Barbarus is a Swamp Man of the Savage Land. He became one of the Savage Land Mutates created by Magneto, the master of magnetism, along with Amphibius, Brainchild, Equilibrius, Gaza, Lupo, and Piper. With the other Savage Land Mutates, he battles the X-Men and Ka-Zar at the order of Magneto. With the Savage Land Mutates, he battles the Avengers in the Savage Land.

Under Brainchild's orders, Barbarus and the Savage Land Mutants battle Spider-Man, Angel, and Ka-Zar. Sauron and Zaladane then gain leadership of the Savage Land Mutates, using them in their attempt to take over the Savage Land.

Zaladane again employs Barbarus and the Savage Land Mutates in another attempt to conquer the Savage Land. Zaladane and the Savage Land Mutates then battle Magneto, Ka-Zar, and their allies, which include the X-Men and Nick Fury.