Oblivion Bar
Encyclopedia
The Oblivion Bar is a fictional location
that appears in titles published by DC Comics
. It first appeared in the DC Comics series Day of Vengeance
#1 (June 2005), and was created by Bill Willingham
and Justiniano
.
The Oblivion Bar serves as the headquarters for the magical super-team Shadowpact
.
who took over writing the series from issue #17 (November 2007). Both featured the bar as an integral part of the Shadowpact comics title which ran for 25 issues from July 2006 through July 2008.
All other appearances, such as in Superman/Batman #46 (April 2008) and Checkmate
vol. 2, #9 (February 2007) have all been closely linked with members of Shadowpact's appearances in those titles, including a Christmas tale, "Christmas Spirits", in DCU Infinite Holiday Special (February 2007) featuring a Santa
character, "Chris", and a reindeer in a humorous vignette.
; Gotham
; Metropolis
; and New Orleans. The Detroit entrance is in the back of a strip club. Kid Devil
has also used an entrance behind a Chinese restaurant in an un-named city. These entrances are only visible to those with magic powers. Non-magical beings can only reach the Oblivion Bar by invitation — either by entering with someone magical or by carrying a book of matches with the "Oblivion" logo as a token of invitation and striking one. The doors drift from place to place over time, although they can be tracked and remain recognisable through magic.
It is not known how long the bar has existed. Detective Chimp (now a recovering alcoholic) has been living there for over 30 years. Jim Rook (Nightmaster
) owned the bar from 2000–2007, but was not its first owner. Rook found an entrance to the bar at the back of his shop, "The Oblivion Bookstore", which turns out to be in some of the bar's back rooms in the pocket universe it exists in. Whomer Boz was the landlord at that time, and he gave Rook a job as relief bartender. Jim then took over the bar when Whomer failed to return from one of his trips to another dimension (it transpires he was receiving treatment for a degenerative disease), and employed Blue Devil
as the Oblivion Bar bouncer.
Nightmaster and the Shadowpact team (including Blue Devil) disappear inside a blood bubble surrounding the town of Riverrock, Wyoming
, and are presumed dead. On their return a year later, Nightmaster finds the bar open and being run by a telekinetic, Eddie "Flippy" Deacon. Deacon, who has flippers instead of hands and feet, was sold by his drug-addicted mother to a freak show when young, and later rescued by Batman
from living rough after the carnival folded. He then learned telekinesis, making him the perfect barman — he can "mix 23 cocktails at once while doing the laundry." Eddie does not need a bouncer; he telepathically squeezes the throat of anyone causing trouble until they stop, as he demonstrates to the angel Zauriel
and Blue Devil when they scrap in the bar. He also refuses to return the bar to Jim Rook, citing that as the bar is in its own dimension, Earth laws on possession do not apply.
Before Eddie's time, there had been no trouble in the Oblivion Bar despite the disparate and motley crew of demons, monsters, magicians, and fairies that haunt it. It is rumoured that what happened to the last person to cause trouble in the Bar gave it its name. However, the bar is forced to close for a while when it is trashed by Eclipso
and Mary Marvel
, although Shadowpact continue to use it as their base.
Nightmaster eventually deeds the bar to Detective Chimp when he decides to stay in the Nightshade Dimension, and Eddie is demoted to barman — as you do not argue with a chimp.
The Oblivion Bar is proud to be "the only known universe with its own happy hour" and has "internets access." Even the phone works — though Eddie did not know it, it is powered by a magic stone from Gemworld
and as long as you have the dimensional dialling code, you can dial anywhere. The bar also features a unique coatrack — Etrigan the Demon, who was turned to stone after Eli Stone, the Midnight Rider, shot him with his ghost guns when Etrigan invaded the bar looking for Blue Devil. He is likely to be there for some time, as the effect only wears off in daylight, which does not occur in the pocket dimension. It also once contained a unique form of Kryptonite
— Silver Kryptonite, in a box on the wall of the bar.
Fictional location
Fictional locations are places that exist only in fiction and not in reality. Writers may create and describe such places to serve as backdrop for their fictional works. Fictional locations are also created for use as settings in Role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons...
that appears in titles published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
. It first appeared in the DC Comics series Day of Vengeance
Day of Vengeance
Day of Vengeance is a six-issue comic book limited series written by Bill Willingham, with art by Justiniano and Walden Wong, published in 2005 by DC Comics.-Publication history:...
#1 (June 2005), and was created by Bill Willingham
Bill Willingham
Bill Willingham is an American writer and artist of comics.-Career:Willingham got his start in the late 1970s to early 1980s as a staff artist for TSR, Inc., where he illustrated a number of their role-playing game products...
and Justiniano
Justiniano
Justiniano ) is an American comic book artist.His recent work includes the Doctor Fate feature in the 8-issue Countdown spin-off Countdown to Mystery mini-series from DC Comics....
