Origin
Josh Saunders, a blind psychologist, was chosen by Highfather to become an elemental of The Source and given the ability to manipulate the Source, because Highfather felt he was “a man without destiny” and therefore would not be missed. Highfather named him “Takion of the Source” and told him that he must clean a taint from the Source. In reality, Takion was created as an Avatar of Highfather, as a security measure in the event of Highfather’s death. In that moment, Takion was able to see everything, all his failures and victories, and time was without boundary. He was even able to foresee Highfather’s death.
While trying to deal with the ebb and flow of energy through his body into and out of the Source, Saunders attracts the attention of three heroes: Captain Atom, Wally West, and Kyle Rayner. He defeats all three easily and leaves Earth, convinced that he is a possible menace to the planet.
Creation
Joshua Sanders was created by writer Paul Kupperberg and artist Aaron Lopresti in 1996, first appearing in an eponymous series Takion that lasted for 7 issues, and becoming a member of the New Gods.
Character Evolution
Modern Age
Takion struggled to control his new-found cosmic awareness as he simultaneously perceived the past, present, and future. Not a New God by birth, his brain processes were initially unable to focus his awareness on the present. Eventually he learned to center himself in the present. Through experimentation he discovered that he could disassemble and reassemble his body, possess others, read the minds of individuals as well as their potential timelines and destiny, and eventually accepted the use of his cosmic awareness.
Darkseid created a dark counterpoint to Takion called Stayne, originally a human woman whose name is never mentioned. Stayne had the ability to cut off Takion’s connection to the Source; she was created to prevent Takion from learning about Darkseid’s plans to breach the Source Wall, and to stop him from finding his true potential.
During the events of Genesis, Highfather is killed by Ares. Takion becomes the next Highfather of New Genesis after the latter’s heir, Mister Miracle, refuses the title. When he seeks the guidance of his predecessor who had merged with the Source, Highfather possesses him, corresponding to Takion’s original role. Highfather uses this opportunity to resurrect Supertown.
Death
Takion is killed along with all of the New Gods by the Infinity-Man during The Death of the New Gods arc. It is assumed that he will be resurrected as part of the Fifth World.
Powers and Abilities
As an avatar of the Source, Takion has access to virtually unlimited amounts of power and energy, since the Source is the literal source of all the energies in the DC universe, including the likes of the Speed Force, Quantum Field, Emotional Spectrum, and the source of power for all the powerful beings, Takion can manipulate whatever energy he sees fit. Through his connection to the Source, Takion can not only manipulate any type of energy, but manipulate time, separate souls, and even divine with the Source which provides him a low level of omniscience.
Abilities:
- Superhuman Strength
- Superhuman Speed
- Flight
- Superhuman Reflexes
- Superhuman Stamina
- Invulnerability
- Immortality
- Healing Factor
- Cosmic Awareness
- Telepathy
- Telekinesis
- Teleportation
- Force Fields
- Matter Manipulation
- Energy Manipulation
- Energy Projection
- Time Manipulation
- Soul Manipulation
- Astral Manipulation
- Dimensional Manipulation
- Shape Shifting
- Duplication
- Invisibility
- Intangibility
- Illusions
- Possession
- Empathy
- Size Alteration
- Power Negation
Characteristics
- Real Name: Joshua Sanders
- Height: 6’2”
- Weight: Variable
- Hair: None
- Eyes Color: Red
- Occupation: Leader of the New Gods