Baron Macabre was created by writer Don McGregor and artist Gil Kane and first appeared in Jungle Action #9 (May 1974). He was one of the allies of Erik Killmonger, the archenemy of Black Panther, the king and protector of Wakanda. Wakanda is a fictional African nation rich in vibranium, a rare and powerful metal that can be used for advanced technology and weapons. Baron Macabre was a Wakandan subversive who wanted to overthrow Black Panther and claim the throne for Killmonger.

Baron Macabre had a unique power: he could reanimate the dead as zombies, which are similar to zombies but retain some of their memories and personality. He used the Resurrection Altar, which was stolen from Wakanda, to give him this ability. He also wore bracelets that could fire electric blasts. He was a master of theatrics and used his zombies to create fear and confusion among his enemies.

Baron Macabre first encountered Black Panther when he attacked him with a horde of zombies in an abandoned graveyard. He taunted Black Panther with his lipless mouth and mocked him with his deathly voice. He claimed that he could resurrect anyone who died in Wakanda, even Black Panther’s father T’Chaka, who killed Ulysses Klaw, another enemy of Wakanda. However, Black Panther was not intimidated by Baron Macabre’s tricks and managed to knock him out with one punch.

Baron Macabre later joined Killmonger and his other allies, such as Venomm, King Cadaver, Sombre, Malice, Lord Karnaj, Salamander K’Ruel, and Madame Slay, in their attempt to take over Wakanda. They fought against Black Panther and his allies, such as W’Kabi, Taku, Monica Lynne, Zatama, Kantu, Tayete, Kazibe, N’Gamo, and T’Challa’s cousin Joshua Itobo. The battle was fierce, and many lives were lost on both sides. Baron Macabre used his zombies to attack Black Panther’s forces, but they were eventually defeated by Black Panther’s superior skills and technology.

Baron Macabre has not appeared much since his debut in the 1970s. He was briefly mentioned in the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition #2 (December 1985) and #15 (March 1987), where he was described as a human mutate empowered by the Resurrection Altar. He has not appeared in any other media besides comic books.