Nommo Balewa, an Homo Magi/Deserter immortal wizard previously known as Nommo in ancient times, established the Global Guardians, a metahuman force aligned with the United Nations in the present era. Adopting the alias Doctor Mist.
Doctor Mist was created by E. Nelson Bridwell and the late Ramona Fradon, making his first appearance in Super Friends #12.
Biography[]
Origin[]
11,000 years ago, a sorcerer named Nommo gained incredible powers and immortality from standing upon the Pillar of Life. He established the African nation of Kor by building an empire that spanned across hundred cities and reigned as its king until eventually renouncing the throne to live a secluded lifestyle on the east coast of Africa inside a mountain sculpted in his own likeness.
Having previously abused his formidable powers, Dr. Mist opted for a more restrained use of his abilities and remained on the mountain to reflect on his past actions. The once-mighty ruler now preferred a more tempered approach, acknowledging the consequences of unchecked power.
Global Guardians[]
In 1957, the European Economic Community established the Dome, a supranational law enforcement agency. Dr. Mist, however, took the initiative to form the Global Guardians, positioning their headquarters within the Dome. For decades, the Global Guardians collaborated seamlessly until they faced budgetary constraints due to the emergence of Justice League International, leading to the closure of the Dome.
Subsequently, Queen Bee orchestrated the reconstruction of the Dome within her country and manipulated the Global Guardians through mind control, with an android Dr. Mist at their helm. Dr. Mist, in a surprising turn, aided Jack O' Lantern and Owl Woman in escaping Bialya. Recognizing the need to free his comrades, Dr. Mist assembled a team to break the Global Guardians from their brainwashing, orchestrating their escape.
Following this liberation, Dr. Mist undertook the task of reuniting and reforming the Global Guardians. He orchestrated the rebuilding of the Dome in an undisclosed location in the Pacific, signifying a fresh chapter for the superhero team under his guidance.
New 52[]
In the Justice League Dark story arc, A.R.G.U.S., a military organization combating superhuman threats, faces challenges with supernatural artifacts stored in different rooms. Pandora's quest for a stolen box leads to the disclosure of critical information by Steve Trevor. Doctor Mist, recruited to recover missing artifacts, is captured by Felix Faust but later freed by Black Orchid's team. Mist aids the group in locating the source of Faust's power, only to betray them by aligning with Faust and Nick Necro. The Justice League Dark, with new recruits, defeats Mist and his allies, leading to Mist's detention by A.R.G.U.S.
In related arcs involving the Black Room and Books of Magic, the team pursues missing A.R.G.U.S. agents and encounters magical threats, eventually facing Faust and recovering the map to The Books of Magic. Constantine's vision of possessing The Books unfolds, leading to a conflict where Tim Hunter gains control. Doctor Mist's betrayal ensues, driven by the promise of resurrecting his wife. The Justice League Dark overcomes internal and external challenges, restoring balance and leaving Doctor Mist in A.R.G.U.S. custody. The story sets the stage for further conflicts with A.R.G.U.S. and explores the consequences of the team's mystical pursuits.
Powers and Abilies[]
Powers[]
- Immortality: Nommo gained immortality thousands of years ago and is over 10,000 years old. He has faced formidable adversaries, such as a possessed Vandal Savage, alongside other divine entities.
- Magic: Nommo possesses formidable magical powers, earning him recognition as a known mystic powerhouse.
- Molecular Reconstruction: Through mystical means, Nommo is capable of repairing objects, demonstrated by his ability to mend the broken Tantu Totem.
- Telekinesis: Nommo has the ability to manipulate objects at a distance using telekinesis.
- Telepathy: Nommo possesses telepathic abilities, allowing him to communicate mentally with others.
- Energy Projection: He can project energy, likely for offensive purposes.
- Magic Absorption: Nommo has the capability to absorb magical energies.
- Eldritch Blast: He can unleash blasts of eldritch energy, suggesting offensive magical capabilities.
- Force Field: Nommo can generate protective force fields.
- Healing: Nommo has the power to heal injuries or ailments.
- Spectral Vision: Possessing spectral sight, he can discern spiritual entities and beings invisible to the ordinary eye. Additionally, he has the ability to perceive magical occurrences from a considerable distance.
- Illusion Casting: He possesses the ability to cast illusions, potentially manipulating perceptions.
- Teleportation: Nommo can teleport, allowing him to travel instantaneously from one location to another.
- Hypnosis: Dr. Mist has the ability to induce hypnosis and erase memories.
Abilities[]
- Leadership: Doctor Mist founded the Global Guardians and serves as a competent leader for the team, showcasing strong leadership skills.
- Occultism: Nommo is well-versed in occult practices, possessing knowledge of mystical and supernatural phenomena. He has or had several magical books.
- Deception: He is skilled in the art of deception, suggesting an ability to manipulate appearances or provide misinformation.
- Political Science: Nommo has knowledge and expertise in political science.
Other Media[]
In the NBC series Constantine, a version of Dr. Mist, portrayed by Charles Parnell, appears in the episode "A Feast of Friends." Unlike the original Hellblazer comic, the episode replaces the African shaman with Nommo, who owns an African cuisine restaurant. Nommo offers John Constantine a powerful hallucinogenic drug called "Mist" to explore the origins of the demon Mnemoth.
Gallery[]
