| Takion | |
|---|---|
 Takion as depicted inTakion #6 (November 1996). Art by Aaron Lopresti. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Takion #1 (June 1996) |
| Created by | Paul Kupperberg (writer) Aaron Lopresti (artist) |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Joshua Saunders |
| Team affiliations | New Gods |
| Notable aliases | Highfather |
| Abilities | Avatar of the Source
|
Takion (Joshua Saunders) is asuperhero appearing inAmerican comic books published byDC Comics. The character was created byPaul Kupperberg andAaron Lopresti, first appearing in an eponymous series in 1996 that lasted for 7 issues.[1]
In 2019, Kupperberg wrote about the creation of Takion on his website, stating:[2]
"Unbeknownst to me and Dan [Thorsland], over in editorArchie Goodwin's office, a very different version ofStarman was in development with writerJames Robinson and artistTony Harris. It only became beknownst when we fed our Starman proposal into the pipeline for review by the senior editors our Starman was bounced like a Spalding. Instead of just chalking it up to experience and sticking the proposal in a drawer, Dan suggested we salvage what we could from it and use that as a foundation to create an entirely new character. This we did and, after a bunch of talking and a few drafts, "Will Payton…Starman" became "Josh Saunders...Takion".
Josh Saunders, a blind psychologist, is chosen byHighfather to become a Source Elemental and given the ability to manipulate theSource, which Highfather says must be cleansed. In reality, Takion was created as anavatar of Highfather to resurrect him in the event of Highfather's death.[3]
Takion possessesomniscience, but has to filter this awareness and the information he receives using the weaker perception of a human brain. He later learns to separate the future and past from the present, allowing him to use his powers without them overwhelming him.[4]
Takion's main nemesis is Stayne, a nameless human woman transformed by Darkseid's power. She is sent to keep Takion from achieving his true potential and to prevent him from learning about Darkseid's plan to destroy theSource Wall.[3][5]
During theGenesis event, Highfather is killed byAres.[6] After Izaya's death, the role of Highfather is offered toScott Free (Mister Miracle), Izaya's only living heir. Scott turns the offer down, leaving Takion to become the new Highfather.
DuringDeath of the New Gods, Takion is killed byInfinity-Man after he andHimon attempt to investigate his murder of severalNew Gods.[7]
A living embodiment of the Source, Takion serves as a conduit and avatar between the Source and the New Gods of New Genesis. Takion's only limit is the amount of energy existing in the Source; he cannot create new energy, but can channel and manipulate existing forms of energy. Takion is also able to manipulate time, become intangible, and teleport.
Takion appears as a character summon inScribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[8]