Why hello there, @ObscurityofDCClub and other members of the DC Community! Welcome to Week 91 of Obscurity of DC’s Obscure Book Club! This week, we’ll be focusing on…
DEVIL RAY!!!
AGE SUGGESTION: 12+
Number of Issues: 6
Description from dc.fandom.com: Devil Ray is an upstart aquatic supervillain and disillusioned former henchman of Black Manta. He is a militant black nationalist plotting to take over Atlantis for his people.
Now that that’s over with, here are some discussion questions:
- How do you think Devil Ray’s lack of memory affects his character? Do you feel it makes him more or less compelling of a character? Explain.
- In your opinion, is Devil Ray more of an anti-hero or a villain? Explain.
- Why do you think Devil Ray continues to be a henchman for different people, whether it be Black Manta or Human Torch? Which do you think was a better gig for him? Explain.
- Who do you think is Devil Ray’s main enemy? Explain.
- Why do you think Black Manta spared Devil Ray?
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Devil Ray is more compelling because you want to understand more about him and why he does the things he does in this series.
I would say villain, however his goal do have a sense of a greater goal of fighting injustices for black people, and Devil Ray doesn’t necessarily want to see people affected by the Orichalchum or those he would call allies hurt. I think the best way to define him is an anti-villain who goal is sympathetic, but whose actions are evil and recklessly affect others.
Human Torch was more of a means to an end. He didn’t work for him, so much as using him. Black Manta was somebody he did work for as a manta man. Someone he admired and was willing to prove himself because he believed in Black Manta for a time. If it weren’t for Devil Ray decision to go it alone, perhaps Black Manta would have eventually noticed his abilities to have Devil Ray promoted to be on his side to eventually see wisdom in his words to fight against oppression. Not for greed and pride against Aquaman.
Black Manta. As I explained, Devil Ray felt betrayed by Black Manta, as while working under him, he saw the truth that the villain was a far cry from the man he believed him to be. Devil Ray wants to be better than Black Manta, achieving his mission and goal of empowering people and to destroy Atlantis. Something he believed Black Manta would never achieve because of his focus on his rivalry with Aquaman.
Black Manta is ruthless. But he understands his own failures and recognizes that Devil Ray was right and felt sorry for him. He let him go because he recognized his flaw, that his hatred made him miss the bigger picture.
One of the reasons why I like Black Manta as a villain so much because while ruthless and greedy, you understand he has more complexities and a greater goal than even some of the other legion of Doom members have.
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