TheWitness is the name of at least three fictional characters appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics. Of these, the first was published byTimely Comics in the 1940s and the final two by its successor company, Marvel Comics.
| The Witness | |
|---|---|
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| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Mystic Comics #7 (Dec. 1941) |
| Created by | Stan Lee (writer) |
| In-story information | |
| Species | Human |
| Team affiliations | The Twelve |
| Notable aliases | Judge Juror Avenger of Evil |
| Abilities |
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The first Witnessdebuted in the eight-page story "The League of Blood" in thesuperheroanthology seriesMystic Comics #7 (Dec. 1941),[1][2] during the period fans and historians call theGolden Age of Comic Books. A costumed superhero in this incarnation, the character was created by writerStan Lee,[3] who wrote the stories under thepen name "S.T. Anley",[1] and an unknown artist. This version of the character appeared in one story each inMystic #7–9 (Dec. 1941 – May 1942).[4]
A Timely character called The Witness also appeared, in a different costume, as the star of theeponymous comicThe Witness #1 (Sept. 1948), in three stories written by Lee and drawn variously byKen Bald andSyd Shores, withCharles Nicholas providing the cover.[5] The Grand Comics Database lists this character as a different entity than theMystic Comics version,[5] whileJess Nevins' "A Guide to Golden Age Marvel Characters" considers them the same man.[6] However, according toThe Twelve #1, the Witness of World War II was put in suspended animation during the year 1945, suggesting that the two are in fact different characters.[7] This is further confirmed in theOfficial Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z Vol. 14.[8]
This series lasted only one issue, but the character went on to narrate essentially anthological suspense stories inIdeal #4 (Jan. 1949), in a seven-page talepenciled byGene Colan;[9]Captain America Comics #71–72 (March–May 1949);Amazing Mysteries #32 (May 1949);[10] andMarvel Mystery Comics #92 (June 1949).
TheMystic Comics Witness returned in the 12-issue miniseriesThe Twelve, by writerJ. Michael Straczynski and artistChris Weston.[11][12]
The Witness is aChicago detective who accidentally shot an innocent man in the line of duty. After serving two years in prison, he attempts to commit suicide. However, a mysterious voice tells him it is not his time, and charges him with the task of seeing a tragedy about to occur beforehand. He will then watch the impending victim for several days to judge if the person deserves saving, in which case he would either try to prevent the tragedy, or simply witness the event without becoming involved.[13] Near the end of World War II, the Witness and a dozen other heroes became trapped by Nazi scientists and placed in suspended animation until they were awoken in the present day. After being re-acclimated into 21st century life, the Witness was seen working withNick Fury.
Another incarnation of the Witness was merely a passive observer of crime and humanity's foibles, which he would report on aradio program.[14]
The Witness possesses some sort of extrasensory perception allowing him to know when and where a crime will be committed, so he can observe it. He is a good unarmed combatant and proficient with various handguns.
| The Witness | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | D.P. 7 Annual #1 (January 1987) |
| Created by | Mark Gruenwald (writer) Lee Weeks (artist) Paul Ryan (artist, developer) |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Nelson Kohler |
| Species | Ghost |
| Abilities |
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TheWitness (Nelson Kohler) is a fictional character appearing in thecomic books published byMarvel Comics, as part of theNew Universe imprint. The Witness is a ghostly figure, an onlooker drawn to paranormal events.
Nelson Kohler was driving when theWhite Event occurred. He lost control of his car, crashed and was hospitalized, critically ill. He was later declared brain-dead and his life support system was switched off. His body died but his paranormal powers manifested, leaving him a bodiless ghost.
He felt an irresistible pull towards people who were developing paranormal powers, although he could not be seen or heard. Among those whose manifestations he witnessed were characters regularly published in the comic bookDP7 (Randy O'Brien, David Landers, Stephanie Harrington, Charlotte Beck, Lenore Fenzl, Jeff Walters, and Dennis Cuzinski). He originally speculated on why he was drawn to these events, but ultimately concluded that there was no reason or pattern to his wanderings. Unable to participate in or affect the events he watched, he declared himself to be an unseen, impartial "witness".[15]
He also felt drawn to the disaster known asThe Pitt, after which he had strange experiences with other ghosts and other people seemed to be able to see him.[16]
As a specter, Nelson Kohler has complete control over his ectoplasmic form that allows him to fly, turn invisible, pass through solid objects, and overshadow living beings. He is drawn to when and where humans first use their powers or to some other catastrophic event.
A character called theWitness (whose real name isLeBeau) has appeared inX-Men continuity, inXSE #4 (Feb. 1997),Bishop: The Last X-Man #3 & 14 (Dec. 1999 & Nov. 2000), andGambit & Bishop #2–6 (April–Aug. 2001). The character is hinted to be a future version ofGambit.
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