.
The Oblivion Bar serves as the headquarters for the magical super-team Shadowpact
Shadowpact
The Shadowpact is a group of magic-based heroes who fought against the Spectre in the 2005 limited series Day of Vengeance, published by DC Comics. They are a sort of Justice League for the supernatural elements of the DC Universe...
.
Publication history
The Oblivion Bar was first presented in Day of Vengeance #1 (June 2005). Created by writer Bill Willingham and artist Justiniano, it was expanded upon by writer Matthew SturgesMatthew Sturges
Matthew Sturges is an American writer of comics and fantasy novels.-Biography:Sturges is best known for the Eisner-award nominated Jack of Fables from DC/Vertigo...
who took over writing the series from issue #17 (November 2007). Both featured the bar as an integral part of the Shadowpact comics title which ran for 25 issues from July 2006 through July 2008.
All other appearances, such as in Superman/Batman #46 (April 2008) and Checkmate
Checkmate (comics)
Checkmate, a division of Task Force X, is a fictional covert operations agency within the DC Comics universe. It first appeared in Action Comics #598 and proceeded to have its own ongoing title in Checkmate!...
vol. 2, #9 (February 2007) have all been closely linked with members of Shadowpact's appearances in those titles, including a Christmas tale, "Christmas Spirits", in DCU Infinite Holiday Special (February 2007) featuring a Santa
Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve. Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas, but refers to Santa Claus...
character, "Chris", and a reindeer in a humorous vignette.
Fictional location history
The Oblivion Bar is "a place where all the magic types... can hang out and unwind without being bothered by the normals, or even the non-magical super crowd." It is "located in a tiny pocket dimension created by the overlap in a number of different universes," and has entrances in many places, including Atlanta, Georgia; New YorkNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
; Gotham
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
; Metropolis
Metropolis (comics)
Metropolis is a fictional city that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Metropolis first appeared by name in Action Comics #16 ....
; and New Orleans. The Detroit entrance is in the back of a strip club. Kid Devil
Kid Devil
Red Devil , formerly known as Kid Devil, was a superhero in the DC Comics universe. Created by Alan Kupperberg, Dan Mishkin, and Gary Cohn, he first appeared in Blue Devil #14.-Origin and early heroics:...
has also used an entrance behind a Chinese restaurant in an un-named city. These entrances are only visible to those with magic powers. Non-magical beings can only reach the Oblivion Bar by invitation — either by entering with someone magical or by carrying a book of matches with the "Oblivion" logo as a token of invitation and striking one. The doors drift from place to place over time, although they can be tracked and remain recognisable through magic.
It is not known how long the bar has existed. Detective Chimp (now a recovering alcoholic) has been living there for over 30 years. Jim Rook (Nightmaster
Nightmaster
The Nightmaster is a fictional character, a sword and sorcery hero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Showcase #82 , and was created by Denny O'Neil and Jerry Grandenetti.-Publication history:...
) owned the bar from 2000–2007, but was not its first owner. Rook found an entrance to the bar at the back of his shop, "The Oblivion Bookstore", which turns out to be in some of the bar's back rooms in the pocket universe it exists in. Whomer Boz was the landlord at that time, and he gave Rook a job as relief bartender. Jim then took over the bar when Whomer failed to return from one of his trips to another dimension (it transpires he was receiving treatment for a degenerative disease), and employed Blue Devil
Blue Devil
Blue Devil is a superhero featured in material published by DC Comics. He first appeared in a special insert published in Fury of Firestorm #24 . That story led directly into Blue Devil #1, also cover dated June 1984...
as the Oblivion Bar bouncer.
Nightmaster and the Shadowpact team (including Blue Devil) disappear inside a blood bubble surrounding the town of Riverrock, Wyoming
Wyoming
Wyoming is a state in the mountain region of the Western United States. The western two thirds of the state is covered mostly with the mountain ranges and rangelands in the foothills of the Eastern Rocky Mountains, while the eastern third of the state is high elevation prairie known as the High...
, and are presumed dead. On their return a year later, Nightmaster finds the bar open and being run by a telekinetic, Eddie "Flippy" Deacon. Deacon, who has flippers instead of hands and feet, was sold by his drug-addicted mother to a freak show when young, and later rescued by Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
from living rough after the carnival folded. He then learned telekinesis, making him the perfect barman — he can "mix 23 cocktails at once while doing the laundry." Eddie does not need a bouncer; he telepathically squeezes the throat of anyone causing trouble until they stop, as he demonstrates to the angel Zauriel
Zauriel
Zauriel is a fictional character in the DC Universe. Originally a guardian angel who served Heaven for millions of years, he willingly fell to Earth and becomes a superhero, having been a member of DC's all-star Justice League. He first appeared in JLA #6...
and Blue Devil when they scrap in the bar. He also refuses to return the bar to Jim Rook, citing that as the bar is in its own dimension, Earth laws on possession do not apply.
