Blok is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He has a massive, stony body, as well as incredible strength and endurance.
| Blok | |
|---|---|
 Blok as depicted in Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #3 (May 1985). Art by Steve Lightle. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #253 (July 1979) |
| Created by | Gerry Conway Joe Staton |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Blok |
| Species | Dryad |
| Place of origin | Dryad |
| Team affiliations | League of Super-Assassins Legion of Super-Heroes |
| Abilities |
|
Publication history
editBlok appeared in Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #253 (July 1979) by Gerry Conway and Joe Staton in an era referred to as the Bronze Age of Comic Books.[1]
Fictional character biography
editBlok is initially a member of the League of Super-Assassins, who manipulate him into believing that the Legion are attempting to destroy his home planet.[2] After learning the truth, Blok turns on the Assassins and eventually joins the Legion.[3]
Later, Blok leaves the Legion following the catastrophic Black Dawn affair and Earthgov's increased scrutiny of the group's activities. During this time, Blok moves to the Puppet Planetoid and the Legion disbands. The space pirate Roxxas kills him and brings his body to Garth and Imra Ranzz's home on Winath, prompting the Legion to reform.[4]
Post-Zero Hour
editBlok does not appear in post-Zero Hour continuity. However, his planet and species appear, with the former being destroyed by the stone elemental Rrox.[5]
Post-Infinite Crisis
editBlok returns to continuity in Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes and Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds, with the latter series revealing him to be in a relationship with the White Witch. After the White Witch absorbs Mordru's magic and becomes the Black Witch, Blok convinces her to remain on the side of good.[6]
In Doomsday Clock, Blok is among the Legion of Super-Heroes members who are erased from existence when Doctor Manhattan alters the timeline. However, he is resurrected when Superman convinces Manhattan to restore the timeline.[7]
In The New Golden Age, Blok is among the Legion of Super-Heroes members who arrive in the present and confront the Justice Society of America over their decision to recruit Legionnaire, a young, heroic incarnation of Mordru.[8]
Powers and abilities
editBlok's rocky body gives him superhuman levels of strength and durability. He also demonstrated the ability to absorb energy and manipulate his mass in early appearances, but these were later removed in favor of his strength. He later metamorphoses and gains plasma protuberances across his body.
As a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Blok is provided a Legion Flight Ring, which allows him to fly and protects him from the vacuum of space and other dangerous environments. He initially wears three rings at once due to his massive size, but later switches to wearing a single, modified ring.
In other media
edit- Blok makes a cameo appearance in the Justice League Unlimited episode "Far From Home" as one of several Legionnaires under the Fatal Five's mind control.
- Blok makes non-speaking cameo appearances in Legion of Super Heroes.
Reception
editJesse Murray of Syfy placed Blok as the 33rd greatest Legion member of all time, describing him as "once a misguided bad guy who saw the light".[9] Warner Bros. producer James Tucker cited the character as a favorite of his.[10]
References
edit- ^ "Legion of Super-Heroes Teams Through the Ages, Ranked". CBR. 27 December 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
- ^ Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #253. DC Comics, July 1979.
- ^ Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 2) #272. DC Comics, February, 1981.
- ^ Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #3. DC Comics, January, 1990.
- ^ Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 5) #15. DC Comics, April, 2006.
- ^ Justice Society of America (vol. 2) #5. DC Comics, June, 2007.
- ^ Doomsday Clock #12 (December 2019). DC Comics.
- ^ Justice Society of America (vol. 4) #10. DC Comics.
- ^ Murray, Jesse (12 January 2016). "Every Member of the Legion of Super Heroes, Ranked: #49-1". SYFY WIRE. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
- ^ Renaud, Jeffery (9 April 2008). "Producer James Tucker Looks Back on Legion of Super-Heroes". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved April 3, 2020.