 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
| Bloodwynd | |
|---|---|
 Bloodwynd as depicted inShowcase '94 #5 (May 1994); art byMax Douglas. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Justice League America #61 (April 1992) |
| Created by | Dan Jurgens (writer & artist) |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Raphael Arce Quintus Arce |
| Species | Human(Quintus) Metahuman(Raphael) |
| Place of origin | Metropolis(Raphael) |
| Team affiliations | Justice League Justice League International Sentinels of Magic The Conclave |
| Notable aliases | Superman of Hell Martian Manhunter Man of Mystery |
| Abilities | Mystic blood gem grants various magical abilities. |
Bloodwynd is the name of severalsuperheroes appearing inAmerican comic books published byDC Comics. The character initially debuted inJustice League America #61 (April 1992), created byDan Jurgens. Since the character's debut, severalretroactive changes have established him to be three individuals, including being an alter-ego ofMartian Manhunter, and having a streamlined origin over time.[1][2] Bloodwynd's reception as a character was mixed; while noted for a striking design and being an African-American superhero whose powers are tied to magic, the character's name was panned as well as his reduced roles.[3][2]
The first Bloodwynd (originally unrevealed) isQuintus Arce, anecromancer and descendant of African American slaves that sought retribution against their slave owner by invoking a dark ritual involving a blood sacrifice, creating a blood gem that facilitated their freedom.[4]Martian Manhunter briefly appropriated the identity due to subtle mental coercion from the entity within the blood gem ("Rott") while Quintus foiled Rott's attempt to escape, a gambit enacted by Rott to find a power source able to allow his freedom but was defeated and the real Quintus was freed.[5] It is revealed he was condemned toHell after an encounter with the sorcererFelix Faust.[4] The second Bloodwynd is Quintus' nephewRaphael Arce, anempath whose abilities was awakened by the Lazarus rain duringLazarus Planet. He later absorbs portions ofDoomsday and Martian Manhunter's souls, giving him several unique eldritch abilities.[4]
Bloodwynd is the descendant of a group of African-American slaves owned by a brutal, sadistic planter named Jacob Whitney. These slaves performed an ancient ritual to create a mystical Blood Gem, with which they killed Whitney. The Blood Gem was passed down among the slaves' descendants. The Gem bestowed great physical powers on its wearer; unbeknownst to them, it also contained a microscopic world, where Jacob Whitney's spirit had become incarnate as the demonRott. Over the years, Rott grew stronger as the Gem absorbed the dark side of each wearer's soul.
Rott sucked Bloodwynd into the Gem and held him captive, while mind controllingMartian Manhunter, compelling him to wear the Gem and impersonate Bloodwynd. Using Bloodwynd's identity, Martian Manhunter rejoined theJustice League, seeking a power source which would enable Rott to escape from his micro-world. While the JLA foughtDoomsday alongsideSuperman,Blue Beetle realizes that Bloodwynd is Martian Manhunter after he is incapacitated by fire. Once the truth is exposed, the Justice League battles Rott and frees the real Bloodwynd.
In the revised continuity, Bloodwynd's history closely mirrors his pre-Flashpoint incarnation. InDC Power 2024, it is revealed that Quintus, a descendant, becomes the superhero Bloodwynd after inheriting the bloodgem. Following a confrontation withFelix Faust, Bloodwynd is condemned to Hell, where he relives his past failures. Saved by his nephew Raphael, Bloodwynd learns that holding the bloodgem upon death leads to damnation. Raphael takes on the mantle, freeing Bloodwynd from Hell. Before vanishing, Bloodwynd urges his nephew to carry the legacy responsibly.[4]
InLazarus Planet, Raphael, a native ofMetropolis affected by the Lazarus rains, discovers that he has gained empathic powers. Utilizing his abilities to alleviate the pain of others, he encounters a living memory of Doomsday and traps him in a psychic blood gem.[6][7]
A version of Bloodwynd is part of Earth 16 which is free of crime due to Superman's robots. Bloodwynd manages to break free of the ennui surrounding the heroes as he recalls his heroic past; he realizes there is more to life than letting the robots handle everything.[8]
Quintus is a proficient necromancer, adept at summoning and utilizing the life energy and enhanced power of deceased spirits. He also possesses the ability to sense death locations and can impose the torment of victims upon murderers, similar toGhost Rider's "Penance Stare".[9]
The Raphael Arce incarnation of Bloodwynd is ametahuman with empathy that enables him to heal emotional and physical pain.[6] Both iterations of Bloodwynd are equipped with a "blood gem", a potent arcane object that bestows a range of magical abilities. These abilities include flight, enhanced strength, telepathy, and the ability to cast illusions.[10]
Bloodwynd has had mixed reception; while praised for his design and being one of the few black characters of mystical origin,[3][2] criticisms noted both the character's name and roles in storylines has caused the character to be "underdeveloped" and fade into obscurity.[3][11][12]
Bloodwynd appears as a character summon inScribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[13]
