Mantis is a fictional supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, part of Jack Kirby's New Gods series.
Publication history
Mantis first appeared in Forever People #2 (June 1971) and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby.
Fictional character biography
Mantis is the leader of a colony of humanoid insects that migrated from New Genesis. In return for his fealty, Darkseid gave him great power. He typically spent time in a power pod recharging his energies but he could also absorb energies sent at him by an opponent such as the Green Lantern Corps. Mantis has at times served as Darkseid's lackey and, like many of the denizens of Apokolips, has occasionally risen up against his master.
Mantis assists Darkseid in creating the first Secret Society of Super-Villains.
Mantis is featured in issue #5 of the limited series Death of the New Gods. He partners with Darkseid's son Kalibak after the murders of many "Fourth Age" gods. While in "Supertown", the duo battles Superman, Himon and the New Gods military leader "The General". During the battle, the Infinity-Man, acting as an agent for the Source Wall, attacks. He stuns the group and kills Mantis and Kalibak by removing their hearts.
Powers and abilities
Mantis is the second most powerful being on Apokolips, second to only Darkseid himself. Mantis is an energy vampire who can project tremendous blasts of energy and absorb virtually any form of energy or power source, including a power ring and the powers of a super being (as he did against the Martian Manhunter). He can even absorb magic, and can turn any energy against an opponent. He cannot, however, absorb Captain Atom's powers of radiation. Mantis can also teleport, open up his own boom tubes and he can charge matter with energy. Mantis' energy powers grant him with the ability to sense and detect energy, enabling him to even sense an opponent who is invisible. He can even strike beings who are intangible with his energy blasts.
Mantis possesses a "thermal touch" which enables him to generate heat and he can create "frigi-blocks" which trap opponents in ice. Mantis' most dangerous power is his ability to generate antimatter. He can destroy anything he touches by creating antimatter in the object that he touched. Mantis can generate and build large amounts of cosmic energy through his power pod which he keeps underground and heavily guarded. If he uses up too much energy in a battle or becomes heavily injured, then he will flee to his power pod to recharge.
Alongside his vast energy-manipulating abilities, Mantis also possesses superhuman strength, durability, speed, and stamina. He is also immortal, like all denizens of the Fourth World.
In other media
Television
Mantis appears in Justice League Unlimited, voiced by an uncredited J.K. Simmons. This version attempted to leave Apokolips due to its civil war that started after Darkseid's death, but was defeated by Superman and Captain Atom and returned to Apokolips. Mantis appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced by Wade Williams. Mantis appears in Young Justice, voiced by Andrew Kishino. This version is from the Forest Hive of New Genesis and possesses an intense hatred for the New Gods, which factored into him betraying them and joining Apokolips. Additionally, he sports a bulkier and more insect-like appearance with green skin and four arms, as well as the ability to roll around like a boulder.
Film
An alternative universe version of Mantis appears in Justice League: Gods and Monsters.
Video games
Mantis appears as a boss and playable character in Lego DC Super-Villains, voiced by Lex Lang.