Comet

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Powers and Abilities

Comet can transform his body into electricity, allowing him to fly. He can, whether in electricity form or not, project bolts of lightning or beams of heat, and can absorb small amounts of energy.

His powers also seem to keep his body young and vital.

History

In 1956, Harris Moore’s car had stalled on a deserted road when a light appeared out of the sky. The gaseous comet made straight for the fleeing Moore, and exposure to its radiation imbued him with superpowers. He made a costume for himself, and used his powers to fight crime.

His activities became successful enough that criminals discovered his identity and tried to kill him. He survived the attempt on his life, but his wife and children did not. Overcome by grief, Harris abandoned his life, and his costume, and became a vagrant.

Late 1970s

Decades later, he was taken to hospital when found in a bad state on the streets. When the doctors tried to use an x-ray machine on him the x-rays reawakened his powers. The Comet returned to crimefighting, helping Nova battle Diamondhead.

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While flying over Manhattan he was attacked by fellow crimefighter, Crimebuster, who believed him to be an impostor. When Comet proved himself, Crimebuster revealed himself to be Harris’ son Frank. Frank had survived the explosion which had killed his mother and sister, but had believed that his father had also perished in it.

The two eventually decided to search for the missing Nova, and tracked him down to London, where he had just confronted Powerhouse. Just as they arrived, a beam transports all of them to a Xandarian starship, under the control of the Sphinx. They were forced to become part of the crew for the journey to Xandar.

The Comet in space

They reach Xandar in the middle a Skrull invasion. The Sphinx takes advantage of the situation to extract the information he requires from the Xandarian computers. The Sphinx becomes empowered by this, and when Comet, Crimebuster, Diamondhead and the Fantastic Four try to engage him, he easily brushes them aside.

The immensely powerful Sphinx nearly kills Crimebuster with an eyeblast, to the Comet’s considerable angst. Thus, Harris leaves, abandoning the others, who aid the Xandarian defence. Nova, Comet, Crimebuster, Diamondhead and Powerhouse spend several months helping fight the Skrulls, earning the name Champions of Xandar.

Comet, Crimebuster and Diamondhead accompany the Nova Corps, in their mile-long ship, on a foray against the Skrulls. Diamondhead betrays his team-mates to the Skrulls, helping them board the vessel. Crimebuster discovered this and was killed by Skrull soldiers in front of the Comet.

Immediately, the Comet and all the Nova Corps were banished to another dimension by Diamondhead, using on-board lifesaving equipment. The bloodthirsty Skrulls disliked this and blamed Diamondhead for preventing them from killing their enemies. Still, the alliance held.

Fall of Xandar

The ship returns to Xandar, and, once through Xandarian defences, the Skrulls shapechange and attack. Nova, Powerhouse and Rom help the Xandarian civilians resist the invasion. Nova attacks the ship directly, breaching the hull. He then fights and expels Diamondhead.

After gaining control of his ship, Nova summons back the Chanpions and the Nova Corps. The Xandarian forces win, and the surviving Skrulls are arrested. Diamondhead is left drifting in space.

Comet continues to defend Xandar, up until his death during Nebula’s attack on Xandar.

Personality

Comet is an old-fashioned, straight-laced, hero. He was unwavering in his fight on crime, until the death of his family. The guilt of this event crippled him, and he retreated to drink, doing everything he could to bury his memories.

He was eventually forced to overcome this, reverting to his old persona. He became a lot happier when reunited with his son.

Quotes

“Energy coursing through me ! It’s revitalizing me ! No ! No ! I never wanted these blasted powers again ! It’s too late ! After all these years, the curse has returned ! Why, blast it — why ? What have I done to deserve this ? Why must the Comet live again ?”

“Stand back, everyone ! Only the Comet can help you now !”

“Certainty is for gods, Michael… not for human beings !”

There is bitterness in your voice, Nova. Vengeance should not be your motive in searching for a criminal ! Justice should be your only consideration !”

“Don’t brag, Nova — haven’t I told you the best course of action is silence. Use your powers the best you can. To divert your attention is to weaken yourself !”

“Lady, like the lad says, if you need a friend, you can count on — THE COMET !”

DC Universe History

Comet could replace Captain Comet in DC continuity (back when they had some).

Instead of turning to the bottle when he lost his family, Moore left Earth. After decades of travelling, he joined the L.E.G.I.O.N.. During one trip to Earth with them he encountered Crimebuster, discovering that his family had not been killed as he thought.

To maintain his ’50s origin you could assume that his son was born after he gained his powers, and inherited his Slowed Ageing. Or that the Crimebuster he encounters is his grandson, having taken the mantle after his father retired.

By Gareth Lewis.

Source of Character: Marvel Comics (Nova v1).

Helper(s): Sébastien Andrivet, Frank Murdock.