Terra (character)

This article is about the DC Comics superheroine. For the Kingdom Hearts character, see Terra (Kingdom Hearts). For the Final Fantasy character, see Terra Branford.
Terra
The Tara Markov incarnation of Terra as depicted in The Other History of the DC Universe #3 (March 2021). Art by Giuseppe Camuncoli (pencils), Andrea Cucchi (inks), and Jose Vallarrubia (colors).
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceMarkov:
New Teen Titans #26 (December 1982)

Doppelgänger:
New Titans #79 (September 1991)

Atlee:
Supergirl vol. 5 #12 (January 2007)
Created byMarkov:
Marv Wolfman
George Pérez

Doppelgänger:
Marv Wolfman
Tom Grummett

Atlee:
Jimmy Palmiotti
Justin Gray
Amanda Conner
In-story information
Alter egoTara Markov (I & II)
Atlee (III)
SpeciesMetahuman
Team affiliationsTeen Titans & Outsiders (as double agent)
Black Lantern Corps (Tara Markov)
The Ravagers
League of Shadows
PartnershipsBeast Boy
Slade/Deathstroke
Outsiders
Notable aliasesPrincess Tara of Markovia (Young Justice: Outsiders)
Abilities
List
  • Earth manipulation
    • Creation of fissures, avalanches, earthquakes and mudslides
    • Rock levitation
    • Stone shield generation
    • Stone creature creation
    • Lava and magma manipulation
    • Skilled hand-to-hand combatant and strategist

Terra is the name used by three fictional superheroines published by DC Comics. The first Terra, Tara Markov, is an antiheroine eventually revealed to actually be a supervillainess working as a double agent. She was created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, and debuted in New Teen Titans #26 (December 1982).[1]

The second Terra, a doppelgänger of Tara Markov, debuted in New Titans #79 (September 1991) and was created by Marv Wolfman and Tom Grummett.

The third Terra, Atlee, debuted in Supergirl (vol. 5) #12 (January 2007) and was created by Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, and Amanda Conner.

Publication history

The character was created with an intended finite life span. Co-creator Pérez stated that he and Marv Wolfman knew, "from the very start, that this girl was going to be a traitor and that we were going to kill this character off."[2] When creating the look of the character, Pérez noted that:

I wanted her to be cute but not beautiful. She looked like a young girl. I gave her a substantial overbite, her eyes were wide, her body was slim, she wasn't particularly busty. I wanted her to look almost elven, so that when you see her for the first time wearing full-make up and dressed in a provocative outfit where you know she's just been in bed with Deathstroke that it does jab you a bit. "Whoa, good God! This little girl is a slut!"[2]

A new Terra appeared in Supergirl (vol. 5) #12[3] while a Terra limited series was being developed, written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, with illustrations by Amanda Conner.[4] Gray commented about the series, "Terra as a character has never had a definitive origin. That includes Terra 1 and 2. This mini will address that fact in some surprising ways and open the door to a new corner of the DCU. Aside from that the emphasis will be on heroism, true blue hero stuff."[5][6] Palmiotti later stated, "Terra is an enigma for obvious reasons. Every hero in the DCU is in the dark about who she is and why she's doing what she's doing, which is running around the planet saving and helping people. We've been working with Terra for months and months trying to find and develop what's special about her. In the end, it was a very simple angle, make Terra a superhero with plenty of emphasis on heroism. Everything she does is to help other people and in the service of life." The 4-issue miniseries was temporarily shelved for a number of reasons,[7][8] until its biweekly publication spanning November and December 2008. The new Terra previously appeared in Teen Titans vol. 3 #52–54 as part of "The Titans of Tomorrow...Today!" storyline and in the first issue of the Terror Titans limited series. Following this, she briefly appeared in Teen Titans vol. 3 #69 in the climax of the recruitment drive storyline, and became a supporting character in the ongoing Power Girl series.

Fictional character biography

Tara Markov

Tara Markov is the half-sister of Brion Markov (Geo-Force) and the illegitimate daughter of Markovian king Viktor. Helga Jace, a scientist who works for Markovia's royal family, gives Tara and Brion powers to help them combat a rebellion in the country. Unlike Brion, Terra has deep-rooted psychological issues and believes that they should rule Earth rather than help the weaker masses.

