Guanxi was a warrior and leader of the Zhuguan.
History
Guanxi was the leader of the Zhuguan, a group of super-powered individuals established in Xinjiang province of China to fight the warlord Huairen, whose atrocities on the villagers of the area was ignored by the Chinese government since he bribed them. Guanxi gained his powers from a mysterious elixir that was a modified form of opium, and focused them using various totems.[1][2]
He sent Ri to conduct reconnaissance on Huairen's fortress, she spotted Bruce Wayne sneaking into the fortress. He however ordered her to not risk her mission for his sake and made her withdraw.[3] Back at the Zhuguan camp, Ri argued with him as he told her she was needlessly worrying that he was dead and that saving everyone else was more important when she stated that they had a duty to save innocent like of Bruce. She stated that she would have revealed their locations and intentions if it meant saving him, to which he responded that it was good she wasn't the leader.[4]
The next day, they launched an assault on the fortress and found Bruce's burning body. Ri went to save him and Guanxi told Sudu to take care of Huairen while he protected Ri. Sudu however was killed and the Zhuguan forced to withdraw, though Bruce was saved by Ri. He rhetorically asked Bruce if he really was worth the sacrifice, not knowing the he could speak Chinese. Bruce upon learning this stated he didn't even want a real answer, though both he and the Zhuguan were forthcoming as to who they were.[4]
Guanxi later started training Bruce, who won a match against the Zhuguan by using Ri as a human shield to block their attacks. She later told him that he was impressed by him and wanted him to replace Sudu, but Bruce stated that he didn't want to be part of any group. He later learnt from her that all the Zhuguan focused their powers using totems. Later during a vote, Dao voted against letting him join their fight against Huairen, but Ri voted in favor since they needed all the manpower they could get. Guanxi ultimately allowed him to join. Bruce later learnt from her that their powers came from an elixir which he was offered and accepted, before gaining powers to disappear.[5] He then took on the name of the "Dark Knight" and designed a totem to channel his powers.[1]
When Huairen and his forces attacked the Zhuguan encampment, they were showered by arrows fired by Dao. Guanxi fought Huairen alone and was nearly killed, after which the warlord berated the Zhuguan for being foolish enough to send their leader alone to fight him. Ri however revealed it was just a trick, allowing Bruce to stab him with a sword from behind. She then saved Guanxi who still had some life left. As Bruce told her to save Huairen, Guanxi stated that she was exhausted. Bruce realized he had planned it in advance so the warlord will die. He however saved him with CPR and told Ri to heal him when she regained her strength, while leaving the group in disgust.[1]
Powers and Abilities
Abilities
Other Characteristics
- Drug Addiction: He needs to consume her elixir regularly to avoid withdrawal.[1]
Paraphernalia
Equipment
- Elixir: A modified form of opium which gives him powers.[1]
Notes
- Guanxi mirrors the Martian Manhunter both in powers and how he regards Bruce as someone impressive, but a loner. Batman Confidential #54 itself shows that the Zhuguan (whose name basically means "the League") are supposed to mirror the Justice League of America, with Martian Manhunter himself interposed over Guanxi to draw parallels.[5][1]
Related
- 3 Appearances of Guanxi (New Earth)
- 5 Images featuring Guanxi (New Earth)
- Quotations by or about Guanxi (New Earth)
- Character Gallery: Guanxi (New Earth)
Footnotes