Membership:
Ja-Kal,
Armon, Rath,
Nefer-Tina,
Kahti
The Mummies
Membership:
Ja-Kal,
Armon, Rath,
Nefer-Tina,
Kahti
Purpose: To protect the young Pharoah Rapses, even in reincarnated form after their own deaths
Affiliations: Presley Carnovan / Rapses
Enemies: Scarab, Arakh, Kimas, Talos, Nuhn, Chontra, Geb, Net, Bes, Sekhmet, Apep, Set, Anubis, The Eye Of Darkness, Bastet, Griffin
Base of Operations: Inside the Sphinx at the Rapses Exhibition, City Museum, San Francisco Bay area
First Appearance: Mummies Alive! Episode #1 "Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra!" (15th September 1997)
History: Ancient Egypt, 1525 B.C. The Pharoah Amenhotep rules his people wisely and fairly. His son, Rapses, still only a youth of 12, shows signs of growing up to be even wiser than his sire. Amenhotep's vizier had other plans though. Hungry for power, the vizier decided that if Rapses was to die, then Amenhotep would have to choose a new heir. So he arranged for the death of the boy. Since the child had four bodyguards, sworn to protect them in this life and the next, he had them slain too. However his plot was exposed, albeit too late, and the vizier was entombed alive.
Eventually the vizier escaped his imprisonment, his life extended through magical means. His idea of becoming Pharoah was now pointless, as Egypt was no longer the centre of all civilisation it once was. Using his powers (and perhaps ancient knowledge of the location of hidden treasures), the vizier became fabulously wealthy. Then he realised that while magic had extended his life, he was not truly immortal, and would one day die. Not wishing to submit to fate, he figured out that he could use the spirit of the boy he had killed to fuel a spell that would grant him genuine immortality. However he discovered the child had been reincarnated in modern times. So three and a half thousand years after his original murder, the vizier, now calling himself Scarab, financed an exhibition of artifacts taken from Rapses tomb, seeking to pull the reincarnated soul to him. The plan worked; young Presley Carnovan, the reborn Pharoah's son, was drawn unwittingly back to his old possessions.
However Scarab was thwarted in his plot to harm the child this second time. Rapses four guardians, who had sworn to protect him even beyond the grave, had been mummified alongside him, and when Presley was threatened they awoke. Each was gifted with divine power from Ra, allowing them to transform into armoured avatars of different animals. Scarab fled, but continues to plot the death of Presley. And the mummies, bound by their oath to guard him, continue to stand in his way.
These days
the mummies reside in the Sphinx in the museum exhibition, venturing out
to look after their charge, and returning to their sarcophagi when they need
to recharge their energies. Scarab has tried to have the exhibit removed,
the museum shut and the building torn down on one occasion, but the mummies
managed to organise a demonstration that stopped this, although the museum
remains closed to the public. Which only makes it an even more convenient
location for the mummies to make their base. The exhibit also houses a mystical
portal called the Western Gate, visible only to ancient Egyptians, and then
only when it is open, which is at night or during an eclipse. This portal
is a dangerous thing, because it allows access to our world to evil demons
and spirits from ancient egypt.
When out and about the mummies travel around in a bizarre vehicle built by Rath called the Hot-Ra, which is capable of winged flight. Rath has also built flying Nile-Ator Jet Cycles.
Comments: Mummies Alive seems to have run for one season of forty-two episodes. As well as the TV series, there was a range of action figures from Kenner Toys released the same year
Ja-Kal
Identity/Class: Undead human (mummy) with magical powers Occupation: (in ancient Egypt) Hunter; (later and into modern times) Protector of Prince Rapses Affiliations: The rest of the mummies, Presley Enemies: Scarab, Scorpion of the Desert (Arakh), Kimas Known Relatives: Tia (wife, now deceased); Padjet (baby son, now deceased); Arakh (brother); Kimas (nephew) Aliases: None known First Appearance: Mummies Alive! Episode #1 "Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra!" (15th September 1997) Powers/Abilities: All the mummies are undead - they don't need to breathe or eat, they have no internal organs, no pulse, no body fluids. Being already dead, they can be difficult to hurt; they can also pull horrific skeletal faces to shock people. They have become skilled at using their wrappings as lassoes or climbing ropes, or even to swing around on, a la Tarzan or Spider-Man. They all also know an ancient fighting style, a type of martial art, which they have dubbed Egypt-Tsu. By shouting "With the Strength of Ra!" Ja-Kal can activate the amulet on his neck (which glows red) and create a suit of armour with a falcon-headed helmet and golden wings. This armour allows him to fly, and comes equipped with a bow capable of shooting burning arrows. He also uses a boomerang like weapon called the boomer-ra, and has talons on his gauntlets.
