John King is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the cousin of Parker Robbins, the supervillain known as "the Hood".
Manny Montana portrayed the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series Ironheart (2025).
Publication history John King first appeared in the MAX limited series The Hood in 2002, and was created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Kyle Hotz. After a five-year hiatus, he reappeared in the New Avengers miniseries The Trust, and also appeared in the fourth issue of Secret Invasion. He was a recurring character in the Dark Reign: The Hood series, which began in 2009, and appeared in The Siege: Storming Asgard miniseries.
Fictional character biography John King is the cousin of Parker Robbins (who would later become the Hood). King and Robbins are close friends and both work as criminals in New York City. The two attempt to raid a warehouse said to be housing a valuable cargo, where the demon Nisanti attacks King. Robbins seemingly kills Nisanti and takes its cloak and boots, giving him magical powers. Robbins and King later attempt to intercept a diamond heist, during which Robbins accidentally shoots a police officer. King takes the blame for the incident and is taken into custody. Robbins frames Madame Rapier for shooting the police officer, which allows King to be set free.Hood #1-4 (July - October 2002)
Following the "Civil War" storyline, the Hood assembles a crime syndicate to take advantage of the discord caused by the Superhuman Registration Act. King attends an auction held by Owl and attempts to auction off a Deathlok replica until Hood attacks the auction and apparently kills Owl.New Avengers #33 (October 2007) King later tells the syndicate of his plans to use the Deathlok replica to help him rob a bank.New Avengers #35 (December 2007) He succeeds, but is captured by the New Avengers shortly afterward when they raid his hideout.New Avengers #36 (January 2008)New Avengers #37 (February 2008)
During the Dark Reign storyline, John King becomes the Hood's lieutenant.Dark Reign: The Hood #1 (July 2009) King is arrested by Force and the authorities, who have learned that he is working with the Hood. However, Hood has Norman Osborn bail out King and the other villains.Dark Reign: The Hood #3 (September 2009) King carries out another heist for the Hood, this time giving instructions to Squid and Man-Fish to raid a cargo ship.Dark Reign: The Hood #4 (October 2009) King later tells Hood about the Controller sowing discord amongst his villain allies.Dark Reign: The Hood #5 (November 2009)
John King is approached by Thanos to join his incarnation of Zodiac, leading the team as Cancer.Avengers Assemble (vol. 2) #1 (May 2012) The Zodiac is tasked with stealing several powerful items to bring balance to Earth and the cosmos. Captured after a battle with the Avengers and after the death of most of his teammates, King was told by Captain America during interrogation that most of the dead Zodiac members were merely lackeys for other villains like he was to Hood. King reveals Thanos's plan to them.Avengers Assemble (vol. 2) #2 (June 2012)
Powers and abilities John King possesses no superhuman powers or abilities.
As Cancer, King wears a special super-suit given to him by Thanos that gives him the appearance of a humanoid crab.
In other media John King appears in Ironheart, portrayed by Manny Montana. This version is a member of a Chicago street crew led by his cousin, the Hood. During a heist at the Heirlum agricultural facility, King finds out about Riri Williams investigating Stuart Clarke's death and attacks her. Williams leaves him to suffocate as the room fills with carbon monoxide.
References
External links John King at Marvel Wiki John King at Comic Vine John King at Comic Book Database