Lightray
| Lightray | |
|---|---|
 Lightray, artist Jack Kirby |
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| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | New Gods #1 (February 1971) |
| Created by | Jack Kirby |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Sollis |
| Species | New God |
| Place of origin | New Genesis |
| Team affiliations | Justice League New Gods |
| Abilities | New God Physiology Longevity Flight Controls light, able to move at the speed of light. Due to his control of light energy, which is similar to yellow-sun energy, he has the ability to increase Superman's abilities to almost limitless proportions. |
Lightray (Sollis) is a DC Comics superhero. Created by Jack Kirby for the "Jack Kirby's Fourth World" meta-series, he first appeared in New Gods #1 (February 1971).
Contents |
[edit] Fictional character biography
Lightray is the shining star of New Genesis and a high-spirited New God. Unlike his grim friend Orion, Lightray is cheerful and optimistic and prefers to solve problems through compromise rather than combat. He uses the speed of light to his advantage in eluding foes.
Lightray has served one stint as a member of the Justice League. He joined the international branch along with Orion on the same night as a membership drive failed to find other new recruits. [1] The difference between the two was illustrated in battle. While Lightray desires a minimum of fuss in battle by dispatching his foe, Crowbar, with a simple expenditure of energy to the man's face while, Orion prefers to destroy the pavement around Blackrock — and then was angered when his opponent surrendered instead of fighting to the death.[2]
In this same issue, Lightray demonstrates his knowledge of chess. Lightray's long hair causes him to be mistaken for a female by the old-fashioned General Glory. They stay with the team until just after the battle with General Glory's old foe the Evil Eye.[3]
As Sollis his idea of fun is protecting New Genesis from Apokolips, Darkseid, and his minions. He resides on New Genesis and is active in adventuring. He returns to Earth briefly in JLA #27 (March 1999), as part of an emergency expansion of the Justice League. The team battles the android Amazo in the Florida Everglades. Most of them are subdued and their powers copied, Lightray included. Amazo loses his powers when Superman, as the chairman, officially disbands the League, thus ending Lightray's membership.
He would appear again to aid the League alongside Orion and Big Barda when the planet Qward attacked earth with a giant ship.
In Countdown #48, Lightray falls to earth after an off stage fight with the New Gods Killer (later revealed to be Infinity-Man). He dies holding Jimmy Olsen's hand, repeating the word "infinite" and glowing brighter.
In Final Crisis #7, Lightray is depicted standing alongside Barda and Mister Miracle following the reincarnation of New Genesis on the ruins of Apokolips.
[edit] Powers and abilities
Lightray possesses the New God Physiology and he can manipulate photons to create brilliant concussive blasts, focused columns of radiant heat, lasers and holograms. Using his power to the utmost he can generate a massive sun as he did in New Gods #3 to escape the Black Racer.
He can also fly at the speed of light, 'maybe even faster' according to friend David Lincoln and he uses his own mother box.
[edit] Alternate versions
[edit] =Seven Soldiers of Victory
Lightray makes several brief, non speaking appearances in Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers of Victory series, where his human form is a frail man on crutches.
[edit] Captain Carrot
In the miniseries Captain Carrot and the Final Ark, Lightray's counterpart in the "New Dogs" is an anthropomorphic dog named Lightstray.
[edit] JLA: The Nail
In the 1998 Elseworlds JLA: The Nail, Lightray is depicted fighting in a war between New Genesis and Apokolips.
[edit] In other media
[edit] Television
- Lightray appears in the Superman: The Animated Series episode "Legacy" Pt. 2, in a non-speaking role.
- Lightray appears in the two-part Justice League episode "Twilight" voiced by Rob Paulsen. When Batman and Wonder Woman arrive on New Genesis to look for Orion, Lightray taunts them. This leads to a chase around New Genesis as Batman manages to trap Lightray as Orion arrives.
- Lightray returns in an unspeaking role in the Justice League Unlimited episode "Destroyer." He rescues Lex Luthor, Sinestro and the Secret Society near New Genesis only to be attacked and have his Mother Box stolen by Evil Star.
[edit] References
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