Since waking in modern times, Ja-Kal has discovered that his brother Arakh and nephew Kimas were both also mummified. Sadly Arakh has turned to evil, working for Scarab, and like his sibling he can invoke magical armour, in his case that of a scorpion. Kimas can do likewise, and worked with his father until his uncle managed to convince him that he was on the wrong side. Comments: Ja-Kal is voiced by Dale Wilson In spite of what it says in the powers, the mummies do have organs. They just aren't internal any more, having been removed during mummification, and stored in Canopic jars. These jars now lie next to the mummies' sarcophagi at the exhibit. |
Armon
Identity/Class: Undead human (mummy) with magical powers Occupation: (in ancient Egypt) soldier; (later and into modern times) Protector of Prince Rapses Affiliations: The rest of the mummies, Presley Enemies: Scarab Known Relatives: None known Aliases: None known First Appearance: Mummies Alive! Episode #1 "Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra!" (15th September 1997) Powers/Abilities: All the mummies are undead - they don't need to breathe or eat, they have no internal organs, no pulse, no body fluids. Being already dead, they can be difficult to hurt; they can also pull horrific skeletal faces to shock people. They have become skilled at using their wrappings as lassoes or climbing ropes, or even to swing around on, a la Tarzan or Spider-Man. They all also know an ancient fighting style, a type of martial art, which they have dubbed Egypt-Tsu. By shouting "With the Strength of Ra!" Armon can activate the amulet on his neck (which glows yellow) and create a suit of armour with a ram's head helmet. This armour gives him a new arm, and grants him incredible strength (though he is pretty strong even without the armour).
Armon is a basic soul, enjoying the simple things in life - food, good company, and in modern times, television. Back when he was alive he claims to have had girlfriends like "Anubis has fleas". Though he doesn't need to eat, being dead and all, he does so anyway with great gusto. He and Rath get on each other's nerves. In battle Armon's great strength means he likes to just plough in and fight with his bare hands. Comments: Armon was voiced by Graeme Kingston. In spite of what it says in the powers, the mummies do have organs. They just aren't internal any more, having been removed during mummification, and stored in Canopic jars. These jars now lie next to the mummies' sarcophagi at the exhibit. |
Rath
Identity/Class: Undead human (mummy) with magical powers Occupation: (in ancient Egypt) Scribe to the Pharoah; (later and into modern times) Protector of Prince Rapses Affiliations: (in Egypt) Chontra (pupil and girlfriend); (in modern times) The rest of the mummies (team mates), Presley (pupil and charge); Theo, Rosey, Wilcox, and Max (four homeless people who befriended him during a bout of amnesia) Enemies: Scarab Known Relatives: None known Aliases: Ace First Appearance: Mummies Alive! Episode #1 "Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra!" (15th September 1997) Powers/Abilities: All the mummies are undead - they don't need to breathe or eat, they have no internal organs, no pulse, no body fluids. Being already dead, they can be difficult to hurt; they can also pull horrific skeletal faces to shock people. They have become skilled at using their wrappings as lassoes or climbing ropes, or even to swing around on, a la Tarzan or Spider-Man. They all also know an ancient fighting stule, a type of martial art, which they have dubbed Egypt-Tsu. By shouting "With the Strength of Ra!" Rath can activate the amulet on his neck (which glows green) and create a suit of armour with a snake-headed helmet and a long tail. His agility and this tail are his main weapons in combat, but he is also armed with a sword (that can transform into a snake if handled by anyone other than Rath), and can perform magical incantations. Rath is the smartest mummy and serves as the team's magical technician and engineer. He uses a small (large enough to sit on top of a table) pyramid to devine the location of things. He has a wand which he can spin to point in the direction of things too. Rath built and maintains the mummies' vehicles.
