How about a #SupermanAnalogue that was a man of mystery, despite being a powerhouse on a VERY mighty Justice League roster (Superman, Maxima, Yellow Ring Guy Gardner, Booster Gold). Today, I want to talk about Bloodwynd! 
Wait, who? That's the question we were all asking when he first showed up. But with powers like his, Bloodwynd was able to stand out. This guy was even present in the fight against Doomsday and did ok until exposed to his weakness.
What was his weakness you may ask? Well, this telepathic, super strong Titan was weak to fire and, yes, that should ring a bell. Yes! The Bloodwynd who stared down Superman's killer was the fucking Martian Manhunter!
Now, here's an issue: I'm not sure what's the history vs. a retcon. My understanding is that Bloodwynd is a Xorn like character, in that he was created as an alternate identity for an existing character, but then is revealed to be a stand alone character afterwards as a retcon.
However, I have no idea if that's true. Bloodwynd could be either a pre-existing character or always intended to be a stand alone character and that the reveal was always the plan. Most sites show the canon history, but who fucking knows? I've never done a deep dive.
Anyway, while the Martian Manhunter, he had the powers of the Martian Manhunter. When his own standalone character, he had vague necromantic magic powers on top of Superman type physical powers. Really this is what they'd later mold Shazam into.
His actual power source was a "bloodgem" created by mystic slaves in barbarian times America. It bound the souls of each wielder to the creator, passed down over the years. One highlight was he could draw on the strength of those who died where he battled to bolster his own might
I'd water that if he weren't so closely tied to the Martian Manhunter, he'd have less physical powers. His other aspects resembled some mix of Dr. Fate, Brother Voodoo, and Dr. Strange. His cape had a raised neck that felt very magic-guy. But, then, he could also punch real good.
And while the all white bodysuit...stands out...damn if it isn't striking! Stark colors and great contrasts! If it wasn't such a 90s spandex body suit, I think it would be a real winner. As it is, it feels like a lot, but whatever.
Anyway, I can't say Bloodwynd was ever a big player in the DCU, but he certainly was positioned as if he would be. A hero who drew upon the power of the dead to protect the living, he could have been and still might grab the spotlight, but for now he's resigned to history.
Please unroll @threadreaderapp
