Merlin (DC Comics)

Merlin
Merlin, from Madame Xanadu vol. 2 #2, artist Amy Reeder Hadley
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	New Comics #3 (February 1936)
Created by	Rafael Astarita (writer & artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Myrddin
Species	Half-demon
Place of origin	Hell
Notable aliases	Merlin Ambrosius, Merlinus, Merloch
Abilities	Powerful infernal sorcerer Expert in Maleficium Necromancy

Merlin (also Myrddin) is a fictional character, a comic book magician published by DC Comics. Myrddin debuted in New Comics #3, (February 1936), and was created by Rafael Astarita. The character is based on the mythical wizard Merlin made popular by two of Geoffrey of Monmouth's early works, the Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain) and the Vita Merlini (Life of Merlin).

The DC Comics version of Merlin first appeared in New Comics #3 (February 1936), kicking off a six issue adaptation of the The Tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney by Sir Thomas Malory. This was also one of the earliest appearances of a recurring character in a DC Comics title in 1938, and predates Superman's debut.

In a Superboy story he appears as a scientist of King Arthur's time who looks like Mr Mxyzptlk, but also has the gift of Second Sight. (Superboy #103)

The first modern version of Merlin is linked to his appearance in The Demon vol. 1 #1 (September 1972). In this series, Merlin summons the demon Etrigan to combat Morgaine le Fey, and appears in several more issues of the series. These events are shown from a different point of view in Madame Xanadu vol. 2 #1 (August 2008), a Vertigo Comics title. In The Demon vol. 2 #1 (April 1987), Merlin is established as Etrigan's half-demon brother and subsequent uses of the character have followed this back story.