The Eternal Question of Who Killed Presence in DC Comics and How

With a rich and complex history within the DC Comics universe, the character of Presence, also known as The Source, has been at the center of numerous plotlines and philosophical discussions. In this article, we explore the various storylines that revolve around the supposed death of Presence, as well as put forward the argument that no one has actually killed Presence in the true sense of the word.

The Anti-Monitor and Presence in Legion of Super-Heroes

In the Legion of Super-Heroes series, the Anti-Monitor—known for his ability to challenge cosmic entities—did not outright kill Presence. Instead, the conflicts involving cosmic beings often revolve around larger philosophical and moral battles rather than the straightforward death of these entities. This is further supported by the abstract nature in which Presence is depicted in more recent storylines, such as Sandman by Neil Gaiman, where Presence is discussed in terms of its nature and attributes rather than direct confrontations.

Recent Developments and Controversies

In the 2015 Vertigo Lucifer comic, it was suggested that Gabriel had killed Presence. However, this claim has been widely disputed by fans and scholars. Another controversial event took place in Final Crisis, where it was stated that until Presence dies, the Spectre and Radiant can only exist within HOSTS. This has led to confusion and debate over the status of Presence within the DC universe. Despite these claims, there is strong evidence suggesting that the dying god mentioned by Mandrakk was actually Dax Novu, not Presence. Interestingly, Final Crisis was published in January 2009, but only a few months later, The Spectre appeared alive and without a host, prompting further speculation on the fate of Presence.

The Nature of Presence

The Presence, or Source, is described as the most powerful entity in the DC universe, and is in a symbiotic relationship with the Overvoid through connection with the Oversoul. This description also aligns with the claim that the God in the Sphere of Gods is just a manifestation, avatar, or aspect of the Presence. According to Scott Snyder, who wrote Metal and Death Metal, the Presence has never killed itself or been killed. It's a concept that revolves around the struggle between good and evil rather than literal deaths. Therefore, despite the hype and controversy surrounding these events, Presence has never been truly killed, and it might be more accurate to view Presence as an eternal force that has merely abdicated its throne in 2006, gifting creation to Elaine Belloc.

The Debates and Conclusions

While there is no concrete evidence suggesting the death of Presence, the debates and speculations surrounding it have fueled a deeper understanding of the character’s role in the DC universe. The discussion around the Presence and its relationship with other entities like the Spectre and Radiant adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Whether Presence has truly been killed or not remains a matter of interpretation and fan theory, but one thing is clear: the Presence continues to be an influential and enigmatic force in the DC Comics universe.

Conclusion

To sum up, while the DC Comics universe has seen numerous storylines and events that challenge and diminish Presence, no one has ever truly killed Presence in the literal sense. The true form of Presence, as the Source, is the ultimate power in the Omniverse, and it is a concept deeply rooted in the struggle between good and evil. Fans and scholars continue to debate and explore the nature of Presence, adding depth and intrigue to an already rich and complex universe.