Warning: contains potential spoilers forSuperman#23!
DC is bringing back its most underrated villain, but with aDarkseid-level twist. While the Lord of Apokolips reigns as DC’s most fear-inspiring villain, there are still plenty of others that can give even Superman pause. Now,in a first look atSuperman#23, one of DC’s most powerful, yet somehow also underutilized, villains returns–with an upgrade that puts them in league with Darkseid himself.
DC released their February solicitations, includingSuperman#23, which will be written by Joshua Williamson and drawn by Dan Mora. As part of the “Many Deaths of Doomsday” story arc, it will followSuperman as he fights Doomsday,while Lois Lane seeks out someone even more powerful. DC’s solicitation for the issue reads as follows:
Dan Mora
Variant Covers:
Nathan Szerdy, Dan Panosian, Guillem March, Ryan Benjamin, Dave Johnson & Kaare Andrews
As the man of steel battles for the life of his deadliest adversary Doomsday, Superwoman travels across time and space to unlock the secrets of the Time Trapper! What life-shattering secrets lurk at the end of time? What clues can Lois Lane find to save the future? And can these answers be uncovered in time to halt Time Trapper’s evolution into God-Mode?
Find out in this essential chapter of the Many Deaths of Doomsday Saga!
The Time Trapper, mentioned in the solicitation, seeks to evolve, and if it does, this could potentially make them even more powerful than Darkseid.With Darkseid currently dead in the DC Universe, the Time Trapper is poised to take his spot.
The Time Trapper’s DC Universe Role, Explained
The Time Trapper is Powerful, Mysterious–And Evil
The Time Trapper first appeared in 1964’sAdventure Comics#317, created by Edmond Hamilton and John Forte.
TheTime Trapper is not only one of DC’s most terrifying villains, they are also one of the most enigmatic.The Trapper is known as one of the primary antagonists of the Legion of Super-Heroes. A purple hood completely obscures their facial features, giving the Time Trapper an aura of mystery. The Time Trapper’s true identity went unrevealeduntil 1994’sZero Hour,when it was revealed they were none other than Cosmic Boy. The mystery of the Time Trapper’s identity was seemingly resolved–untilZero Hours' end, when a new Time Trapper emerged, this one appearing to be a woman.
Given that the DC Universe has been subjected to numerous “Crisis” events, in which reality is reshuffled, it makes sense that the Time Trapper’s identity would be in flux as well.
Since then,various other characters have been the Time Trapper, including Superboy Prime, leading to speculation among fans about the Trapper’s true nature.Given that the DC Universe has been subjected to numerous “Crisis” events, in which reality is reshuffled, it makes sense that the Time Trapper’s identity would be in flux as well. This makes the Time Trapper a quintessential DC villain, one whose identity and existence is tied to the universe on a deep and fundamental level. Despite the Trapper’s cool appearance and mysterious nature, they have remained a B-list villain.
The Time Trapper’s Moment Has Arrived
Can the Time Trapper Take Darkseid’s Place as DC’s Most Powerful Villain?
Keeping the Time Trapper off the board for so long also undersells just how powerful they are.Existing outside the timestream, the Trapper has the ability to manipulate time on a scale unlike anyone else in the DC Universe. So great is the Time Trapper’s power that he can create entire timelines, as seen in 1986’sLegion of Super-Heroes#37-38. In those issues, the Legion of Super-Heroes learned the Trapper had used their powers to influence the team’s origin. While this particular story has been retconned, it gave a terrifying glimpse of the Trapper’s true power.
Batman’s New Space Armor Is Powerful Enough to Take on Darkseid Himself
Darkseid is one of the most dangerous threats in the DC Universe, but Batman just revealed a brand new suit that could help take him down for good.
The Time Trapper clearly has the potential to be aDarkseidlevel villain for the DC Universe, and after 60 years they are finally getting another chance to shine–this time as they seek an upgrade that will make them somehow even more powerful. The Trapper is already a god-level villain, and any upgrade they get will give them power on a level never before seen. That much power concentrated in the hands of a villain like the Time Trapper should scare everyone in the DC Universe.
