N’Kantu, the Living Mummy, first appeared in Supernatural Thrillers #5 (August 1973), created by Steve Gerber and Rich Buckler. He was introduced as a standalone character in a story set in Cairo, Egypt, where he awakened from his slumber and rampaged through the city. He returned two issues later, where he was transported to New York City by a mystical artifact. From then on, he became the main feature of the series, which ran until issue #15 (October 1975). The series chronicled his adventures in the modern world, as well as his flashbacks to his ancient past.

N’Kantu was born 3,000 years ago in Northern Africa, as the son of T’Chombi, the chief of the Swarili tribe. He proved himself as a warrior by slaying a lion in a rite of passage, and became the chieftain after his father’s death. His life changed when his village was raided by the armies of Pharaoh Aram-Set, who enslaved hundreds of Swarili people and forced them to build monuments for him. N’Kantu led a rebellion against the Egyptians, and managed to kill Aram-Set with his spear. However, he was captured by Nephrus, the royal wizard, who injected him with a special fluid that granted him immortality but paralyzed his body. Nephrus then wrapped him in linen bandages and buried him alive in a sarcophagus.

N’Kantu remained trapped in his tomb for centuries, until he was accidentally freed by archaeologists in the 20th century. He discovered that his body had decayed into a mummified state, but he still retained his consciousness and superhuman strength. He also developed mystic senses that allowed him to perceive supernatural forces. He wandered the world, seeking answers to his condition and a way to end his curse.

Along the way, he encountered many allies and enemies, both human and non-human. He joined forces with other outcasts such as the Legion of Monsters and the Howling Commandos. He fought against ancient foes such as Rakses, the necromancer who had a grudge against him since their first encounter in Egypt. He also faced modern threats such as Hydra and A.I.M., who wanted to exploit his powers for their own purposes.

One of the most significant events in N’Kantu’s life was when he met Anubis, the Egyptian god of death. Anubis offered him a peaceful death in exchange for his servitude. N’Kantu agreed, hoping to finally find rest after millennia of suffering. However, he soon realized that Anubis had ulterior motives, and that he was using him as a pawn in a cosmic conflict. N’Kantu rebelled against Anubis, and helped to stop his plans of unleashing chaos upon the world.

N’Kantu has not appeared much in recent years, but he is still alive and active in the Marvel Universe. He has made cameo appearances in various comics, such as Avengers: The Initiative and Fear Itself: The Home Front. He has also appeared in other media, such as the animated series Ultimate Spider-Man and Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., where he was voiced by Oded Fehr. He also appeared as a playable character in the video game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2.