Superhero comics have long been known for their dramatic twists, from characters coming back from the dead to switching sides. One such example is a lesser-known DC hero who recently made an unexpected return in the pages of Superman. However, this character is now being reimagined as a villain in the Next Level era.
The new villain was introduced in Superman #37, written by Joshua Williamson and illustrated by Dan Mora. The story currently revolves around Superboy Prime, a fan-favorite character who has transitioned from a superhero to a murderer. Recently, Prime has experienced a change of heart, attempting to atone for his past misdeeds. While most members of the Justice League remain doubtful, they have agreed to grant him a probationary membership under close watch.
Superman #37 primarily focuses on Prime’s struggles to gain the trust of the Justice League while managing his dual life as a superhero and a regular employee. His day job is as a clerk at a comic book store, where he is known as “CK” and is considered a model employee—despite always being late. With so much on his mind, CK remains oblivious to a comic-loving fangirl trying to flirt with him.
At first, this situation seems like a simple gag highlighting how unaware the young Superman is. However, the final pages of the issue reveal the fangirl speaking to a group of cloaked figures about having found the perfect innocent for a sacrifice. Although not named in the text, the Next Issue editor’s box teases “Witchfire vs. Superboy Prime” for the next month.
Witchfire, the character in question, was created by Kurt Busiek and Tom Grummett. She first appeared in 2002’s JLA #61, but her backstory was fully revealed in a one-shot special released the same month. Witchfire’s real name is Rebecca Carstairs, a triple-threat actress, singer, and model who also possessed powerful magical abilities.
Rebecca used her magic to enhance her performances until she accidentally summoned a demon. With Wonder Woman’s help, she managed to banish the demon and was inspired to become a superhero. However, she joined the for-profit team The Power Company.
The Power Company series suggested that Witchfire was a magical construct based on the real Rebecca Carstairs. Unfortunately, the series was canceled before this mystery could be resolved. Afterward, Witchfire faded into obscurity, making only a few appearances in the Shadowpact series.
Witchfire received a major revamp in 2018’s Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour #1. In this version, Rebecca Carstairs was one of five girls marked by the Greek goddess of magic, Hecate. This Witchmark granted them one-fifth of her power.
This version of Witchfire also became a model and singer, but she fell into obscurity as the Witching Hour event began. She died when Hecate turned against the witches who had sought her protection from the Lovecraftian Otherkin. Despite this, her spirit survived to guide Wonder Woman to victory against Hecate. Tragically, her soul was later devoured by the Otherkin.
Given the character’s complex history, there is still a possibility that the new Witchfire is an anti-hero rather than a full-blown villain. She could be a witch who performs questionable actions for noble reasons. Regardless of her alignment, Superboy Prime is likely to face significant challenges, especially given his vulnerability to magic.
Superman #37 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
