| Looking for a different version of this character? |
|---|
| As a result of the New 52 in 2011, the entire line of DC characters was relaunched, incorporating properties belonging to the company's imprints: Wildstorm, Milestone, and Vertigo. As such, elements of this character's history have been altered in some way from the previous incarnation. For a complete list of all versions of this character, see our disambiguation page. |
Mercury was the messenger of the Roman gods and the god of commerce, eloquence, messages, communication, travelers, and thieves. He is characterized by his winged hat, carrying the Caduceus and having wings on his feet.
History
Mercury was the only Roman god to survive the war with Apokolips. He was kept prisoner by an unknown being for five years who he claimed was a greater danger than Apokolips. He escaped back to Earth, but was fatally wounded in the process. Before he died, he passed on his speed to Jay Garrick, telling him about the evil. He then told him to run as the World Army tried to capture Jay.
Years before that, little Lois Lane was once visited by the Greco-Roman gods Mercury and Eurus. As an oracle predicted for the girl a future both bright and tragic, there would be a time when she should live beyond death, and Mercury bound the spirit of Eurus to hers, to help her. The oracle saw that she would become one with the East Wind, and Eurus would help her to survive that torment. After that Mercury left, making Lois forget for now the gift of the gods that she had received.[1]
Powers and Abilities
Powers
- Godly Physiology: As a God of Rome, Mercury possessed immense power. As the messenger god, he was most notably able to move at immense speeds.
- Dimensional Travel: Mercury could use his immense speeed to travel between dimensions.[2]
- Enhanced Senses[3]
- Electrokinesis: Mercury was able to manipulate an electrical energy that emanated off of him when he used his speed. His power was also transferred to Jay Garrick through this energy.[3]
- Flight[2][4]
- Longevity
- Power Distribution: In his final living moments, Mercury was able to gift his power to Jay Garrick, transforming him into the Flash.[3]
- Superhuman Speed: As the messenger god, Mercury had immense speed.[2]
- Superhuman Agility[2]
- Superhuman Stamina[2]
- Telepathy: Mercury was able to mind wipe others.[4]
Paraphernalia
Equipment
- Caduceus
- Winged Helmet
Notes
- Mercury first appeared in New Comics #5. However, in the Earth 2 continuity Mercury first appeared as part of the New 52 DC Universe in Earth 2 #1 by James Robinson and Nicola Scott.
- This character or object is an adaptation of Mercury, a character or object in traditional stories. These include, but may not be limited to religious texts, myth, and/or folk lore. More information on the original can be found at Wikipedia.org.
Related
- 5 Appearances of Mercury (Earth 2)
- 1 Images featuring Mercury (Earth 2)
- 2 Quotations by or about Mercury (Earth 2)
- Character Gallery: Mercury (Earth 2)
Footnotes