Skilled sorceress; possess supernatural abilities derived from Native American shamanism, including empathy.
Weapon user and unarmed combatant; weaponry includes enchanted hatchet that can only harm evildoers.
Manitou Dawn, known as simple Dawn or The Manitou, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She would first debut in JLA #75 (January, 2003). The character is a recurring Native American superhero within the DC Universe and the wife of Manitou Raven. Similar to Raven, she hails from the tribe that serves as the ancestor to the Apache people. Despite their initial encounter being marked by turbulence, the two characters developed a deep affection for one another and eventually married. Following her husband's departure from the League of Ancients to join the Justice League and Justice League Elite, she would accompany him and provide assistance during ritualistic endeavors. After Raven's death, she is selected by his spirit to become the next Manitou, carrying on the legacy with her husband as her mentor and spiritual guide. Following DC Rebirth, the character is also revealed to have become a caretaker and is a member of the Sisterhood of the Sleight Hand, a mystic society dedicated to helping female practitioners practice magic under guidance and safety.
Fictional character biography
Early life
Manitou Dawn is a Homo magi and ancestor of the Apache. She became known for being more free-spirited, fierce, and clever than other women in the tribe and was inclined to challenge others aggressively. As a teenager, she was taken by the tribe's chief, who intended to rape her. However, she escaped and was exiled, eventually meeting Manitou Raven.[1][2]
JLA: Rules of Engagement
After Raven and Dawn help the Justice League thwart Gamemnae's plans of world domination, they agree to join the group in the present day, becoming their primary mystic consultants following Jason Blood's resignation. However, Raven's duties with the League eventually cause him and Dawn to grow apart.
Justice League Elite
Vera Black later recruits Raven and Dawn into Justice League Elite, a black ops team that combats extranormal threats. After Raven is killed in battle, Dawn takes on his magic before he eventually returns as a spirit and advisor to her. As the new Manitou, she assisted the Elite in concluding their final case and played a crucial role in uncovering the team's traitor, Menagerie.[3][2]
Infinite Crisis and beyond
Dawn has since taken a semi-active role in the Justice League. She was present for Aquaman's ceremony that disbanded the JLA. There she also met Black Canary, who sensed Dawn's former affair with Green Arrow.[4] During Infinite Crisis, Dawn was a key player in stopping The Key, who had developed powerful telepathy.[4][5] In Reign of Doomsday, Dawn works with Zatanna to find Supergirl after Doomsday kidnaps her.[6]
DC Rebirth
The "DC Rebirth" initiative reintroduced Manitou Dawn with an updated backstory as a philanthropist whose magic is derived from Hecate's power.[7] Hecate eventually compels Dawn to attack Nanda Parbat and the goddess Rama Kushna before Zatanna and John Constantine free her.[7]
Powers and abilities
In the DC Universe, Manitou Dawn is categorized as a "Sorcerer/Sorceress", a specific class of magic practitioners who utilize enchanted objects to amplify their magical abilities and safeguard themselves from the inherent risks associated with magic. These enchanted objects serve a dual purpose, enhancing their magical powers while also providing protective measures.[8] As a proficient shaman, Dawn possesses numerous supernatural powers and possesses in-depth knowledge of Native American shamanism.[2] Upon assuming the role of Manitou, her powers expanded, and she also inherited her husband's magical abilities. Her repertoire of powers includes scrying, empathy, and energy manipulation.[9]
Equipment and artifacts
As a sorceress, Dawn employs various artifacts which she inherited from Raven following his death.
Enchanted hatchet: A magical hatchet that can only harm evildoers.[10][11][12]
Medicine stick: A manifestation of her spirit and power that is nigh-indestructible.[13]
Headdress: A mystical headdress that bestows the knowledge of past Manitou title holders.[14]
^Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 193. ISBN978-1-4654-5357-0.
