Protector (Marvel Comics) Protector (Marvel Comics) Protector is a fictional superhero in the Marvel Universe. Protector first appeared in "Fantastic Four" #205–206 (April–May 1979), and was created by Marv Wolfman, Keith Pollard, and Joe Sinnott. The character subsequently appears in "Fantastic Four" #208 (July 1979), and "ROM" #24 (November 1981). Protector appeared as part of the "Champions of Xandar" entry in the "Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition" #16. Thoral Rul was the Prime Thoran of Xandar, whose duty was to protect the Xandarian's Living Computers (aka Worldmind). To defend them against the Skrulls, he effected a mind-meld with the Worldmind,
Captain Marvel (DC Comics) abilities. Based on book sales, the character was the most popular superhero of the 1940s, outselling even Superman. Fawcett expanded the franchise to include other "Marvels", primarily Marvel Family associates Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr., who can harness Billy's powers as well. Captain Marvel was also the first comic book superhero to be adapted into film, in a 1941 Republic Pictures serial titled "Adventures of Captain Marvel". Fawcett ceased publishing Captain Marvel-related comics in 1953, partly because of a copyright infringement suit from DC Comics, alleging that Captain Marvel was a copy of Superman. In 1972, DC licensed the