X-Cutioner

Xarus is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by Vic Carrabotta and first appeared in Mystic #17 (November 1952).

Xarus is the son of Dracula. Dissatisfied with Dracula's leadership, Xarus formed a secret alliance with the leaders of various vampire sects to overthrow his father. Their coup was successful and Xarus and his allies beheaded Dracula.

His allies in Mystikos developed devices that neutralize the harmful light frequencies to which vampires are vulnerable. Xarus saw an opportunity to use these devices to establish a stronger, more dominant position for vampires in the world. He distributed them to his allies, who launched a raid on Krieger Sect's fortress, eliminating their senior leadership. Xarus instructed the Claw Sect to hold off on declaring loyalty to him, allowing them to remain neutral and open to potential traitors seeking an alliance, including his brother Janus and the peaceful Anchorite Sect.

After the Siren Sect's attempted betrayal, Xarus surprisingly spared their leader, Alyssa, allowing her to live and continue serving him. However, Alyssa betrayed him again by giving Janus one of the light-deflecting pendants, helping him escape after the Claw Sect had turned on Xarus. Surrounded by a small army of vampires wearing the pendants, Xarus was declared Lord of the Vampires.