(Image Source: DC / Dan Mora)
It’s not uncommon for characters in superhero comics to come back from the dead or switch sides. One obscure DC superhero just had an unexpected resurrection in the pages of Superman. However, this hero is apparently being revamped into a villain in the Next Level era.
The new villain was revealed in Superman #37, by Joshua Williamson and Dan Mora. The series currently is centered around Superboy Prime, the fanboy turned superhero turned murderer. Prime recently underwent a morality shift of his own, trying to make amends for his past crimes. Most of the Justice League were skeptical, but agreed to a probationary membership under heavy surveillance.
(Image Source: DC / Dan Mora)
Superman #37 largely focuses upon Prime’s problems with winning over the Justice League and balancing his superhero life with his day job. Said job is as a clerk at a comic book store, where “CK” is a model employee apart always being late. With all this on his mind, CK totally fails to notice a comic-loving fangirl trying to flirt with him.
(Image Source: DC / Dan Mora)
At first this seems to be a one-off gag highlighting how clueless the young Superman is. However, the closing pages return to the fangirl, as she speaks to a group of cloaked figures of having found the perfect innocent for a sacrifice. While not identified by name in the text, the Next Issue editor’s box promises “Witchfire vs. Superboy Prime” next month.
DC’s Witchfire explained
Created by Kurt Busiek and Tom Grummett, Witchfire first appeared in 2002’s JLA #61. However, her background was revealed in a one-shot special that same month. Witchfire was Rebecca Carstairs; a triple-threat actress, singer, and model who was also a powerful witch.
(Image Source: DC)
Rebecca used her magic to augment her shows until she accidentally attracted a demon. With the help of Wonder Woman, she sent it packing, and got inspired to become a superhero. However, she did this as part of the for-profit superhero team The Power Company.
The Power Company series suggested that Witchfire was a magical construct modeled on the real Rebecca Carstairs. However, the series was cancelled before this was resolved. Witchfire sank into obscurity afterward, with only a few cameos in the series Shadowpact.
(Image Source: DC)
Witchfire got a revamp in 2018’s Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour #1. Here, Rebecca Carstairs was one of five girls branded by the Greek goddess of magic, Hecate. The resulting Witchmark bequeathed them one-fifth of her power.
This Witchfire also became a model and singer, but had fallen into obscurity as the Witching Hour event opened. She died when Hecate turned upon the witches who begged her protection from the Lovecraftian Otherkin. Despite this, Witchfire’s spirit survived to guide Wonder Woman to victory against Hecate. Sadly, her soul was devoured by the Otherkin.
Given the character’s questionable history, there’s still a chance the new Witchfire is an anti-hero rather than a villain. She could be a witch who does questionable things for noble ends. Either way, Superboy Prime is bound for trouble given his vulnerability to magic.
Superman #37 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
