Savitar (comics)

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caption =Savitar in Flash vol. 2 #111,
artist Oscar Jimenez
character_name = Savitar
publisher = DC Comics
debut = "Flash" (v.2) #108,
(December 1995)
creators = Mark Waid (writer)
Oscar Jimenez (artist)
real_name = Unknown
species =
homeworld =
alliances =
aliases =
supports =
powers = Superspeed, accelerated healing, force field

Savitar is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in "Flash" (v.2) #108 (December 1995), and was created by Mark Waid and Oscar Jimenez.

Fictional character biography

A Cold War pilot for a third-world nation, the man who would become known as Savitar was to test a supersonic fighter jet. As he reached top speed, his plane was struck by what appeared to be lightning, and he went down in hostile territory. Discovering he could defeat the enemy by moving at super-speed, he became obsessed with speed, naming himself after Savitr the Hindu "god of motion", and dedicating his life to unlocking its secrets. As Savitar studied, he discovered new powers that no other living speedster has mastered. He can protect himself in a null-inertia force field, give speed and kinetic energy to objects or people, even those in a "rest state", he could also heal his own injuries almost instantly.

Savitar’s obsession gained followers, and he became the leader of a cult. In search of more knowledge, he sought out the only super-speed hero operating at the time: Johnny Quick. This encounter became a battle, the tide of which was turned with the arrival of Max Mercury, who led Savitar toward the Speed Force, but caused him to bounce off.

Savitar reappeared decades later to find that his cult had grown in his absence, awaiting his return. He recruited former "Blue Trinity" member Lady Flash (Christina Alexandrova), and discovered a way to use her speed to divert all energy from the Speed Force to his own army of ninjas. He then sought to eliminate the competition: Flash (Wally West), Impulse, Golden Age Flash (Jay Garrick), Johnny Quick, Jesse Quick, XS, and especially Max Mercury.

Fortunately, Wally’s direct line to the Speed Force prevented Savitar from stealing his speed, and a coalition of just about every speedster (except for Red Trinity), foiled his plans. Hell-bent on at least destroying Flash’s world in retribution, he led the Flash on a world-wide race of destruction, until Flash chose to give Savitar what he wanted: union with the Speed Force. His earlier encounter had shown him that the others who had arrived before would deal with Savitar as they saw fit.

Powers and abilities

*Super Speed, able to lend or steal speed.
*Accelerated healing due to increased metabolism.
*Null inertia "Force field"

Other versions

While Savitar has not reappeared, two stories set in the future suggest he may have a legacy.
*In the "Chain Lightning" story, the Flash of the 25th century is said to have lost his speed in a battle with Savitrix.
*In "DC One Million", the alien supervillain Scourge temporarily drains the speed of this setting's Flash with a Savitar Leech.

External links

* [http://www.hyperborea.org/flash/savitar.html Those Who Ride The Lightning: Savitar]
* [http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=savitar DCU Guide: Savitar]
* [http://www.fourthhorsemanpress.com/Flash/ Crimson Lightning] - An online index to the comic book adventures of the Flash.