Origin
In the realm of anomalous events and extraordinary occurrences, the case of Adonijah Wilkson stands out as a unique example of how an ordinary investigation can lead to unforeseen consequences. Washington, a seasoned insurance investigator, experienced a life-altering event while conducting a routine examination of a destroyed barn on the Kentington Farm, in Grayslake, Illinois. This case study explores the events leading up to Washington’s transformation, the immediate aftermath, and the implications of his newfound abilities.
Wilkson built a reputable career as an insurance investigator, known for his meticulous attention to detail and thorough investigations. His job often required him to assess the damage to properties and determine the causes behind various incidents. On a seemingly typical day, Washington was assigned to investigate the destruction of a barn in Grayslake, a small town known for its rural charm and peaceful atmosphere. The barn had been mysteriously destroyed overnight, with the only evidence left behind being a large meteorite embedded in the debris.
Upon arrival at the scene, Wilkson began his investigation with his usual methodical approach. He carefully documented the state of the barn, noting the extent of the damage and the unusual presence of the meteorite. As part of his investigation, he examined the meteorite closely, hypothesizing that it could have been the cause of the barn’s destruction. Using a radiation detector he found no radiation coming from the meteorite.
Curiosity and the need for thoroughness led Washington to touch the meteorite. It was at this moment that the extraordinary occurred. His hand became inexplicably stuck to the surface of the meteorite, a phenomenon he obviously had never encountered before.
As Wilkson struggled to free himself, the meteorite began to emit an intense glow. This light quickly intensified until it culminated in a sudden explosion, throwing Wilkson backward. He lost consciousness, and when he awoke, he found himself in a hospital bed, remarkably unharmed despite the violent nature of the explosion.
Medical examinations revealed that, aside from a few minor bruises, which seemed to have healed, Wilkson was in excellent health. This was puzzling to the doctors, considering the nature of the incident. As a precaution, Washington was given a week of paid leave to recover from the ordeal. It was during this period of leave that Washington began to notice significant changes in himself.
During his time off, Wilkson started to experience strange phenomena. These experiences led him to believe that the meteorite had somehow altered him, granting him abilities that defied logical explanation. The precise nature and scope of these abilities would only become clearer with time, but the immediate realization was that Washington was no longer the same man who had walked into that barn.
Story Arcs
Adonijah was only seen in The Phenomenal Night Phoenix #1. Adonijah worked for Cutting Edge EMS in the public relations department. Cutting Edge was under investigation for illegal cloning and he was tasked with showing the investigator around and explaining their futuristic computer system. Later that Night Phoenix ended up fighting cyborg zombies. This was supposed to lead to him fighting a high-tech enhanced version of Frankenstein’s Monster, called Ballistic Frankenstein.
Powers
Adonijah Washington’s encounter with the meteorite granted him extraordinary powers that allow him to manipulate energy in various forms. He can emit or absorb electromagnetic radiation, heat, force, and electricity at will, making him a versatile and formidable figure. His ability to control these energies enables him to create powerful force fields, providing him with both offensive and defensive capabilities. Adonijah’s powers also extend to flight, as he can harness energy to propel himself through the air with remarkable speed and precision. Additionally, he possesses a healing factor that allows him to channel absorbed energy into rapid self-repair, recovering from injuries that would incapacitate an ordinary person. These powers, though still new to him, have transformed Adonijah into a being of immense potential, capable of manipulating the very forces that govern the physical world.
Trivia
Night Phoenix was Night Phoenix Press‘s first superhero and the company’s namesake.
Original Origin
His origin was connected to Victor Locke. Wilkson and Locke went to the same church, Praise Him Outreach. When Hanover Blake burned the church down she was unaware that, like a Catholic church, Damien’s church stayed open. Wilkson, who happened to be walking by on the way home, heard yells from a few late night worshipers inside who couldn’t get out because a beam had fallen blocking the path of a few late night. He ran in to see if he could help, being young and frequently working out, he was strong and easily removed the plank freeing those inside, but he was caught in the smoke and flames as the building came. In what he could only describe as a dream, he floated in a white void and is told by a voice, because Adonijah had been faithful and risked his life to save the lives of what the voice called “My people”, Adonijah would not die, but would rise like a phoenix, greater than before. The rest played out as usual with him waking up in the hospital then discovering his powers. The origin was changed to make him more sci-fi than supernatural.
Original Powers
Night Phoenix’s powers were similar to Decoy, minus the the vampiric powers. He was able to heal and emit energy blast of heat, force or divine energy at will. Also, like Decoy he had a similar Holy Boost area attack that would take down vampires and demonic entities. Night Phoenix is still able to heal himself using energy, but unlike Decoy he can’t heal others.
Current Retcons
Praise Him Outreach never burned down and Adonijah and Victor still go to the same church.