| Character Name: | Manitou Raven |
| Real Name: | Raven |
| Debut: | JLA #66 (July 2002) |
| Creators: | Joe Kelly Doug Mahnke |
| Alliances: | League of Ancients Justice League Justice League Elite |
| Aliases: | The Manitou Manitou Raven |
| Powers: |
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| Species: | Homo Magi |
| Partners: | Manitou Dawn (wife) |
Manitou Raven, also known as simply Raven or The Manitou, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Joe Kelly and Doug Mahnke, he first appeared in JLA #66 (July 2002).[1]
The character is a recurring superhero of Native American descent within the DC Universe, originating thousands of years ago in North America as an ancestor of the Apache people. In the JLA: Obsidian Age storyline, the character initially serves as an antagonist, aligning with the sorceress Gamemnae and the League of Ancients. In later stories, the character is depicted as a heroic mystic consultant within the Justice League and Justice League Elite. Following his demise, Raven returns as a spirit and appoints his wife Dawn as his successor. He is eventually resurrected during the Lazarus Planet event.
Manitou Raven and his wife Dawn are ancient Homo magi and ancestors of the Apache people. The rulers of Atlantis, Rama Khan and Gamemnae, recruited them to become founding members of the League of Ancients.[2]
Unbeknownst to Raven, Gamemnae manipulates him into battling the Justice League in a bid to take over the world. After helping the League defeat her, Raven joins the group, replacing Jason Blood, and is transported to the present day.[3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
Vera Black later recruits Raven and Dawn into Justice League Elite, a black ops team that combats extranormal threats.[9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] After Raven is killed in battle, Dawn takes on his magic before he eventually returns as a spirit.[15] [16] [17] [18]
Manitou Raven's homo magi heritage grants him an affinity for magic[19] and categorized as a "sorcerer," a specific class of magic practitioners who utilize enchanted objects to amplify their magical abilities and safeguard themselves from the inherent risks associated with magic. These enchanted objects serve a dual purpose, enhancing their magical powers while also providing protective measures.[20]
As a shaman, the character possesses extensive supernatural abilities primarily influenced by Native American shamanism. His skill set encompasses a broad range of powers, including traversing the astral plane through rituals, manipulating time, and necromancy. Within the League of Ancients, his abilities rival those of its leader Gamemnae.[21] In addition to his mystic powers, Raven possesses a profound knowledge of the occult, drawing from both his own culture and outside sources.[22]
Manitou Raven possesses a collection of artifacts and resources that function as tools to complement and enhance his magical abilities, while protecting from the inherent dangers associated with practicing magic. These artifacts and resources includes:
Manitou Raven appears as a character summon in .[26]