Pariah (comics)

In the 1985 12-issue comic book limited series Crisis on Infinite Earths, Pariah (real name Kell Mossa) was one of the greatest scientists from his version of Earth (retconned as an alternate dimension rather than a parallel Earth). Pariah's unorthodox experiments to view the creation of the Universe result in the Anti-Monitor learning of his Earth's existence and destruction with waves of anti-matter. He survived through the intervention of the benevolent counterpart known as the Monitor, and acquired the ability to travel from one alternate Earth to another, forced to witness untold millions perish.

During the Crisis, Lady Quark is saved by Pariah before the anti-matter destroys Lady Quark's universe, making the woman into the lone survivor of Earth-6.[2] Pariah blames himself for his own world's destruction, the Anti-Monitor's release, and the subsequent destruction of universe after universe, until he finally learns he was essentially blameless.

Pariah is told by the Anti-Monitor that his scientific investigation did not unleash forces great enough to destroy a universe. Pariah merely opened the antimatter portal to the dawn of time. Taking advantage of Pariah's experiment, the Anti-Monitor converted antimatter into energy, then focused it onto Pariah's universe. Those worlds' destruction allowed the gathering of more energy, which then made the Anti-Monitor strong enough to break free of the prison.[3]

After the Anti-Monitor's destruction, the reformed Earth is safe. Pariah and Lady Quark ask Harbinger to join in exploring the new Earth. Harbinger agrees to accompany the two on their journey. As the three disembark, Harbinger tells the two of being hopeful of the future and what it might bring.[4]

Pariah is seemingly indestructible and immortal. He displays few additional superhuman physical capabilities otherwise, except flight. He considers the powers he has a curse, dooming him to witness horrors he cannot stop.

Many years later, Pariah attempts to warn Lex Luthor that a dangerous predator is coming; "Lex" is in actuality Alexander Luthor of Earth-3 in disguise in order to create a new Secret Society of Super Villains. Pariah is subsequently murdered by Alexander in Villains United mini-series.[5] He is later resurrected by Dark Angel.[6]

As part of the Blackest Night event, Pariah's corpse is reanimated by a black power ring and recruited to the Black Lantern Corps. He interrupts a cadre of mystical heroes gathered to investigate the strange occurrences of the event.[7] Pariah is seen again as the black rings restore the planet Xanshi.[8]

Pariah can be seen inside a cell within "the Circus" prison of A.R.G.U.S.[9]

Pariah made his live-action debut in the Arrowverse crossover Crisis on Infinite Earths as Nash Wells (portrayed by Tom Cavanagh).[10][11][12]

• Pariah at DC Comics Wiki