Like the others Rath was mummified, and like the others he awoke in modern times when the reincarnation of Rapses was threatened. Now he has resumed his role as tutor and guardian, although he sometimes gets aggravated when Presley (the Prince's new incarnation) brings up science that contradicts what Rath was taught back in Egypt. Though he wouldn't admit it, he actually does like and care about his team mates. His old love Chontra has survived the millennia too, corrupted by her magics and still bearing a grudge for having been dumped three and a half thousand years ago. Comments: Rath's voice was provided by Scott McNeil. In spite of what it says in the powers, the mummies do have organs. They just aren't internal any more, having been removed during mummification, and stored in Canopic jars. These jars now lie next to the mummies' sarcophagi at the exhibit. Rath is extremely learned and loves to acquire more knowledge. However as the smartest member of the group, he is reluctant to admit ignorance of a topic. He also loves to invent things, such as the team's various modes of transport. |
Nefer-Tina
Identity/Class: Undead human (mummy) with magical powers Occupation: (in ancient Egypt) Chariot driver; (later and into modern times) Protector of Prince Rapses Affiliations: (in ancient Egypt) Kenna (friend); (modern times) The rest of the mummies, Presley Enemies: Scarab Known Relatives: None known Aliases: Nefer First Appearance: Mummies Alive! Episode #1 "Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra!" (15th September 1997) Powers/Abilities: All the mummies are undead - they don't need to breathe or eat, they have no internal organs, no pulse, no body fluids. Being already dead, they can be difficult to hurt; they can also pull horrific skeletal faces to shock people. They have become skilled at using their wrappings as lassoes or climbing ropes, or even to swing around on, a la Tarzan or Spider-Man. They all also know an ancient fighting stule, a type of martial art, which they have dubbed Egypt-Tsu. By shouting "With the Strength of Ra!" Nefer-Tina can activate the amulet on her neck (which glows turquoise) and create a suit of armour with a lion-headed helmet and clawed feet and hands. She uses a whip with incredible efficacy, and fights using an acrobatic style of combat.
Nefer-Tina remains the most fun loving of the mummies, no longer forced to hide her true feelings and desires as she was while alive. She retains a love for driving, and is fascinated by vehicles of all kinds; she is the principle driver of the Hot-Ra, the mummies' main form of transport. Comments: Nefer-Tina was voiced by Cree Summer. In spite of what it says in the powers, the mummies do have organs. They just aren't internal any more, having been removed during mummification, and stored in Canopic jars. These jars now lie next to the mummies' sarcophagi at the exhibit. |
Kahti
Identity/Class: Undead human (mummy) with magical powers Occupation: Protector of Prince Rapses Affiliations: The rest of the mummies, Presley Enemies: Scarab Known Relatives: None known Aliases: None known First Appearance: Mummies Alive! Episode #1 "Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra!" (15th September 1997) Powers/Abilities: Kahti is able to transform into a larger feline form, basically a gigantic version of her normal self. History: Kahti was the pet of the Egyptian Prince Rapses, three and a half thousand years ago. Like Prince Rapses guardians, the feline was mummified and entombed with him when he died, and like them it awoke when his reincarnation was threatened in modern day San Francisco. She tends to stay with Presley (the Prince's reincarnation) and is a more inconspicuous guardian than the mummies are. Comments: None |
Presley
Identity/Class: Normal human (with a reincarnated soul) Occupation: School kid Affiliations: The mummies, Walter Lu (best friend) Enemies: Scarab Known Relatives: Rapses family: Amenhotep (father, Pharoah), unnamed mother Presley's family: Amanda (mother); Paul (father - lives in Memphis since the divorce) Aliases: None known Base of Operations: San Fransisco First Appearance: Mummies Alive! Episode #1 "Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra!" (15th September 1997) Powers/Abilities: Presley was given the "Eye of Ra" amulet by Rath, which can be used to enter the Sphinx in the exhibition that serves as the mummies' HQ. It can call the mummies when he is in danger, and show them where he is. It can transfer energy to the mummies if they need to recharge, and even fire energy blasts if needs be. The mummies have also been teaching Presley self-defense, instructing him in their combat style (Egypt-Tsu) and in the use of the magical bommer-ra weapon. History: In 1525 B.C. Prince Rapses was the son of the Pharoah Amenhotep, and heir to the throne of Egypt. Seeking to become the new heir, his father's vizier murdered young Rapses and his four guardians, only to be caught and entombed alive. After an undisclosed period, the vizier managed to escape his captivity, and with his life extended through magic, he became a powerful sorcerer and businessman in the modern era. However while he was long lived, he was not immortal, and he grew to crave this. Research showed him that if he could sacrifice the soul of the child he had murdered so long ago, then he could gain true