In The Judas Contract storyline, Terra infiltrates the Teen Titans as a double agent on Deathstroke's behalf before being killed in battle with the former.[9]

In Blackest Night, Terra is temporarily resurrected as a Black Lantern before Geo-Force and Halo kill her.[10]

In The New 52 continuity reboot, Terra is permanently resurrected and joins Caitlin Fairchild's Ravagers.[11][12] She and Beast Boy meet after being kidnapped and held in the Colony and eventually enter a relationship.[13][14]

Tara Markov doppelgänger

The second Terra is a girl from the underground world of Strata who was transformed into a clone of Tara Markov and joined the Team Titans.[15] After the group's native timeline is destroyed during Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!, the Time Trapper rescues Terra and Mirage and transports them to the main universe.[16] Following this, Terra joins the Outsiders and assists the Teen Titans in battling Superboy-Prime during Infinite Crisis.[17] In World War III, Terra is killed by Black Adam.[18]

An alternate timeline variant of Terra appears in Titans Tomorrow as a member of Titans East.

Atlee

Promotional cover artwork for Terra #1, by Amanda Conner, featuring the new Terra, known as Atlee.

A third Terra, Atlee, is introduced in Supergirl (vol. 5) #12 (January 2007). She is an alien from the underground world Strata, similar to the second Terra.[19][20]

In Final Crisis, Terra is among the metahumans who are kidnapped, controlled by the Anti-Life Equation, and forced to battle at the Dark Side Club. After being freed, Terra moves to Manhattan and becomes Power Girl's sidekick.[21]

Powers and abilities

All incarnations of Terra can manipulate earth and rock. This enables them to generate earthquakes, create shields, and levitate rocks for fast transportation.

Other versions

  • An alternate universe variant of Terra from Earth-33 appears in Countdown to Adventure #4. This version is a sorceress.
  • An alternate universe variant of Terra appears in Team Titans Annual #2. This version is a freedom fighter and partner of Nightrider.[22]
  • An alternate universe variant of Terra who became a member of the Amazons' Furies appears in Flashpoint.[23][24][25]
  • An alternate universe variant of Terra appears in Teen Titans: Earth One.[26]
  • An alternate universe variant of Terra who took over the Earth and became known as Gaia appears in Dark Multiverse: The Judas Contract.

In other media

Television

Terra as she appears in Teen Titans (left) and Teen Titans Go! (right)
  • The Tara Markov incarnation of Terra appears in Teen Titans (2003), voiced by Ashley Johnson.[27] This version is more sympathetic and tragic than her comics counterpart and initially displays little control over her powers, the latter trait being a source of shame for her. While on the run due to her powers, she encounters the Teen Titans, during which she confides in Beast Boy her fear of losing control and he develops a crush on her, and Slade, who claims to know everything about her and offers to help her. Agreeing with Slade, she temporarily leaves the Titans to study under him before returning to serve as a double agent and dates Beast Boy until he breaks up with her when she reveals her true allegiance.[28] She helps Slade take over Jump City and seemingly kills the Titans, but develops second thoughts. After Slade betrays her, she overcomes his control, kills him, and sacrifices herself to save Jump City, turning to stone in the process.[29] Sometime later, Beast Boy discovers Terra disappeared and encounters a girl resembling her with no powers or recollection of what happened.[30]
  • The Tara Markov incarnation of Terra appears in Teen Titans Go! (2013), voiced again by Ashley Johnson.[27] This version is friends with Raven and Starfire.
  • Tara Markov appears in Young Justice: Outsiders, voiced by Tara Strong.[27] This version is the princess of Markovia and younger sister of Gregor and Brion Markov who gained her powers after being experimented on by Baron Bedlam's metahuman trafficking ring. Following this, she was recruited into the League of Shadows under Deathstroke and worked for them as an assassin for two years before allowing the Outsiders to rescue her and serve as a double agent within their ranks. After Artemis appeals to her better nature, Tara defects to the Outsiders.
  • The Atlee incarnation of Terra appears in Harley Quinn, voiced by Kerry Knuppe.[31] This version is a member of the Legion of Doom via the sub-group, the Natural Disasters, and mentee of Poison Ivy.

Films

  • The Tara Markov incarnation of Terra appears in the mid-credits scene of the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU) film Justice League vs. Teen Titans.[27]
  • The Tara Markov incarnation of Terra appears in the DCAMU film Teen Titans: The Judas Contract, voiced by Christina Ricci.[32] This version was branded a witch after her powers emerged during her childhood, though she was rescued by her future adult lover Deathstroke. In the present, she infiltrates the Teen Titans as a double agent. Initially cold and distant, she eventually warms up to them and kisses Beast Boy. On the one-year anniversary of her joining them, she and Deathstroke capture most of the Titans and bring them to Brother Blood. After Deathstroke betrays her, Nightwing rescues her and the Titans before she attacks and seemingly kills Deathstroke. Ashamed by her actions, she brings Blood's fortress down on herself and dies in Beast Boy's arms.
  • The Teen Titans Go! (2013) and Teen Titans (2003) incarnations of Tara Markov / Terra make non-speaking cameo appearances in Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans.

