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Matrix (comics)
Encyclopedia
Matrix is a fiction
al character
and a superheroine, best known as the 1988-2002 Supergirl
, published by DC Comics
. She was created by John Byrne as part of his Superman revamp. She first appeared (as Supergirl
) in Superman
(second series) #16.
In 2006, another character calling herself Matrix was created by Geoff Johns
, Grant Morrison
, Greg Rucka
, Mark Waid
, and Dale Eaglesham
and first appeared in 52
.
criminals escaped the Phantom Zone
, and tried to take over that reality's Earth. There was no Superman
in this reality (his younger self, Superboy, having died before the criminals' escape) but there was a Lex Luthor
who hadn't turned evil. Using an artificial life-form called the "protoplasmic matrix," Lex created a red-headed woman, Matrix, who resembled his true love, the deceased alternate-reality Lana Lang
. Matrix possessed all of Lana's memories, due to Lana's synaptic pathways being copied into Matrix. Lex had also patterned her physiology to resemble Superman's, whom he had seen by using one of his many inventions to look into the mainstream universe.
Like Superman, Matrix was superhumanly strong and fast, and could fly, but she also had the powers of shapeshifting
, telekinesis
, and cloaking (including invisibility
). Matrix wore a version of Superman's uniform, shapeshifted into a young blonde woman, and fought the three criminals as Supergirl. However, her powers were no match for theirs. Desperate, Lex sent Matrix into the mainstream universe to recruit Superman. Her efforts were successful, and Superman did aid in stopping the Kryptonian criminals, but the alternate Earth had been ruined, and was now lifeless. Superman took the orphaned Matrix back to the mainstream DC Universe with him, where she served as the Post-Crisis
world's first in-continuity Supergirl.
After many adventures, and after playing an important part in the "Panic in the Sky" storyline, she returned to Earth where she met and fell in love with the mainstream Lex Luthor (disguised at the time as his own son). Again donning the uniform her reality's Lex had given her (and once again in the form of the young blonde woman), she assumed the role of Supergirl
in the mainstream DC universe, determined to make this Earth a better one than the one she left. One of her first acts was to return to Smallville, Kansas, and reunite with her "parents," Jonathan and Martha Kent.
Her parents and Superman were shocked when they learned that their dear Mae was now dating Luthor. Mae began living with Lex, and even had an altercation with her "brother" Superman over it, although she did assure him that she would keep his secret regardless
During The Death of Superman
arc, Matrix was eager to help in the fight against the menacing Doomsday
, but Lex kept her at bay, keeping her with him by arguing that the city needed her there while Superman was otherwise occupied (Although he was also secretly convinced that Superman was in no real danger after all the times Luthor's own plans to kill him failed). When Doomsday reached Metropolis
, she rebelled against Lex and went to fight the monster, only to be knocked out in a single blow, forcing her to unconsciously take her true form of a gray, humanoid mass.
When Superman died stopping Doomsday, Supergirl used her powers to protect Metropolis, but was met with some derision, as many people saw her as Luthor's "pet". She did an admirable job of rescuing victims, teaching the new hero Superboy about the importance of being serious when saving lives, and helped Superman return once he was found to be alive again. She even posed as Clark Kent, pretending that Clark had been trapped in a well-stocked cellar during Doomsday's initial attack, to help explain why Clark was gone while Superman was dead.
Her biggest shock came when she learned that Lex had cloned her, making thousands of his own personal "Supergirls". She went berserk, and destroyed his lab, his clones, and almost killed Lex before he fell into a coma. She decided to join the Teen Titans for a short while, but left shortly afterwards, realizing that it just wasn't for her.
attacks Linda Danvers in her Gotham City
apartment, which makes Linda fight back. She manifests the flaming wings she had while merged with Matrix, but still loses to the collective powers of Blue Devil
and Enchantress
. However she is teleported to Hell, as Hell is recalling all of its "debts". In Reign in Hell #6, Linda reappears in the Doctor Occult
backstory. She appears as a fallen angel summoned by Lilith but mysteriously released.
, following the events of Infinite Crisis, Dan Didio
stated that the Matrix Supergirl was wiped from existence. However, Geoff Johns
later stated, "As for this...huh? Linda Danvers hasn't been retconned out at all." The question of the canonicity and fate of both Matrix and Linda Danvers was a subject of debate for several years until in 2008 when Linda Danvers was used in the Reign in Hell miniseries. However, the future of Matrix remains uncertain. Her origin may be in flux due to the events of Infinite Crisis
and the multiversal
instability hinted at in Booster Gold
, but her existence has been confirmed at least.
which she could use to move objects with her mind and enhance her strength, physical durability, and speed to superhuman levels. By levitating herself, she could fly at supersonic speeds. She could cloak herself (becoming both invisible and inaudible, even to Superman's super hearing). She could focus her psychokinesis into devastating force blasts, or extend a psionic barrier around others to shield them from harm. She could even use her psi-power to rearrange the molecular structure of fabrics, and alter clothing and costumes with her thoughts (an ability that enabled her to change her clothing when she changed shape, and turn a Kryptonian recovery suit into a new costume for Superman). However, she lost her shapeshifting powers and cloaking after the merge with Linda Danvers, as she now possessed the psychological boundaries
of a human woman, having defined herself as Linda and Supergirl to give herself an 'alpha and omega'.
