise ship S.S. Tranquility, killing passengers and laying eggs to grow his zombie army. Piranha and his Men-Fish were ultimately destroyed by the Midnight Sons. who discovered that Piranha may have been female despite earlier accounts.[6]Habitat
Habitat
Gravity
Atmosphere
Population
Miscellaneous
Representatives
Notes
- Some speculate that Piranha’s humanoid form may have been influenced by Dorcas using DNA from Todd Arliss (Tiger Shark), which could explain his psionic control over sharks.
Trivia
- The pluralization of "piranha" versus "piranhas" is debated. In English, "piranha" is often used for both singular and plural forms, while "piranhas" is correct in Brazilian Portuguese.
- The Aquanoids also received a brief profile in Web of Spider-Man Annual #3 as one of "Spider-Man's Forgotten Foes!" This acknowledgment serves as a testament to their enduring legacy in Marvel's aquatic-themed narratives.
See Also
- 7 appearance(s) of Men-Fish
- 1 appearance(s) in handbook(s) of Men-Fish
- 3 image(s) of Men-Fish
- 2 representative(s) of Men-Fish
Links and References
References
- ↑ Marvel Team-Up #14
- ↑ Sub-Mariner (Vol. 2) #70
- ↑ All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z #8
- ↑ Sub-Mariner (Vol. 2) #71
- ↑ Marvel Two-in-OneVol 1 28
- ↑ Marvel Zombies 4 1