Oblivion (comics)
| Oblivion | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Iceman volume 1 #3 (March, 1985) |
| Created by |
J. M. DeMatteis Alan Kupperberg |
| In-story information | |
| Notable aliases | Lord of the Outer Void |
| Abilities |
Infinite cosmic powers[1] Virtually omniscient and omnipresent |
Oblivion is a character in the Marvel Comics universe. Its first appearance was in Iceman #3 and it was created by J. M. DeMatteis and Alan Kupperberg. Oblivion is a cosmic entity and another aspect of Death. Oblivion represents non-existence and is a counterforce to the expanding universe.
Fictional character biography
Oblivion came into existence together with the cosmic entities: Eternity, Infinity and Death when the universe was created and these beings see each other as siblings. Another being, known as Galactus, was born later from the ashes of the previous universe and is also seen as a sibling by these beings. Oblivion has a very close relationship with Death and the two may be different aspects of the same being, just as Infinity and Eternity are. Just like Eternity and Death have a strong rivalry, Oblivion has a strong rivalry with Infinity, a rivalry usually fought through avatars.
Oblivion usually resides inside a dimension known as the Outer Void.
Oblivion has a daughter, the being known as Mirage, who assumed the human form of Marge Smith. As Marge Smith, Mirage tried to turn Robert Drake, the superhero Iceman, against her father. In return, Oblivion used three aliens known as White Light, the Idiot and Kali to attack its daughter. He also tried to turn Iceman against Mirage, but in the end Iceman convinced the two to settle their differences peacefully.[2]
In its rivalry with Infinity, Oblivion empowered Maelstrom as its avatar and sent him its agent, Deathurge, to assist him. As Oblivion's avatar, Maelstrom tried to destroy the whole universe, but he was stopped by Quasar, the champion of Eon. Oblivion, Infinity, Death, and Eternity then came to a new agreement.[3]
Later, Maelstrom returned to life, attempting to destroy the universe by building a device known as the Cosmic Crunch, and came into conflict with the Great Lakes Avengers. During this conflict, Deathurge was sent repeatedly to collect the souls of the GLA members who died. When he tried to claim the soul of Squirrel Girl's sidekick, Monkey Joe, Mr. Immortal used the opportunity to grab Deathurge, now just the size and shape of a squirrel, and defeat him. The recently deceased Doorman encountered Oblivion, who made him its new agent, telling him that Deathurge had failed in his duties.[4] On Christmas, Deathurge tried to regain his position, but failed the test Oblivion gave him.[5]
When Drax and Quasar are temporarily 'killed' by Mentor as a way to get Moondragon back, the two end up in the realm of Oblivion. The events that ensue, which involve Drax and Phylla fighting Maelstrom and the Dragon of the Moon alongside Wendell Vaughn, have resulted in Phylla being transformed into the new "Avatar of Death" that Oblivion seems to be planning to use in the upcoming War of Kings.[6]
Oblivion is seen observing events between Galactus, Scrier, Silver Surfer, Thor and The Other. It reveals that the Chaos King was but an aspect of itself.[1]
Powers and abilities
Oblivion possesses infinite cosmic powers which it can use for various effects.[1] It is virtually omniscient and omnipresent, and cannot be truly destroyed without massive consequences for reality.
Originally, Oblivion only had dominance over creatures who did not die but were wiped out from existence (due to a time paradox or being hit by the Ultimate Nullifier for example), while its counterpart Death was set over the actual dead. In its recent appearances though, Oblivion has used Deathurge and Doorman as "Angels of Death", sending them to bring it the souls of creatures who have actually died.