In 52, a new heroine named Matrix appears as a member of Infinity, Inc. This Matrix is a redhead named Sierra who speaks with a southern accent. She displays superhuman strength
and invisibility, like the original Matrix. When Obsidian
attacked the newest member of Infinity Inc., the new Jade, Matrix also showed flight and invulnerability powers when she tried to fight him off.
Fiction
Fiction is the form of any narrative or informative work that deals, in part or in whole, with information or events that are not factual, but rather, imaginary—that is, invented by the author. Although fiction describes a major branch of literary work, it may also refer to theatrical,...
al character
Character (arts)
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
and a superheroine, best known as the 1988-2002 Supergirl
Supergirl
Supergirl is a female counterpart to the DC Comics Superman. As his cousin, she shares his super powers and vulnerability to Kryptonite. She was created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino in 1959. She first appeared in the Action Comics comic book series and later branched out...
, published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. She was created by John Byrne as part of his Superman revamp. She first appeared (as Supergirl
Supergirl
Supergirl is a female counterpart to the DC Comics Superman. As his cousin, she shares his super powers and vulnerability to Kryptonite. She was created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino in 1959. She first appeared in the Action Comics comic book series and later branched out...
) in Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
(second series) #16.
In 2006, another character calling herself Matrix was created by Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, where he has been Chief Creative Officer since February 2010, in particular for characters such as Green Lantern, The Flash and Superman...
, Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
, Greg Rucka
Greg Rucka
Gregory "Greg" Rucka is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.-Career:Rucka's writing career...
, Mark Waid
Mark Waid
Mark Waid is an American comic book writer. He is well known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America...
, and Dale Eaglesham
Dale Eaglesham
Dale Eaglesham is a comic book illustrator who has been working in the industry since 1986. He is best known for his work on titles like Conan, Punisher, Green Lantern, Villains United, Justice Society of America and Fantastic Four...
and first appeared in 52
52 (comics)
52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
.
Encounter with Superman
In an alternate reality (a "Pocket Universe") three KryptonianKryptonian
Kryptonians are a fictional extraterrestrial race of the DC Comics universe who hail from the planet Krypton. The term originated from the stories of DC Comics superhero, Superman...
criminals escaped the Phantom Zone
Phantom Zone
The Phantom Zone is a fictional prison dimension featured in the Superman comic books and related media published by DC Comics. It first appeared in Adventure Comics #283 , and was created by Robert Bernstein and George Papp...
, and tried to take over that reality's Earth. There was no Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
in this reality (his younger self, Superboy, having died before the criminals' escape) but there was a Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
who hadn't turned evil. Using an artificial life-form called the "protoplasmic matrix," Lex created a red-headed woman, Matrix, who resembled his true love, the deceased alternate-reality Lana Lang
Lana Lang
Lana Lang is a fictional supporting character in DC Comics' Superman series. Created by writer Bill Finger and artist John Sikela, the character first appears in Superboy #10...
. Matrix possessed all of Lana's memories, due to Lana's synaptic pathways being copied into Matrix. Lex had also patterned her physiology to resemble Superman's, whom he had seen by using one of his many inventions to look into the mainstream universe.
Like Superman, Matrix was superhumanly strong and fast, and could fly, but she also had the powers of shapeshifting
Shapeshifting
Shapeshifting is a common theme in mythology, folklore, and fairy tales. It is also found in epic poems, science fiction literature, fantasy literature, children's literature, Shakespearean comedy, ballet, film, television, comics, and video games...
, telekinesis
Psychokinesis
The term psychokinesis , also referred to as telekinesis with respect to strictly describing movement of matter, sometimes abbreviated PK and TK respectively, is a term...
, and cloaking (including invisibility
Invisibility
Invisibility is the state of an object that cannot be seen. An object in this state is said to be invisible . The term is usually used as a fantasy/science fiction term, where objects are literally made unseeable by magical or technological means; however, its effects can also be seen in the real...
