Origin
The Fifth Horseman is one of the angels of the apocalypse, destined to bring on the Last Judgement through apocalypse. It is unknown how he came to be buried in the Painting That Ate Paris, save that it occurred during its creation, and that he was bound by the ritual that gave the painting its power. It is unclear if this was necessary to activate the painting, or an incidental effect of the ritual.
Creation
The Fifth Horseman was created by Grant Morrison and Richard Case. He made his first appearance in Doom Patrol #29.
Major Story Arcs
The Painting That Ate Paris
The Horseman is awakened when the Brotherhood of Dada transports the entirety of Paris into the painting. He begins riding up through the layers, deriving power from the meaning and symbolism that is contained within the painting. He rides towards the real world, planning to destroy it, but is taken possession of by Crazy Jane. Using the combined powers of the Brotherhood of Dada and the Doom Patrol, she is able to take the Horseman through the Dada level of the painting. Its inherent meaninglessness completely strips the Horseman of his power, though his momentum continues to propel him up into the real world. He is ejected from the painting in the form of a small rocking horse.
Powers and Abilities
The Fifth Horseman is an angel, and wields divine powers. He is able to absorb meaning and ideas for power. He is immortal.
Weapons and Equipment
The Fifth Horseman wields a large sword. He also rides a gigantic horse, which can fly.