Before Eddie's time, there had been no trouble in the Oblivion Bar despite the disparate and motley crew of demons, monsters, magicians, and fairies that haunt it. It is rumoured that what happened to the last person to cause trouble in the Bar gave it its name. However, the bar is forced to close for a while when it is trashed by Eclipso
Eclipso
Eclipso is a fictional supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. The character is the incarnation of the Wrath of God and the Angel of Vengeance that turned evil and was replaced by the Spectre...
and Mary Marvel
Mary Marvel
Mary Marvel is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine, originally published by Fawcett Comics and now owned by DC Comics. Created by Otto Binder and Marc Swayze, she first appeared in Captain Marvel Adventures #18 in...
, although Shadowpact continue to use it as their base.
Nightmaster eventually deeds the bar to Detective Chimp when he decides to stay in the Nightshade Dimension, and Eddie is demoted to barman — as you do not argue with a chimp.
The Oblivion Bar is proud to be "the only known universe with its own happy hour" and has "internets access." Even the phone works — though Eddie did not know it, it is powered by a magic stone from Gemworld
Gemworld
Gemworld, also known as Faerie, is one of two fictional other dimensional homelands for the Faerie, as published by DC Comics. In the mainstream DC Comics universe all members of the Faerie race relocated to a dimension called Gemworld which debuted in Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld #1 , and was...
and as long as you have the dimensional dialling code, you can dial anywhere. The bar also features a unique coatrack — Etrigan the Demon, who was turned to stone after Eli Stone, the Midnight Rider, shot him with his ghost guns when Etrigan invaded the bar looking for Blue Devil. He is likely to be there for some time, as the effect only wears off in daylight, which does not occur in the pocket dimension. It also once contained a unique form of Kryptonite
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
— Silver Kryptonite, in a box on the wall of the bar.
Customers at the Oblivion Bar
The following is an incomplete list of named customers (other than Shadowpact members) who have appeared in various Oblivion Bar scenes.- Acheron - Shadowpact #10 - A ghost creature
- Amethyst - Superman #663
- Animal ManAnimal ManAnimal Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . As a result of being in proximity to an exploding extraterrestrial spaceship, Buddy Baker acquires the ability to temporarily “borrow” the abilities of animals...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - ArionArion (comics)Arion is a fictional sword and sorcery hero published by DC Comics. He debuted in Warlord #55 , and was created by Paul Kupperberg and Jan Duursema.-Publication history:...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - BatmanBatmanBatman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
- Superman/Batman #46 - Invited by Detective Chimp - Andrew Bennett (I, Vampire)I…VampireI...Vampire was a 24 issue series, created by writer J. M. DeMatteis, that appeared in House of Mystery between 1981 and 1983. It originally started as a backup story among House of Mysterys three story format but soon became so popular that it eventually overtook the title on the cover...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Black Alice - Shadowpact #5
- Black Bison - Day of Vengeance #1
- Black OrchidBlack OrchidBlack Orchid is the name of three fictional superheroines published by DC Comics. The original version of the character first appeared in Adventure Comics #428 .-Susan Linden-Thorne:...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Blackbriar ThornBlackbriar ThornBlackbriar Thorn is a DC Comics supervillain. Created by Len Wein and Joe Kubert, the character first appeared in DC Comics Presents # 66 .-Origins:...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - BloodwyndBloodwyndBloodwynd is a fictional necromancer published by DC Comics. He first appears in Justice League America #61 , and was created by Dan Jurgens.-Fictional character biography:...
- Superman/Batman #46 - Jason Blood - Day of Vengeance #1
- BorkBork (comics)Bork is a fictional character, a superhero in the DC Comics universe. Created by Bob Haney and Neal Adams, the character first appeared in Brave and the Bold series 1 #81 and was later re-introduced in JLA #61/2 ....
- Day of Vengeance #1; Superman #663 - Captain MarvelCaptain Marvel (DC Comics)Captain Marvel is a fictional comic book superhero, originally published by Fawcett Comics and later by DC Comics. Created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, the character first appeared in Whiz Comics #2...
- Shadowpact #5 - Cicada - Day of Vengeance #1
- Claw the UnconqueredClaw the UnconqueredClaw is a fictional character, a sword and sorcery hero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Claw the Unconquered #1 , and was created by David Michelinie and Ernie Chan.Similar in many ways to Robert E...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - The Creeper - Superman/Batman #46
- DarkseidDarkseidDarkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
- Day of Vengeance #1 - DeadmanDeadmanDeadman is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Strange Adventures #205 , and was created by Arnold Drake and Carmine Infantino.-Publication history:...
