Controllers (DC Comics)

The Controllers are a fictional extraterrestrial race existing in the DC Universe. They first appear in Adventure Comics #357 (June 1967), and were created by Jim Shooter, Mort Weisinger, and Curt Swan.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Fictional character biography

Pre-Crisis

In their initial appearance, the Controllers originate from another dimension that was ravaged by war and seek to protect the main universe from the same fate.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The Controllers primarily use their mind-control abilities to prevent intergalactic war, but also create powerful weapons, including the Sun-Eaters, gaseous beings that can devour whole planets and stars; and the Miracle Machine, a device that can turn any thought into reality.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In some depictions, the Time Trapper, a long-time enemy of the Legion of Super-Heroes, is a renegade Controller.<ref>Template:Cite comic</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Maltusians

In post-Crisis continuity, the Controllers were originally part of a race of immortals called the Maltusians, who left Maltus and colonized a new world called Oa. Now calling themselves Oans, they feel responsible for the catastrophic effects on the universe caused by the renegade Oan Krona. The group argues over ways to handle the situation. One group of Oans desires to dedicate their immortal existences to contain evil, becoming the Guardians of the Universe. Another group decides that evil should be destroyed and leaves Oa for another dimension, evolving into the Controllers.<ref>Template:Cite comic</ref>

The Controllers form a peacekeeping group called the Darkstars, who wield exo-mantles powered by the Controllers' energy. The Controllers later disband the Darkstars, having become concerned that their agents are looking after their own agendas rather than those of the Controllers.

In the Blackest Night storyline, a small group of Controllers search for the orange light of avarice, hoping to create their own Corps.<ref>Template:Cite comic</ref> This group locates the orange light on the planet Okaara, only to be killed and assimilated by Larfleeze.<ref>Template:Cite comic</ref>

DC Rebirth

The Controllers begin kidnapping Guardians of the Universe to use their DNA to create new conditions.<ref>Template:Cite comic</ref>

Powers and weapons

Similar to the Guardians of the Universe, the Controllers are immortal and possess vast psionic powers, including telepathy, telekinesis, and energy manipulation. The Controllers also have vast knowledge, which allows them to create advanced technology and weapons. Their most known weapons are the Sun-Eater, Miracle Machine, and the Darkstar exo-mantle.

In other media

Television

• A Controller appears in the Legion of Super-Heroes two-part episode "Sundown", voiced by David Lodge.
• The Controllers make a cameo appearance in the teaser of the Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode "When OMAC Attacks!".

Video games

A Controller appears in Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters.

External links

• The Book of Oa: Maltus
• Cosmic Teams: Controllers Template:Webarchive
• DCU Guide: Controllers