Arion, a superhero in DC Comics, originated as an immortal wizard from ancient Atlantis. Initially outside DC's main storylines, he became integrated into Aquaman's Atlantis after Crisis on Infinite Earths. Revered for his magic and heroism, he's seen as the ancestor of Homo magi and Atlanteans. In various continuities, he's linked to characters like Zatanna, Aquaman, and Ocean Master in the DC Universe.
Arion was penned by Paul Kupperberg and illustrated by Jan Duursema, debuting in Warlord vol. 1 #55 (March 1982).
biography[]
Pre-Crisis Origin[]
Arion, born as the younger of a fraternal twin pair to the cosmic forces embodied by Calculha and Majistra, embodied both order and chaos alongside his twin brother, Garn Daanuth. His saga of heroism commenced with the expulsion of the Dark Giants, achieved through the utilization of the White Gate and Nth metal. This accomplishment was veiled under the guise of ancient magic, credited with preserving Atlantis.
Arion’s origin story has undergone significant revisions. Initially, he was seen as a cosmic entity, capable of balancing order and chaos, mentored by the powerful sorcerer Calculha. However, a revised version presents Arion, once called "Ahri'ahn," as Calculha’s son alongside Garn Daanuth. Born into a politically charged atmosphere, they were taught conflicting magic by their parents, ultimately leading to a cataclysmic event. Arion sacrificed himself to thwart his mother's power-hungry ambitions, resulting in his transformation, his family's entrapment in Darkworld, and Earth's first Ice Age.
Calculatedly resurrected by Calculha after millennia, Arion becomes a pivotal figure in Atlantis, dubbed Lord High Mage. His life unfolds with encounters with gods, battles against his brother Garn, and alliances forged, notably with Mara. His regained powers couldn't prevent Atlantis' downfall orchestrated by Chaon, leading to its sinking and fragmentation.
During Crisis on Infinite Earths, Arion is depicted as one of the heroes aiding in the cosmic conflict.
Lord of Atlantis[]
Embarked on numerous adventures during his tenure as Lord High Mage. He faced off against Atlantean gods, sacrificed his magical power to end the Ice Age, and attempted to regain his former strength. Arion encountered his brother, Garn, learned about their shared lineage, and allied with Mara. Eventually, he sealed Garn away in Darkworld and regained his powers through an encounter orchestrated by his mother. However, despite his efforts, he couldn't prevent Atlantis' destruction by Chaon, an Atlantean dark god.
Post the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Arion's universe underwent alterations. Atlantis existed around 500,000 years before the main DC Universe timeline, and contrary to Arion's belief, it wasn't entirely destroyed. He became linked to Power Girl's lineage, considered her great-grandfather, and was connected to Zatanna Zatara through her mother's ancestry. Arion's origin was retconned, associating him and his family with divine entities and acknowledging him as part of DC's homo magi and Lords of Chaos and Order.
In various instances, Arion was depicted in different periods and scenarios, aiding different groups or engaging in conflicts. He interacted with Rip Hunter, fought alongside the Justice League of America against Scarabus, and confronted Doctor Fate and Blue Beetle in different encounters. At times, impostors used his name and reputation for personal gain, blurring the lines between the true Arion and pretenders. Arion also resurfaced in various capacities during crises, aiding against the Spectre's threat and participating in the reconstruction of the shattered Rock of Eternity. However, one appearance was revealed to be a fake, assumed by a character named Bill Knightley.
In another narrative arc involving Superman, Arion attempted to manipulate Superman into retiring by showing him a bleak future where alien intervention caused the downfall of civilizations. When Superman resisted, Arion resorted to mind manipulation but was ultimately defeated, prompting his return to 1659 to plan his next move against Superman.
The New 52[]
In the 2014 Secret Six relaunch, Arion's legacy surfaces in a brief cameo and mention. He's unveiled as the ancient sorcerer who once imprisoned the formidable "Dark Giants," akin to the mythical deities from the Cthulhu Mythos. Their looming threat to the contemporary world arises due to Black Alice inadvertently disturbing the magical equilibrium, inadvertently weakening the ancient seals that contain these ominous entities. Arion's offspring, members of the clandestine faction "Children of Arion," actively endeavor to undo these intricate seals, led by a figure identified as Uvian. Their covert actions instigate heightened danger, escalating the potential release of these formidable Dark Giants.
DC Rebirth[]
In the DC Rebirth era, Arion stepped into the 2016 Blue Beetle series, presenting a revamped persona that echoes his past legacy. As a former king of Atlantis, he embodies the essence of a Lord of Order, materialized as an Atlantean demigod. The revised history intertwines him with Calculha, Dark Majistra, and his brother, setting him up as an ancestor to prominent figures like Aquaman, Ocean Master, Dead King Atlan, and Atlanna.
Thousands of years ago, Arion's tale took a twisted turn as he supposedly succumbed to madness triggered by exposure to the Blue Beetle scarab. Transforming into an ominous figure through darker sorcery, he was sealed away by Doctor Fate. However, using his apprentice Mordecai Cull as a pawn, he orchestrated events to break free and wield the scarab's power for his catastrophic intentions. Jaime Reyes, aided by Doctor Fate, thwarted Arion's malevolent plans and confined him within a crystal of absolution for millennia.