). Matrix wore a version of Superman's uniform, shapeshifted into a young blonde woman, and fought the three criminals as Supergirl. However, her powers were no match for theirs. Desperate, Lex sent Matrix into the mainstream universe to recruit Superman. Her efforts were successful, and Superman did aid in stopping the Kryptonian criminals, but the alternate Earth had been ruined, and was now lifeless. Superman took the orphaned Matrix back to the mainstream DC Universe with him, where she served as the Post-Crisis
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
world's first in-continuity Supergirl.
"Supergirl"
Upon arrival on the mainstream Earth, Matrix was taken to live with Superman's parents, the Kents. Jonathan and Martha did a fine job raising their new "daughter", but Matrix (or "Mae" as the Kents named her) became delusional for a time, believing she was Clark, even assuming his form. After a fight with the real Superman, Matrix came to her senses, but concerned that she might become unstable again and cause the Kents harm, she fled into outer space.After many adventures, and after playing an important part in the "Panic in the Sky" storyline, she returned to Earth where she met and fell in love with the mainstream Lex Luthor (disguised at the time as his own son). Again donning the uniform her reality's Lex had given her (and once again in the form of the young blonde woman), she assumed the role of Supergirl
Supergirl
Supergirl is a female counterpart to the DC Comics Superman. As his cousin, she shares his super powers and vulnerability to Kryptonite. She was created by writer Otto Binder and designed by artist Al Plastino in 1959. She first appeared in the Action Comics comic book series and later branched out...
in the mainstream DC universe, determined to make this Earth a better one than the one she left. One of her first acts was to return to Smallville, Kansas, and reunite with her "parents," Jonathan and Martha Kent.
Her parents and Superman were shocked when they learned that their dear Mae was now dating Luthor. Mae began living with Lex, and even had an altercation with her "brother" Superman over it, although she did assure him that she would keep his secret regardless
During The Death of Superman
The Death of Superman
"The Death of Superman" is a 1992 comic book storyline that occurred in DC Comics' Superman titles. The completed multi-issue story arc was given the title The Death and Return of Superman....
arc, Matrix was eager to help in the fight against the menacing Doomsday
Doomsday (comics)
Doomsday is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appears in Superman: The Man of Steel #18 , and was created by writer-artist Dan Jurgens. IGN's list of the Top 100 Comic Book Villains of All Time ranked Doomsday as #46...
, but Lex kept her at bay, keeping her with him by arguing that the city needed her there while Superman was otherwise occupied (Although he was also secretly convinced that Superman was in no real danger after all the times Luthor's own plans to kill him failed). When Doomsday reached Metropolis
Metropolis (comics)
Metropolis is a fictional city that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Metropolis first appeared by name in Action Comics #16 ....
, she rebelled against Lex and went to fight the monster, only to be knocked out in a single blow, forcing her to unconsciously take her true form of a gray, humanoid mass.
When Superman died stopping Doomsday, Supergirl used her powers to protect Metropolis, but was met with some derision, as many people saw her as Luthor's "pet". She did an admirable job of rescuing victims, teaching the new hero Superboy about the importance of being serious when saving lives, and helped Superman return once he was found to be alive again. She even posed as Clark Kent, pretending that Clark had been trapped in a well-stocked cellar during Doomsday's initial attack, to help explain why Clark was gone while Superman was dead.
Her biggest shock came when she learned that Lex had cloned her, making thousands of his own personal "Supergirls". She went berserk, and destroyed his lab, his clones, and almost killed Lex before he fell into a coma. She decided to join the Teen Titans for a short while, but left shortly afterwards, realizing that it just wasn't for her.
Earth-born angel
After some soul searching, Mae began to wonder if she was even a real person or if she even had a soul. This was solved when she held the hand of a dying girl named Linda Danvers. Matrix's shapeshifting ability merged the two into the new Supergirl and Mae became the Earth Angel of Fire, simultaneously losing her shapeshifting abilities as she subconsciously defined herself as just Linda and Supergirl. The remnants of her protoplasmic form that were not absorbed in the merge became an evil, insane Matrix, who fought the Mae/Linda merged Supergirl, until she was absorbed by Blithe, the Earth Angel of Light. Later, when the good aspect of Matrix was separated from Linda, she was merged with Twilight, and became a new Angel of Fire.Reign in hell
In Reign in Hell #1, July 2008, the team of ShadowpactShadowpact
The Shadowpact is a group of magic-based heroes who fought against the Spectre in the 2005 limited series Day of Vengeance, published by DC Comics. They are a sort of Justice League for the supernatural elements of the DC Universe...
attacks Linda Danvers in her Gotham City
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
apartment, which makes Linda fight back. She manifests the flaming wings she had while merged with Matrix, but still loses to the collective powers of Blue Devil
Blue Devil
Blue Devil is a superhero featured in material published by DC Comics. He first appeared in a special insert published in Fury of Firestorm #24 . That story led directly into Blue Devil #1, also cover dated June 1984...
and Enchantress
Enchantress (DC Comics)
The Enchantress is a DC Comics character who has been both a superheroine and supervillainess. She first appeared in National Comics flagship science fiction anthology title Strange Adventures #187 , and was created by writer Bob Haney and artist Howard Purcell.More recently she is usually called...
