The Black Racer is a

fictional character In fiction, a character (or speaker, in poetry) is a person or other being in a narrative (such as a novel, play, radio or television series, music, film, or video game). The character may be entirely fictional or based on a real-life perso ...

, a deity and

avatar Avatar (, ; ), is a concept within Hinduism that in Sanskrit literally means "descent". It signifies the material appearance or incarnation of a powerful deity, goddess or spirit on Earth. The relative verb to "alight, to make one's appeara ...

Death Death is the irreversible cessation of all biological functions that sustain an organism. For organisms with a brain, death can also be defined as the irreversible cessation of functioning of the whole brain, including brainstem, and brain ...

in the

DC Comics DC Comics, Inc. (doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, with thei ...

universe The universe is all of space and time and their contents, including planets, stars, galaxies, and all other forms of matter and energy. The Big Bang theory is the prevailing cosmological description of the development of the universe. ...

who often hunts those affiliated with the

Speed Force A Speedster is a character, primarily in superhero comics, whose powers primarily relate to superhuman speed (also known as superspeed). Primary abilities shared by all speedsters include running at speeds far in excess of human capability (to var ...

. The character first appears in '' New Gods'' #3 (July 1971) and was created by

Jack Kirby Jack Kirby (born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comic book artist, writer and editor, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential creators. He gre ...

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 The Vietnam War (also known by other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vietnam a ...

. 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 what appear to be skis as his means of transport, much like how the

Silver Surfer The Silver Surfer is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character also appears in a number of movies, television, and video game adaptations. The character was created by Jack Kirby and first a ...

, another Kirby creation, uses a surfboard. 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 Captain Atom is a superhero appearing in American comic books, first in the 1960s by Charlton Comics before being acquired in the 1980s by DC Comics. Captain Atom has existed in three basic incarnations. Publication history Captain Atom was crea ...

'' #42, the Black Racer represents "death as inevitability", whereas Death of the Endless represents "death as compassionate release".

Nekron Nekron is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, specifically those related to Green Lantern. Created by Mike W. Barr, Len Wein and Joe Staton, the character, who exists as an embodiment of Death, first appeared in '' Tal ...

, meanwhile, represents "Death as the Ultimate Opponent". This has been contested by Neil Gaiman, who says that Death of the Endless is the ultimate incarnation of death in the

DC Universe The DC Universe (DCU) is the fictional shared universe where most stories in American comic book titles published by DC Comics take place. Superheroes such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Robin, Martian Manhunter, The Flash, Green Lant ...

. During the ''

Our Worlds at War "Our Worlds at War" was a comic book storyline, published by DC Comics in mid-2001. OWAW was a crossover storyline that spanned several different books, including several books starring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, a ...

'' crossover, he came to harvest Steel's soul, but Superman talked him out of it.

Young Justice Young Justice is a fictional DC Comics superhero team consisting of teenaged heroes. The team was formed in 1998 when DC's usual teen hero group, the Teen Titans, had become adults and changed their name to the Titans. Like the original ''Teen ...

came across him while he was moving Steel to

Apokolips Apokolips is a fictional planet that appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The planet is ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series, and is integral to many stories in the DC Universe. Apokolips is co ...

and pursued him by initiative of Lobo and

Superboy Superboy is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in American comicbooks published by DC Comics. These characters have been featured in several eponymous comic series, in addition to ''Adventure Comics'' and other series featuring ...

, even if Robin disagreed. In the ''Darkseid Vs. Galactus'' crossover,

was able to delay the Racer when it came to claim Orion, giving Orion's

Mother Box Mother Boxes are fictional devices in Jack Kirby's ''Fourth World'' setting in the DC Universe. The Mother Boxes appeared in the feature films ''Justice League'' and ''Zack Snyder's Justice League'' of the DC Extended Universe. History Created b ...

time to heal his injuries.

Seven Soldiers

Grant Morrison Grant Morrison, MBE (born 31 January 1960) is a Scottish comic book writer, screenwriter, and producer. Their work is known for its nonlinear narratives, humanist philosophy and countercultural leanings. Morrison has written extensively for th ...

