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Quote1 I come for all. Even for you! Quote2
Black Racer src

The Black Racer is the embodiment of death to the New God. He uses Vietnam vet Willie Walker as a host body.

Origin

The Black Racer's corporeal form is that of the otherwise bedridden Sgt. Willie Walker, who was paralyzed during the Vietnam War. Walker was contacted by the Source when Darkseid first brought the war of the gods to Earth, and told it was his responsibility to take on the role.[1] The Racer makes use of skis as his means of transport. New Gods are collected by the Racer at the moment of their deaths, and taken to Hadis (the Fourth World version of Hades).[2] However, William, is alive as long as he is the host for the Black Racer.[3]

The Black Racer acts as a physical manifestation of "death as inevitability and the race to death that all life eventually loses", whereas Death of The Endless represents "death as compassionate release and mercy".[4]

Seven Soldiers

The Black Racer appears as a wheelchair-bound man, following the destruction of Apokolips and New Genesis. He has a bet with Metron as to whether Mister Miracle will be successful in saving the New Gods.

Death of the New Gods

Walker was later killed by the Infinity Man, who tore his heart out. Serifan of the Forever People was seen exiting the room after his death.

Final Crisis

 Main article: Final Crisis

The Black Racer returned, this time chasing Barry Allen, who came back from death to fight Darkseid after he had gained control of the Earth. Barry met with Wally West and together they planned to use The Black Racer against Darkseid.[5]

Powers

  • New God Physiology
    • Superhuman Speed: Black Racer is literally the fastest being in existence. According to William, no one can escape and none can outrun him. Nothing can outrun death.[6]
    • Flight: Self-powered flight, able to travel through space and any gravity.
    • Intangibility: Nothing can stop the Black Racer from reaching his target, no wall can stop him and no barrier can withhold him.
    • Immortality: Without sufficient force such as ripping out his heart, Black Racer cannot die by conventional means as he represents death incarnate.
    • Touch of Death: Normally, the Black Racer chooses to kill his targets through either conventional means or other elaborate portrayals of death. However, if push comes to shove he can deliver death with but a touch.

Abilities

Weaknesses

Equipment

Transportation

  • Cosmically Charged Skis: Flight through space by cosmically charged skis, these skis enhanced his speed and allow him pin-point control.

Weapons

  • Cosmic Staff: On occasion and during his early career, the Black Racer carried a staff with cosmic powers allowing him to focus his deadly abilities to his whim.


  • Although this character was originally introduced during DC's Earth-One era of publication, their existence following the events of the 1985–86 limited series Crisis on Infinite Earths remains intact. However, some elements of the character's Pre-Crisis history may have been altered or removed for Post-Crisis New Earth continuity, and should be considered apocryphal.
  • In the Darkseid vs. Galactus crossover, the Silver Surfer talked the Racer out of claiming Orion.
  • The Black Racer is usually implacable, but has on certain occasions relented.
  • During the Justice League Elite's disastrous mission to the Source Wall, Major Disaster suffered a loss of control over his powers due to his alcoholism. The Black Racer appeared in the midst of battle to claim Booker, but Disaster's teammate, Manitou Raven, struck a deal of sorts with the Racer. He took the brunt of an explosion that was meant to kill Booker, thus giving up his life instead.[7]

Related

Footnotes


New Gods 02
Jack Kirby's Fourth World
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This character or group of characters are related to Jack Kirby's Fourth World, either the original concept and group of titles by Jack Kirby, or any of their subsequent adaptations by other creators. This template will categorize articles that include it into the Fourth World Characters category.

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