. However she is teleported to Hell, as Hell is recalling all of its "debts". In Reign in Hell #6, Linda reappears in the Doctor Occult
Doctor Occult
Doctor Occult is a fictional character, a magic user in the . Created by Superman's creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Doctor Occult is the earliest character created by DC Comics still currently in use in its shared universe fiction....
backstory. She appears as a fallen angel summoned by Lilith but mysteriously released.
Behind the scenes
Post-Infinite Crisis, the Matrix Supergirl has been seen in a scene showing the events from Zero Hour in 52 in the History of the DC Universe back-ups by Dan Jurgens. According to an interview with NewsaramaNewsarama
Newsarama is an American website that publishes news, interviews and essays about the American comic book industry.-History:Newsarama began in Summer 1995 as a series of Internet forum postings on the Prodigy comic-book message boards by fan Mike Doran. In these short messages. Doran shared...
, following the events of Infinite Crisis, Dan Didio
Dan DiDio
Dan DiDio is an American writer, editor and publisher who has worked in the television and comic book industries. He is currently the Co-Publisher of DC Comics, along with Jim Lee...
stated that the Matrix Supergirl was wiped from existence. However, Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns
Geoff Johns is an American comic book writer, best known for his work for DC Comics, where he has been Chief Creative Officer since February 2010, in particular for characters such as Green Lantern, The Flash and Superman...
later stated, "As for this...huh? Linda Danvers hasn't been retconned out at all." The question of the canonicity and fate of both Matrix and Linda Danvers was a subject of debate for several years until in 2008 when Linda Danvers was used in the Reign in Hell miniseries. However, the future of Matrix remains uncertain. Her origin may be in flux due to the events of Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis is a 2005 - 2006 comic book storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of an eponymous, seven-issue comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway, and a number of tie-in books...
and the multiversal
Multiverse
The multiverse is the hypothetical set of multiple possible universes that together comprise all of reality.Multiverse may also refer to:-In fiction:* Multiverse , the fictional multiverse used by DC Comics...
instability hinted at in Booster Gold
Booster Gold
Booster Gold is a fictional DC Comics superhero. Created by Dan Jurgens, he first appeared in Booster Gold #1 and has been a member of the Justice League, DC Comics' all-star team of heroes. The character is initially depicted as a glory-seeking showboat from the future, using knowledge of...
, but her existence has been confirmed at least.
Powers and abilities
The Matrix from the Pocket Universe was a protoplasmic life-form and had a malleable genome, so she could assume any humanoid form of similar mass. Her primary power was telekinesisPsychokinesis
The term psychokinesis , also referred to as telekinesis with respect to strictly describing movement of matter, sometimes abbreviated PK and TK respectively, is a term...
which she could use to move objects with her mind and enhance her strength, physical durability, and speed to superhuman levels. By levitating herself, she could fly at supersonic speeds. She could cloak herself (becoming both invisible and inaudible, even to Superman's super hearing). She could focus her psychokinesis into devastating force blasts, or extend a psionic barrier around others to shield them from harm. She could even use her psi-power to rearrange the molecular structure of fabrics, and alter clothing and costumes with her thoughts (an ability that enabled her to change her clothing when she changed shape, and turn a Kryptonian recovery suit into a new costume for Superman). However, she lost her shapeshifting powers and cloaking after the merge with Linda Danvers, as she now possessed the psychological boundaries
Personal boundaries
Personal boundaries are guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify for him- or herself what are reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave around him or her and how he or she will respond when someone steps outside those limits.'Personal boundaries define...
of a human woman, having defined herself as Linda and Supergirl to give herself an 'alpha and omega'.
Other versions
In 52, a new heroine named Matrix appears as a member of Infinity, Inc. This Matrix is a redhead named Sierra who speaks with a southern accent. She displays superhuman strength
Superhuman strength
Superhuman strength, also called superstrength, super-strength, or super strength, is an ability commonly employed in fiction. It is the ability for a character to be stronger than humanly possible...
and invisibility, like the original Matrix. When Obsidian
Obsidian (comics)
Obsidian is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in All-Star Squadron #25 , and was created by Roy Thomas and Jerry Ordway. According to an Infinity, Inc...
attacked the newest member of Infinity Inc., the new Jade, Matrix also showed flight and invulnerability powers when she tried to fight him off.