| Paragon | |
|---|---|
 Paragon fromSuperman #674, art by Renato Guedes. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Justice League of America #224 (March 1984) |
| Created by | Kurt Busiek (writer) Chuck Patton (artist) |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Joel Cochin |
| Species | Metahuman |
| Abilities | Ability to duplicate any ability within his range |
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Paragon (Joel Cochin) is asupervillain published byDC Comics. He first appeared inJustice League of America #224 (March 1984), and was created byKurt Busiek andChuck Patton.
In his initial appearance, Paragon faced and defeated theJustice League of America by duplicating their unique abilities, but was defeated by theRed Tornado (an inorganic android) andGreen Lantern (armed with hispower ring), whose artificial powers Paragon could not duplicate.[1] In his earliest appearance, Cochin's stated goal was the eradication of all those he considered "inferior"—more than three-quarters of thehuman race.
After his single appearance, Paragon went unseen for more than two decades of publication history. He later becomes a recurring opponent ofSuperman, although one who in certain circumstances was seen to help him.[2]
Paragon has the ability to duplicate the physical and mental abilities of organic beings in his vicinity and use them himself, even magnifying them by a considerable amount. In his original appearance, Paragon would lose someone's power as soon as they were out of his range. In later appearances, he prolongs the time he retains an ability using a high-tech suit of his own design.
