#ComicBytes: Lesser-known facts about DC'S omnipotent God, The Presence
What's the story
Like Marvel's One-Above-All, DC Comics has its own supreme power. The omnipresent, omnipotent, and all-knowing entity is known as The Presence and has appeared a few times in various storylines. Created by Jerry Siegel and Bernard Baily, The Presence represents DC's version of an Abrahamic God. It debuted in 1940 as 'The Voice' in More Fun Comics #52. Read on to know it better.
Forms
Understanding God isn't an easy feat
The Presence has multiple forms. Most notably, it is 'The Voice' that made Jim Corrigan the Spectre and even answered his prayers, resurrecting the murdered Justice Society of America. The Presence also appears as 'The Hand' that created the universe and reached through time to change history on one occasion. It is also called 'The Source' in Jack Kirby's Fourth World cosmology.
Appearance
Its appearance in one of DC's biggest mysteries
The Presence has been mentioned in Grant Morrison's fictional angel mythology. It has appeared in a human form, as an old man in Lucifer #68 and in Peter David's Supergirl series as a young boy in a baseball cap. Most of what is known about it, is from other characters. For example, the series Lucifer once stated that Elaine Belloc is the new Presence.
Powers
The powers of The Presence are limitless and incomprehensible
It exists everywhere at the same time. It sees everything and cannot be harmed or controlled. Being a God, it can command and modify everything in the multiverse and beyond, according to its will. It gives powers to angels like Eclipso and Michael Demiurgos and can resurrect the dead. Its powers transcend time, space, and logic and he has no weaknesses.
Other Entities
Are there entities more powerful than the presence?
Maybe. On one occasion, The Presence mentioned it is controlled by powers even higher than itself. This could be a nod to another character or simply a reference to creators of DC Universe. Another being, called The Great Evil Beast is said to be outside the creation of The Presence. It's often said to be as powerful (if not more than) as The Presence.