Mackal was the warlord of the Yl-caan. He took his species into a new age by marrying Lady Irna to forge an alliance that gave the Yl-caan access to space travel and led them into war against many planets.
After Lady Irna was poisoned, she was sent to a planet with healing air. She was accompanied by guards led by Commander Hon. Mackal expected them to return her fully healed. Mackal was informed she was dead rather than have him know that she had changed into a monster. War broke out in the alliance as the Yl-caan were blamed for Irna's death. Mackal continued to lead the Yl-caan in this conflict. (COMIC: Nature of the Beast!)