Video games

Miscellaneous

The Teen Titans (2003) incarnation of Tara Markov / Terra appears in Teen Titans Go! (2004).[36][37] Her brother Geo-Force approaches the Teen Titans, revealing she is a princess of Markovia who gained her powers after being experimented on by the royal court and ran away. Upon learning of the girl resembling Terra, Geo-Force ultimately leaves her alone after seeing how happy she is despite being certain of her identity.

References

  1. ^ 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. 305. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  2. ^ a b Nolen-Weathington, Eric; George Pérez (2003). Modern Masters Volume 2: George Pérez. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 41-42. ISBN 978-1-893905-25-2.
  3. ^ "Supergirl #12 To Feature The Debut Of The All-New Terra (press release)". Newsarama. September 19, 2006. Archived from the original on February 24, 2007.
  4. ^ "Amanda Conner: Putting the Pencil to Terra". Newsarama. November 4, 2008.
  5. ^ "Terra's PaperFilms Creators forum". Archived from the original on August 25, 2006. Retrieved July 25, 2006.
  6. ^ "SDCC '06: DC's Terra To Get Own Limited Series". Newsarama. July 23, 2006. Archived from the original on August 19, 2006.
  7. ^ "Finally - Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray on Terra". Newsarama. October 9, 2008.
  8. ^ "Gray & Palmiotti on Terra, Power Girl". Comic Book Resources. October 10, 2008.
  9. ^ Tales of the New Teen Titans Annual #3 (July 1984)
  10. ^
    • Blackest Night: Titans #1 (August 2009)
    • Blackest Night: Titans #3 (October 2009)
    • Outsiders (vol. 4) #24 (January 2010)
    • Outsiders (vol. 4) #25 (February 2010)
  11. ^ Teen Titans vol. 4 Annual #1
  12. ^ The Ravagers #1
  13. ^
    • The Ravagers #3 - 6 (September 2012 - January 2013)
    • The Ravagers #0 (November 2012)
    • The Ravagers #8 (March 2013)
    • The Ravagers #10 (May 2013)
    • The Ravagers #12 (July 2013)
    • Deathstroke (vol. 4) #21 (September 2017)
  14. ^ Deathstroke vol.4 #21
  15. ^ Terra #4
  16. ^ Day of Judgment #3-4
  17. ^ Infinite Crisis #4 (March 2006)
  18. ^ World War III #3 (June 2007)
  19. ^ "Terra III". Titans Tower.
  20. ^ Terra #1-3 (2008–2009)
  21. ^
    • Terror Titans #1-6 (December 2008 - May 2009)
    • Power Girl (vol. 2) #1 - 6 (July - December 2009)
    • Terra #1 - 4 (January - February 2009)
    • Teen Titans (vol. 3) #69 (May 2009)
    • Starfire (vol. 2) #3 (October 2015)
  22. ^ Team Titans Annual #2 (1994)
  23. ^ Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #1 (June 2011)
  24. ^ Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2 (July 2011)
  25. ^ Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies #2 (July 2011)
  26. ^ Teen Titans: Earth One Vol. 1
  27. ^ a b c d e "Terra Voices (Teen Titans)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved December 13, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  28. ^ "Betrayal". Teen Titans. Season 2. Episode 23. July 31, 2004. Cartoon Network.
  29. ^ "Aftershock". Teen Titans. Season 2. Episode 25–26. August 14, 2004. Cartoon Network.
  30. ^ "Things Change". TV.com. CNET Networks, Inc. Retrieved August 2, 2008.
  31. ^ "Getting Ice Dick, Don't Wait Up". Harley Quinn. Season 4. Episode 5. Event occurs at Closing credits, Starring the Voices of.
  32. ^ Kit, Borys (January 19, 2017). "Christina Ricci, Miguel Ferrer Join Voice Cast of 'Teen Titans' Animated Movie (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  33. ^ "Teen Titans: Judas Contract". 18 July 2018.
  34. ^ Eisen, Andrew (October 2, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  35. ^ Michael, Jon; Veness, John (November 2, 2018). "Characters - LEGO DC Super-Villains Guide". IGN. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  36. ^ "Teen Titans Go! #11 - Countdown (Issue)". Comic Vine. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
  37. ^ "Teen Titans Go! #51 - Metamorphosis (Issue)". Comic Vine. Retrieved July 17, 2024.