- Day of Vengeance #1 and others - Doctor OccultDoctor OccultDoctor Occult is a fictional character, a magic user in the . Created by Superman's creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Doctor Occult is the earliest character created by DC Comics still currently in use in its shared universe fiction....
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Doctor FateDoctor FateDoctor Fate is the name of a succession of fictional sorcerers who appear in books published by DC Comics. The original version was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, and first appeared in More Fun Comics #55...
- Shadowpact #12 - Eclipso
- El MuertoEl Muerto (DC Comics)El Muerto is a comic book super-hero in the DC Universe created by Oscar Pinto, Francisco Haghenbeck and Carlo Barberi. His first appearance was in Superman Annual #12.-Fictional character biography:...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Etrigan the Demon - Day of Vengeance #1 - Not a guest; crashed in to attack Blue Demon and was turned into a coatrack
- Freedom BeastFreedom BeastFreedom Beast is a fictional comic book character in the DC Universe.-Fictional character biography:A South African by birth, Freedom Beast was born Dominic Mndawe. His first appearance was in Animal Man #13...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Ghost Patrol - Day of Vengeance #1; Superman #663
- Guy GardnerGuy Gardner (comics)Guy Gardner is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. He is a core member of the Green Lantern family of characters, and for a time was also a significant member of the Justice League family of characters.He was created by John Broome and Gil Kane in Green Lantern...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Kid DevilKid DevilRed Devil , formerly known as Kid Devil, was a superhero in the DC Comics universe. Created by Alan Kupperberg, Dan Mishkin, and Gary Cohn, he first appeared in Blue Devil #14.-Origin and early heroics:...
- Teen Titans vol. 3, #42 - Refused a drink and ejected because he is under 21 - Bill Knightley (fake Arion)Arion (comics)Arion is a fictional sword and sorcery hero published by DC Comics. He debuted in Warlord #55 , and was created by Paul Kupperberg and Jan Duursema.-Publication history:...
- Day of Vengeance #1; Superman #663 - After leaving the bar, he is mugged outside while drunk by the real Arion - Jennifer MorganWarlord (comics)The Warlord is a sword and sorcery comic book published by DC Comics. The series and titular character debuted in 1st Issue Special #8 , and was created by Mike Grell.-Publication history:...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Mister MiracleMister MiracleMister Miracle is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Mister Miracle #1 and was created by Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
- Shadowpact #12 - The Phantom StrangerPhantom StrangerThe Phantom Stranger is a fictional character of unspecified paranormal origins who battles mysterious and occult forces in various titles published by DC Comics, sometimes under their Vertigo imprint.-Publication history:...
- Day of Vengeance #1 and others - First as a mouse who had been living in Detective Chimp's pocket until he could work out how to change back, then in human form - Timothy Raven
- Rex the Wonder DogRex the Wonder DogRex the Wonder Dog is a fictional dog in the DC Comics universe. Created in 1952 by Robert Kanigher of Wonder Woman fame and artist Alex Toth, Rex has sometimes been compared to Superman's dog Krypto, who was created three years later. However, though the two canine crime fighters do share some...
- Shadowpact #5 - Sargon the Sorceror - Day of Vengeance #1
- The ShadeShade (comics)The Shade is a comic book character developed in the 1940's for National Comics. Debuting as a villain, the Shade was best known for fighting against two generations of superheroes, most notably the Golden Age and Silver Age versions of the Flash...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Eli Stone (Midnight Rider) - Shadowpact #10
- SupermanSupermanSuperman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
- Superman/Batman #46 - Invited by Detective Chimp - Traci Thirteen - Day of Vengeance #1; Superman #663
- Valda the Iron MaidenValda the Iron MaidenValda the Iron Maiden is a fictional character created by Roy Thomas and Ernie Colón for DC Comics. She debuted in Arak, Son of Thunder #3 ....
- Day of Vengeance #1 - VixenVixen (comics)Vixen is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine published by DC Comics universe. She debuted in Action Comics #521 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Bob Oksner.-Publication history:...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Witchfire - Superman #663
- ZaurielZaurielZauriel is a fictional character in the DC Universe. Originally a guardian angel who served Heaven for millions of years, he willingly fell to Earth and becomes a superhero, having been a member of DC's all-star Justice League. He first appeared in JLA #6...
- Day of Vengeance #1 - Later seconded to Shadowpact - ZatannaZatannaZatanna Zatara is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Murphy Anderson, Zatanna first appeared in Hawkman vol. 1 #4...