Black Racer
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The Black Racer is a fictional deity and avatar of death published by DC Comics. he first appeared in New Gods vol. 1 #3 (July 1971), and was created by Jack Kirby.
[edit] Fictional character biography
The Black Racer's corporeal form is that of the otherwise bedridden Sgt. Willie Walker, who was paralyzed during the Vietnam War. Walker was contacted by the Source when Darkseid first brought the war of the gods to Earth, and told it was his responsibility to take on the role. The Racer makes use of skis as his means of transport, much as Silver Surfer (another Kirby creation) used a surfboard for transportation through space. New Gods are collected by the Racer at the moment of their deaths, and taken to Hadis (the Fourth World version of Hades).
According to Captain Atom #42 the Black Racer represents "death as inevitability", whereas Death of the Endless represents "death as compassionate release". This has been contested by Neil Gaiman, who says that Death of the Endless is the ultimate incarnation of death in the DC Universe. However,in Adventures of Superman # 500, part of the Death of Superman storyline, Jonathan Kent ventures into the afterlife where his guide is none other than the Black Racer (Apparently, Death of the Endless could not be used).
During the Our Worlds at War crossover, he came to harvest Steel's soul, but Superman talked him out of it. This was a highly unusual occurrence; the Black Racer is usually implacable.
[edit] Other versions
- In the Marvel Comics universe, a supervillain named Black Racer is a member of the Serpent Society and is named for the snake.
- It should also be noted that Doorman from the Marvel parody comic Great Lakes Avengers becomes a personification of Death and also flies using skis which is possibly a reference to Black Racer.
[edit] External links
| New Gods | |
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| Creators: | Jack Kirby |
| New Genesis: | Highfather • Orion • Mister Miracle • Lightray • Forever People |
| Apokolips: | Darkseid • Kalibak • Desaad • Granny Goodness • Parademon • Steppenwolf |
| Other Characters: | |
| Concepts and Items: | The Source • Source Wall • Anti-Life Equation • Mother Box • Boom Tube |
