Lightray (character)
| Lightray | |
|---|---|
 Lightray, artist Jack Kirby | |
| 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 | Superhuman strength & durability Longevity Flight Controls light, able to move at the speed of light. |
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).
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.
In Countdown #48, Lightray falls to earth after an off stage fight with someone unknown. He dies holding Jimmy Olsen's hand, repeating the word "infinite" and glowing brighter.
In Countdown #46, while Jimmy Olsen is investigating the incident, he comes across one of Darkseid's former aides, Sleez who has been exiled to Earth. Olsen questions him until Sleez panics when the building they are located at is attacked by an unseen foe. Both Jimmy and Sleez can't identify their attacker because he/she is hidden by blinding light. The attacker kills Sleez and then vanishes.
The story is ongoing.
Powers and abilities
Lightray 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 miniature 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.
Alternate versions
Lightray has appeared as part of an Earth-based resistance force in the Elseworlds graphic novel Superman The Dark Side. He uses his light-based powers to amp up Superman's abilities. Ultimately, he sacrifices his life in order to give Superman that much more power.
In Amalgam Comics, Lightray is combined with Balder to form Bald'r Lightbringer.
§==Appearances in other media== Lightray appears in the Superman: The Animated Series episodes "Legacy", Parts 1 and 2, in a non-speaking role. He also appears in the Justice League Unlimited "Twilight", Parts 1 and 2, in which he is voiced by Rob Paulsen. He also appears in an unspeaking role in the series finale, where he rescues Lex Luthor, Sinestro and the Legion of Doom near New Genesis only to be attacked and have his Mother Box stolen.