's miniseries ''

Seven Soldiers ''Seven Soldiers'' is a 2005–2006 comic book metaseries written by Grant Morrison and published by DC Comics. It was published as seven interrelated mini-series and two bookend issues. The series features a new version of the Seven Soldiers of Vi ...

Mister Miracle Mister Miracle (Scott Free) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971) and was created by Jack Kirby. Publication history Mister Miracle debuted in ...

'', the Black Racer appears as a wheelchair user (probably ''not'' Willie Walker, as he appears white), following the destruction of

and

New Genesis New Genesis is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, the planet is home to the heroic New Gods led by the sage Highfather. New Genesis is the positive counterpart o ...

. He has a bet with Metron as to whether Mister Miracle will be successful in saving the New Gods. The Racer's original form makes brief appearances to test

Shilo Norman Shilo Norman is a fictional character, a superhero in the DC Comics universe. He is the third person to use the name Mister Miracle. Created by Jack Kirby, he first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #15 (August 1973). Fictional character biography ...

's skills.

Death of the New Gods

Willie Walker was killed in the first issue of the eight-part ''

Death of the New Gods ''Death of the New Gods'' was an eight-issue comic book limited series published in 2007 and 2008 by DC Comics. It was written and pencilled by Jim Starlin. The series follows the final days of the New Gods as they are stalked by a mysterious ki ...

'' mini-series. He was killed by

Infinity-Man Infinity-Man is a fictional character appearing in DC Comics, in the '' Fourth World'' storyline. Publication history Infinity-Man first appeared in '' Forever People'' #1 (February 1971). Fictional character biography Infinity-Man's story beg ...

, who tore his heart out. Serifan of the

Forever People Forever People are a fictional group of extraterrestrial superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. They first appeared in ''Forever People'' #1 ( cover-dated February–March 1971), and were created by Jack Kirby ...

was seen exiting the room after his death.

Final Crisis

The Black Racer makes an appearance in #1, present at the death of Orion. As with the other New Gods, his appearance has been redesigned; he now wears a sleeker armor only faintly resembling his classic appearance (his skis now appear to be highly stylized boots), and his poles appear much like scythes. The ''Final Crisis Sketchbook'' states that J.G. Jones and Grant Morrison decided to play up the Black Knight aspect of the character in this new design. The Black Racer also appears at the end of #2, pursuing Barry Allen/The Flash and the God-bullet that has been fired backwards through time. In issue #6, Wally West suggests that the Black Racer and the Black Flash are one and the same; in '' The Flash: Rebirth'' #2 this idea is mentioned once again. In issue #7, Barry and

Wally West Wallace Rudolph "Wally" West is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics as the original Kid Flash and the third Flash (DC Comics character), Flash. His power consists mainly of speedster (fiction), superhuman speed. ...

, chased by the Black Racer, bring him to a mortally wounded Darkseid, whom he decides to take in their place.

The New 52

The Black Racer makes his first appearance after the Flashpoint reboot in "The Darkside War" storyline set in

The New 52 The New 52 is the 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero comic books. Following the conclusion of the " Flashpoint" crossover storyline, DC canceled all its existing titles and debuted 52 new serie ...

. When his master went to war against the Anti-God, he was summoned to destroy Darkseid's enemy, but the latter stripped the Racer of Darkseid's grasp and merged it with a being of speed as the weapon to deliver a deathly blow against the Dark God, finally killing the despot of Apokolips. The Racer was quick to seize control of his new host's mind, but his efforts were almost negated by the Flash's will to resist his corrupting ideals, instigating a conflict among the two. The Black Racer was separated from The Flash by the powers of the child of

Superwoman Superwoman is the name of several fictional characters from DC Comics. Most of them are, like Supergirl, women with powers similar to those of Superman, like flight, invulnerability, and enhanced strength. Detective Comics, Inc. trademarked ...

and

Alexander Luthor Alexander Luthor Jr. is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Publication history Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the character made his first appearance in ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' #1 (April 198 ...

, who possessed the same ability to absorb the super powers of others as his father. However, the Racer could not be absorbed, and instead was only separated from its host. As it needed to claim a life before it could disappear, it struck Power Ring;

Jessica Cruz Jessica Cruz, one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Geoff Johns, Doug Mahnke, Ivan Reis and Ethan Van Sciver, she is a member of the Green Lantern Corps ...

was spared and instead the life of Volthoom was claimed, and his ring destroyed. The Racer then vanished.

