Mantis (DC Comics)

Mantis
Mantis from New Gods #2, artist Jack Kirby
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Forever People #2, (June 1971)
Created by	Jack Kirby
In-story information
Alter ego	Mantis
Species	Bug
Place of origin	Apokolips
Team affiliations	Darkseid's Elite
Abilities	Immortality Superhuman strength, speed, reflexes, stamina, agility and durability Energy absorption, manipulation and projection Ability to generate heat, cold and anti-matter Flight

Mantis is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics.

Mantis first appeared in Forever People #2 (vol. 1, June 1971) and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby.

Mantis is the leader of a colony of humanoid insects that migrated from New Genesis. In return for his fealty, Darkseid gave him great power. He typically spent time in a power pod recharging his energies but he could also absorb energies sent at him by an opponent such as Green Lantern. Mantis has at times served as Darkseid's lackey and, like many of the denizens of Apokolips, has occasionally risen up against his master.

Mantis is featured in issue #5 of the limited series Death of the New Gods. He partners with Darkseid's son Kalibak after the murders of many "Fourth Age" gods. While in "Supertown", the duo battles Superman, Himon and the New Gods military leader "The General". During the battle, the Infinity-Man, acting as an agent for the Source Wall, attacks. He stuns the group and kills Mantis and Kalibak by removing their hearts.

Mantis is the second most powerful being on Apokolips, second to only Darkseid himself. Mantis is an energy vampire who can project tremendous blasts of energy and absorb virtually any form of energy or power source, including a power ring and the powers of a super being (as he did against the Martian Manhunter). He can even absorb magic, and can turn any energy against an opponent. He cannot, however, absorb Captain Atom's powers of radiation. Mantis can also teleport, open up his own boom tubes and he can charge matter with energy. Mantis' energy powers grant him with the ability to sense and detect energy, enabling him to even sense an opponent who is invisible. He can even strike beings who are intangible with his energy blasts.