WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Empyre: Avengers #2 by Jim Zub, Carlos Magno, Espen Grundetjern, & VC's Ariana Maher, on sale now

The forces of the Cotati have proven surprisingly resilient against the heroes of Earth, with the Avengers barely containing the massive threat they accidentally had a part in unleashing on the galaxy. They've even seemingly killed some very notable heroes, such as Black Panther and She-Hulk, during their attempted conquest of Earth.

Now, another Avenger has fallen to the Cotati forces - with one of their warriors seemingly murdering Ka-Zar in the Savage Land.

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The Cotati army has done a good job of spreading throughout the entire Marvel Universe. While the majority of their focus has been on Wakanda, there has also been a notable invasion of the Savage Land. Although a small group of heroes has made their way to the primordial landscape, they've found resistance in the form of a Cotati armada, as well as two former allies now under the plant life's control: a Man-Thing and Ka-Zar's wife, Shanna the She-Devil. Having been restored to life once before by the mystical properties of the Savage Land, Shanna has proven susceptible to the Cotati's influence.

The Avengers are able to regain a bit of footing against the Cotati while Scarlet Witch tries to break into Shanna's mind to show her the truth about the Cotati. Eventually dragging Ka-Zar into his wife's mind, Scarlet Witch is able to set up the pair to finally discuss issues with their relationship. Shanna is tired of seeing Ka-Zar leave her and the Savage Land. Ka-Zar understands and promises to remain in the Savage Land after this battle - seemingly setting him up to leave the Avengers. But it might be a moot point, as one of the Cotati sees the opening and pounces. Before anyone can stop him, the Cotati warrior is able to run Ka-Zar through with his sword, stabbing him in the back and right through the chest.

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ka-zar and shanna

Ka-Zar was actually one of the first Marvel characters. Originally appearing in a pulp magazine in 1936, Ka-Zar's story was serialized as one of the four comics featured in Marvel Comics #1. The original version of the character, David Rand, was the survivor of a plane crash in the Congo jungle who eventually adapted to the environment and became known as Ka-Zar. A new version of the character named Kevin Plunder first appeared in the pages of X-Men #10 as the unexpected guardian of the Savage Land.

This means that Ka-Zar is technically one of the very first Marvel heroes alongside the original Human Torch and Namor, a history that dates back nearly a century. Since then, Ka-Zar, his trusty sabertooth tiger Zabu, his wife Shanna and their son Matthew have become a regular fixture of the Marvel Universe. Over the years, Ka-Zar has worked with heroes like Spider-Man and the Avengers (where he currently serves as a member of the Agents of Wakanda) and fought against enemies such as Thanos.

Ka-Zar's death is shocking, but the secret to his restoration might be right in front of the heroes. Shanna was also murdered in the Savage Land, but exposure to mysterious elements of the jungle revived her and even made her stronger. The same could likely be done to Ka-Zar, especially with Doctor Voodoo controlling the Man-Thing. This would restore Ka-Zar and tie him forever to the Savage Land - which would still likely mean his departure from the Avengers, but also give him a significant power boost. It could also give one of Marvel's oldest heroes a surprisingly effective power boost, allowing him to serve better as a protector of the Savage Land going forward. It's still a monumental demise for one of Marvel's oldest heroes, and a solid kill for the same Cotati who've also apparently killed She-Hulk and Black Panther.

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