Powers and abilities

The Black Racer has the power to phase through solid objects and bring death to those he has chosen with a single touch. He travels through the air by means of two cosmically powered celestial skis, which can accelerate to the speed of light. His ski poles can also phase through solid matter to deliver the Black Racer's deathstroke. As a deity, he's also immortal, and wears a cosmic armor that give him super strength and endurance. When he has finished delivering his message of death, the Black Racer returns to the comatose life of Sgt. Willie Walker until he is summoned anew.

Other versions

Rock of Ages

The Black Racer is shown in an alternate future in the '' JLA'' story arc "Rock of Ages", although little seems changed about him in this alternate timeline.

Darkseid/Galactus: The Hunger

During the Marvel/DC

intercompany crossover In comic books, an intercompany crossover (also called cross-company or company crossover) is a comic or series of comics in which characters, that at the time of publication are the property or licensed property of one publisher, meet character ...

''Darkseid vs.

Galactus Galactus () is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Formerly a mortal man, Galactus is a cosmic entity who consumes planets to sustain his life force, and serves a functional role in the upkeep of t ...

: The Hunger'', when Orion is badly injured in a fight with the

– during a period when the Surfer still served as Galactus's Herald – the Black Racer briefly comes to claim Orion, but the Surfer, his original memories briefly restored by Desaad as part of a plan to stop Galactus, confronts the Racer in recognition of Orion's nobility, giving Orion's Mother Box enough time to heal the rest of his injuries.

Earth-22 (''Kingdom Come'')

On Mark Waid's and Alex Ross' Elseworlds comic '' Kingdom Come'', the Black Racer takes no significant part on the story save a minuscule panel during the Battle of the Gulag on issue #4 just behind

Blue Beetle Blue Beetle is the name of three fictional superheroes who appear in a number of American comic books published by a variety of companies since 1939. The most recent of the companies to own rights to Blue Beetle is DC Comics, which bought the ri ...

; the panel comes seconds before Captain Marvel prematurely detonates a nuclear device sent by the

United Nations The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmoniz ...

to end the metahuman conflict. The Black Racer's presence signifies the impending massive deaths caused by the explosion, though the action of the

Green Lantern Green Lantern is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. They fight evil with the aid of rings that grant them a variety of extraordinary powers, all of which come from imagination, fearlessness, ...

s and

Fate Destiny, sometimes referred to as fate (from Latin ''fatum'' "decree, prediction, destiny, fate"), is a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual. Fate Although often ...

save a lucky few.

Smallville Season 11

In ''

Smallville Season 11 ''Smallville'' is an American superhero television series developed by writer-producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, based on the DC Comics character Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The series was produced by Millar/Gough ...

'' comics, the Black Racer is a name used by the Black Flash.

Injustice: Gods Among Us

In the ''

Injustice Injustice is a quality relating to unfairness or undeserved outcomes. The term may be applied in reference to a particular event or situation, or to a larger status quo. In Western philosophy and jurisprudence, injustice is very commonly—but n ...

'' universe, Black Racer appears captured by Darkseid for making a 'mistake' and tortured by the despotic god while a horrified Kalibak watches. When Kalibak asks if he can be killed, Darkseid sneers that no one will come for him before bidding his son away so that he may continue to torture death.

DCEASED

Black Racer features in the first issue of the mini-series ''DCEASED'', written by

Tom Taylor Tom Taylor (19 October 1817 – 12 July 1880) was an English dramatist, critic, biographer, public servant, and editor of ''Punch'' magazine. Taylor had a brief academic career, holding the professorship of English literature and language a ...

. When Darkseid calls Black Racer to take a part of him (death) to create the coveted Anti-Life equation, he accidentally corrupts the equation. Later, under the influence of the new equation, he kills the Black Racer.

In other media

Black Racer makes a non-speaking appearance in the '' Superman: The Animated Series'' episode "Apokolips... Now! Part II". He is among Orion's forces who head out to combat Darkseid's first invasion of Earth.

References

Content in this article was copied fro
Black Racer (Prime Earth)
at the DC Database wiki, which is licensed under th
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (Unported) (CC-BY-SA 3.0) license

External links