In the Drowned Earth crossover, glimpses into Arion's past shed light on his influential reign over Atlantis and his alliance with Themyscira. His ambitious endeavors involved building a spacecraft for cosmic exploration and manipulating the Life Force, a cosmic energy vital for sustaining life. Tragically misled by Poseidon, his mentor, and consumed by the Tear of Extinction, he inadvertently brought destruction upon the Triumvirate of Sea Gods and met his apparent demise. This cataclysmic event was twisted into a legend cautioning against exploration beyond Atlantis, fueling the kingdom's isolationist policies despite Arion's lifelong battle against such seclusion.
The aftermath witnessed the Triumvirate's vengeance brewing in the afterlife while Poseidon grappled with guilt over his betrayal. Arion's descendant, named Arion, ultimately unraveled the truth and endeavored to fulfill his ancestor's ambitions by connecting Atlantis with other oceanic alien realms using the Clarion artifact. Discrepancies in Arion's history arose, as the Blue Beetle storyline attributed his insanity to the Tear of Extinction, contrasting with the DC Comics Encyclopedia's account, which detailed his vanishing and a cover-up by Atlantean authorities regarding his downfall.
Moreover, in the 2018 Justice League Dark arc, the fabled sorcerer Merlin manipulated the resurrection of Arion, enslaving him as one of his Sapphire Knights in a bid to control the mystical realm of Darkworld.
Powers[]
Demi-Godhood: As a Lord of Order born from the cosmic forces of Calculha and Majistra, Arion embodies a demigod's physiology, graced with immortality and timeless existence that spans humanity's inception.
Enhanced Senses: His heightened senses alert him to threats, granting foresight against adversarial forces.
Darkworld Empowerment: Arion's connection to Darkworld allows him unparalleled mastery over its magic, wielding its energies with unprecedented control and dominance.
Vast Magical Proficiency: Renowned as Atlantis's premier mage, Arion commands an expansive repertoire of magical abilities, transcending mere mortals in his sorcerous prowess.
Magic Absorption: He can absorb potent magical energies from beings like Doctor Fate or mystical objects such as the Blue Beetle Scarab, replenishing his own might.
Electrokinesis: Conjuring bolts of electricity amplifies his offensive capabilities.
Molecular Reconstruction: Capable of separating entities like Jaime Reyes from powerful artifacts even while entombed.
Force Fields and Ectokinesis: Creates protective shields and manipulates human essence, showcasing an adept control over varied mystical facets.
Psychokinesis and Mind Control: His potent mind bends others to his will, forging compulsive bonds with beings like Khaji Da and compelling obedience in others.
Atmokinesis and Dimensional Travel: Unleashes mighty magical storms and traverses dimensions at will, showcasing his dominion over cosmic forces.
Retrocognition and Order Magic: Reading humanity's history and wielding Order Magic without erosion, a rare feat among Lords of Order.
Cosmic Enchantments and Reality Alteration: Crafts enchantments harnessing cosmic energies, capable of shaping and potentially ending creation.
Demonic Magic and Energy Projection: Channels darker, demonic powers alongside projecting potent energy constructs.
Power Replication and Distribution: Mimics abilities akin to the Blue Beetle Scarab and grants powers to others, transforming them into Atlantean demons.
Summoning and Transformation: Summons Atlantean demons, alters forms into dark insectoid beings with claws and fangs. Arion's multifaceted abilities, spanning magical domains and cosmic forces, underscore his unparalleled might and profound influence across the mystical realms.
Death Force Connection (Former): In the creation of the Tear of Extinction and its fusion with the Clarion, Arion underwent a perilous and fatal transformation. This macabre process granted him a perilous connection to the Death Force. Though excruciating, it bestowed upon him the grisly power to extinguish divine beings, as seen in his ability to vanquish the Triumvirate of Sea Gods.
Abilities[]
Arion possessed an exceptional intellect, regarded as a brilliant scientist by Poseidon, whose mastery extended to both scientific exploration and occult studies. His reign in Atlantis marked a pivotal era of technological advancement coupled with profound sorcery. He delved into the mysteries of life-giving forces, merging magic and technology to craft potent, albeit perilous inversions.
As an intrepid explorer, Arion traversed the globe, embodying roles from explorer and scientist to eventually ruling as king, his pursuits immortalized in Atlantean history. His leadership shaped Atlantis's progress and knowledge base, contributing significantly to their advancements.
However, exposure to the Death Force and the Blue Beetle Scarab inflicted a corrupting influence, plunging Arion into madness and altering his alignment toward malevolence.
Tools and Artifacts[]
Savior's Mantle: A symbolic garment, possibly bearing mystical properties or emblematic significance.
Arion's Gemstone: A mysterious gem, potentially a focal point of his magical prowess or holding unique mystical abilities.
Clarion (Formerly): Initially a conduit for the Life Force, transformed into the Tear of Extinction.
Tear of Extinction (Formerly): Forged from the Life Force inversion, possessed immense destructive capabilities against divine entities.
Blue Beetle Scarab (Formerly): Initially associated with inducing madness, later granting immense power and capabilities.
Arion's Keeperchest (Formerly): Containers crafted to confine potent magic, capable even of containing magically augmented explosives.
Weaponry[]
Staff of Arion: A prominent staff wielded by Arion, potentially channeling his magical energies or having inherent mystical properties.
Gallery[]
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Trivia[]
- Arion's nature is a subject of differing interpretations, described variably as a demon in one source, a god in another, and also referenced as an Atlantean in different contexts. Aquaman affirms Arion, akin to Atlan, as the esteemed "first" and "greatest" king in Atlantean history, establishing his significance within their lore.