William Walker (New Earth)

From DC Database

Contents 1 History 1.1 Seven Soldiers 1.2 Death of the New Gods 2 Powers and Abilities 2.1 Powers 3 Paraphernalia 3.1 Equipment 3.2 Transportation 3.3 Weapons 4 Notes 5 See Also 6 Links and References 6.1 Footnotes

History

The Black Racer's corporeal form is that of the otherwise bedridden Sgt. Willie Walker, who was paralyzed during the Vietnam War. Walker was contacted by the Source when Darkseid first brought the war of the gods to Earth, and told it was his responsibility to take on the role. The Racer makes use of skis as his means of transport. New Gods are collected by the Racer at the moment of their deaths, and taken to Hadis (the Fourth World version of Hades).

The Black Racer represents "death as inevitability", whereas Death of The Endless represents "death as compassionate release".

Seven Soldiers

The Black Racer appears as a wheelchair-bound man (probably not Willie Walker, as he appears Caucasian), following the destruction of Apokolips and New Genesis. He has a bet with Metron as to whether Mister Miracle will be successful in saving the New Gods.

Death of the New Gods

Walker was later killed by the Infinity Man, who tore his heart out. Serifan of the Forever People was seen exiting the room after his death.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

Flight: Flight through space by cosmically charged skis,

Intangibility: phases through solid objects

Immortality

Touch of Death: can deliver death with but a touch

Paraphernalia

Equipment

• Cosmic Armor: armor aids him in withstanding the rigors of space and

Transportation

Cosmically Charged Skis

Weapons

• Cosmic Staff: staff hands out justice

Notes

• The Black Racer is usually implacable, but has on certain occasions relented.
  • In the Darkseid vs. Galactus crossover, the Silver Surfer talked the Racer out of claiming Orion.
  • During the Justice League Elite's disastrous mission to the Source Wall, Major Disaster suffered a loss of control over his powers due to his alcoholism. The Black Racer appeared in the midst of battle to claim Booker, but Disaster's teammate, Manitou Raven, struck a deal of sorts with the Racer. He took the brunt of an explosion that was meant to kill Booker, thus giving up his life instead.^[1]

See Also

• Discuss William Walker (New Earth) on the forums
• Appearances of William Walker (New Earth)
• Character Gallery: William Walker (New Earth)
• Quotations by William Walker (New Earth)
• Images featuring William Walker (New Earth)

Links and References

• Black Racer at Wikipedia

Footnotes

1. ↑ Justice League Elite #7