immortality. So the vizier, now known as Scarab, tried to track down what had happened to Rapses soul. He discovered that the child had been reborn in the modern age, but was unable to locate him. Using his great wealth, Scarab financed an exhibition of finds taken from the young Prince's tomb, banking that the old soul would somehow be drawn back to his heritage. It worked. Twelve year old Presley Carnovan's mother worked at the San Francisco City Museum where the exhibit was staged. And young Presley was the reincarnation of Rapses. However when Scarab attempted to sacrifice the child, the mummies of Rapses guardians from three and a half thousand years ago awoke, and came to his defense. Now Presley has to adjust to the fact that he has an ancient Egyptian sorcerer trying to destroy his very soul, that he has five mummies defending him, and that he himself was once a prince of Egypt. Comments: Presley was voiced by Bill Switzer Presley is a bright, adventurous young man who is just starting to realize the importance of his previous life. His mother, Amanda, works at the museum, and while somewhat oblivious, has taught him much. |
Scarab
Identity/Class: Ancient Egyptian sorcerer Occupation: Sorcerer, wealthy businessman Affiliations: Heka, Ammut, Ka, Shabti Enemies: The mummies, Presley Known Relatives: None Aliases: Harris Stone Base of Operations: A huge pyramid, San Francisco First Appearance: Mummies Alive! Episode #1 "Ra! Ra! Ra! Ra!" (15th September 1997) Powers/Abilities: Scarab is a master of magic. He often supplements his sorcery with current technology, and the combination can be a potent mix. He can summon battle armour, just like the mummies - in his case he takes the appearance of a giant beetle. He can release his Ka (an old Egyptian term for the soul) to act independently - it comes out his mouth and manifests as a headless and bodyless form with two arms. Scarab also carries around a cobra, Heka, as if it were a staff. Heka can breathe fire, and is his closest friend and ally. He also has a bizarre pet Ammut, which has the head of a crocodile, the body of a lion, and the rear of a hippo. It's faithful, but not very bright. His main agents are Shabti, golem like warriors made out of clay - they are fragile but make up in numbers what they lack in quality. History: In 1525 B.C. the man who would later become known as Scarab was the vizier to the Pharoah Amenhotep. With vaulting ambition he hit on a plan to murder the Pharoah's son, Prince Rapses, and set himself up as the new heir to the throne. He succeeded in killing the boy and his guardians, but his plot was uncovered, and he was sealed into a tomb, to die slowly in darkness. Somehow through the use of unspecified magics, the vizier managed to survive, and eventually after an undisclosed period he escaped his captivity.
Scarab sought to kill the boy a second time, only to discover that Rapses guardians, killed alongside him and mummified, awoke from their sarcophagi in the exhibition, and came to his defense. Now they stand between Scarab and the child, battling him every time he threatens the boy. Comments: Scarab was voiced by Gerard Plunkett. Scarab's bestial ally, Ammut, is presumably based on a creature who ate the hearts of sinners in the afterlife. If the soul's heart was too heavy with sin and outweighed the ostrich feather put on the other pan of the judgment scale by the goddess Ma'at, it would sink down and be devoured by Ammut, thus dooming the soul. Thanks to Joseph Singer for his information. |
CLARIFICATIONS: The Mummies Alive should not be confused with
N'Kantu, Marvel comic's Living Mummy
Scarab, enemy of the Mummies, should not be confused with
Scarab , a Golden Age hero.
Any Additions/Corrections? Please let me know.
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History:
Originally a hunter, Ja-Kal's prowess was such that he drew the attention
of the Pharoah Amenhotep, who called him into royal service, forcing the
man to reluctantly leave behind his wife and infant son. He rose in the service
of his lord, eventually being appointed captain of the Royal Hunt. He was
appointed to teach the young Prince Rapses how to hunt, and charged with
keeping him safe, in any place, life or time. He was killed by Scarab, but
was mummified and reawakened in modern times as the protector of the reincarnated
Prince. Perhaps due to the loss of his own family he treats Presley like
a son. He is the leader of the mummies.
History: Armon was born into a peasant family in ancient
Egypt, and joined the Pharoah's army where he distinguished himself as an
exceptional soldier. So exceptional that when he lost his right arm in battle,
the Pharoah had it replaced for him with a golden one. Brought into direct
service of the royal household, he was charged with teaching Prince Rapses
the art of fighting, and with protecting the heir to throne while he was
doing this. Murdered like his fellows, he was mummified and awoke again in
modern times when the reincarnation of Rapses was endangered.
Like the Prince's other guardians her remains were mummified
(and presumably at this point people discovered her true gender). In modern
times when the prince's reincarnation, young Presley Carnovan, was threatened
by Scarab, the sorcerer who had carried out the original murders, she and
her fellow guardians awoke as undead protectors.
