Lightray

Superherobox


caption = Lightray, artist Jack Kirby
character_name = Lightray
publisher = DC Comics
debut = "New Gods" #1
(February 1971)
creators = Jack Kirby
real_name =Sollis
species = New God
homeworld = New Genesis
alliances =Justice League New Gods
aliases =
supports=
powers =
Superhuman strength & durability
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).

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. ["Justice League America" #42, September 1990] 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. ["Ibid" #44]

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. ["Ibid" #50, May 1991]

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.

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 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.

Alternate Versions

*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.
*In the miniseries "Captain Carrot and the Final Ark", Lightray's counterpart in the "New Dogs" is an anthropomorphic dog named Lightstray.

Appearances in other media

Lightray appears in the "" 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.

References