Manitou Raven, also known as simply Raven or The Manitou, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Joe Kelly and Doug Mahnke, he first appeared in JLA #66 (July 2002).[1]
| Manitou Raven | |
|---|---|
 Manitou Raven as depicted in JLA #66 (July 2002). Art by Doug Mahnke. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | JLA #66 (July 2002) |
| Created by | Joe Kelly Doug Mahnke |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Raven |
| Species | Homo Magi |
| Team affiliations | League of Ancients Justice League Justice League Elite |
| Partnerships | Manitou Dawn (wife) |
| Notable aliases | The Manitou Manitou Raven |
| Abilities |
|
The character is a recurring superhero of Native American descent within the DC Universe, originating thousands of years ago in North America as an ancestor of the Apache people. In the JLA: Obsidian Age storyline, the character initially serves as an antagonist, aligning with the sorceress Gamemnae and the League of Ancients. In later stories, the character is depicted as a heroic mystic consultant within the Justice League and Justice League Elite. Following his demise, Raven returns as a spirit and appoints his wife Dawn as his successor. He is eventually resurrected during the Lazarus Planet event.
Fictional character biography
editManitou Raven and his wife Dawn are ancient Homo magi and ancestors of the Apache people. The rulers of Atlantis, Rama Khan and Gamemnae, recruit them to become founding members of the League of Ancients.[2]
Unbeknownst to Raven, Gamemnae manipulates him into battling the Justice League in a bid to take over the world. After helping the League defeat her, Raven joins the group, replacing Jason Blood as a magic specialist, and is transported to the present day.[3]
Vera Black later recruits Raven and Dawn into Justice League Elite, a black ops team that combats paranormal threats.[4] Raven is killed in battle, but returns as a spirit.[5]
Powers and abilities
editManitou Raven's Homo magi heritage grants him an affinity for magic[6] and categorized as a "sorcerer," a specific class of magic practitioners who utilize enchanted objects to amplify their magical abilities and safeguard themselves from the inherent risks associated with magic. These enchanted objects serve a dual purpose, enhancing their magical powers while also providing protective measures.[7]
As a shaman, the character possesses extensive supernatural abilities primarily influenced by Native American shamanism. His skill set encompasses a broad range of powers, including traversing the astral plane through rituals, manipulating time, and necromancy.[1] Within the League of Ancients, his abilities rival those of its leader Gamemnae.[8] In addition to his mystic powers, Raven possesses a profound knowledge of the occult, drawing from both his own culture and outside sources.[9]
Equipment and resources
editManitou Raven possesses a collection of artifacts and resources that function as tools to complement and enhance his magical abilities, while protecting from the inherent dangers associated with practicing magic. These artifacts and resources includes:
- Mystical hatchet: A magical hatchet that can only harm evildoers. It was originally given to him as a gift from his father.[10][1][11]
- Mystical dreamcatcher: A gift from his mother, the dreamcatcher enables him to see faraway events and glimpses of the past and present. It is additionally believed to house hidden secrets and historical knowledge.[11]
- Headdress: A mystical headdress that bestows the knowledge of past Manitou title holders.[11]
- Medicine stick: A manifestation of his spirit and power that is nigh-indestructible.[11]
- Po-Pokta: A ferret-like totem that enables him to move at high speeds.[12]
In other media
editManitou Raven appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[13]
References
edit- ^ a b c Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 193. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
- ^ The DC Comics Encyclopedia. Dorling Kindersley Limited. 2004. p. 195. ISBN 0-7566-0592-X.
- ^
- JLA #66 (July 2002)
- JLA #70 (October 2002)
- JLA #74 - 76 (December 2002 - February 2003)
- JLA #78 (April 2003)
- ^
- JLA #100 (August 2004)
- Justice League Elite #1 (September 2004)
- Justice League Elite #3 (November 2004)
- Justice League Elite #4 (December 2004)
- Justice League Elite #7 (March 2005)
- ^ Justice League Elite #8 - 11 (April - July 2005)
- ^ DK (2023-09-07). The Periodic Table of DC. DK Publishing. ISBN 978-0-241-65323-4.
- ^ Lotowycz, R. (2021). The DC Book of Lists: A Multiverse of Legacies, Histories, and Hierarchies. Running Press Adult.
- ^ Johns, Geoff; Goyer, David S. (2017-10-12). JLA/JSA Secret Files (2002-) #1. DC Comics.
- ^ JLA: Secret Files and Origins. DC Comics. 2004.
- ^ Beatty, Scott (2008). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 978-1-4053-2891-3.
- ^ a b c d Kelly, Joe (2004). JLA.: Rules of engagement. Vol. 13. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-84023-823-5.
- ^ Kelly, Joe; Nguyen, Tom (2007). Justice League Elite. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4012-1556-9.
- ^ Eisen, Andrew (October 2, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Retrieved August 9, 2024.