Hermes (DC Comics)

Hermes is a character in DC Comics. He is based on the Greek god of the same name.

Hermes
Hermes as depicted in Wonder Woman vol. 2 #37 (December 1989). Art by Chris Marrinan.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceWonder Woman #1 (June 1942)
Created byWilliam Moulton Marston
H. G. Peter
In-story information
Place of originMount Olympus
Team affiliationsOlympian Gods
Notable aliasesMercury
AbilitiesDeity, vast supernatural abilities including size-changing, shapeshifting, immortality, and super-speed

Publication history

Hermes first appeared in Wonder Woman #1 and was adapted by William Moulton Marston and Harry G. Peter.

Fictional character biography

Hermes is the Messenger of the Gods. He assisted in turning a baby sculpture that Queen Hippolyta made into a real baby, resulting in the origin of Princess Diana.[1]

In post-Crisis, Hermes was present at a meeting with fellow gods to discuss their dwindling worship. After Zeus deemed this issue beneath him and left, Hermes accompanied Aphrodite, Ares, Athena, Demeter, and Hestia to the Underworld and the Cavern of Souls, where Gaia houses the souls of women who have been unjustly killed by men. They harvest the souls to reincarnate them into Amazons and give them a home on Themyscira, one of whom became Diana.[2]

During the War of the Gods storyline, Hermes was destroyed by Circe.[3] Hermes' body was later retrieved from the Underworld.[4]

In The New 52 reboot of DC's continuity, Hermes is first seen with Wonder Woman, instructing her to protect Zola because Hera wants her dead.[5] Hermes and Zola were later seen walking through the woods when they are approached by Aphrodite. When Hermes states to Zola that Aphrodite is married to the ugly god Hephaestus, Aphrodite states that Hephaestus has other "charms". She tells them that she will not be attending the wedding as there is little love in Hell.[6]

Powers and abilities

As a deity, Hermes possesses vast supernatural abilities, including size-changing, shapeshifting, and immortality. He also possesses super-speed thanks to his winged sandals.

In other media

References