Maya (comics)

Maya
Maya as depicted in Justice League International (vol. 2) #64 (May 1994). Art by Chuck Wojtkiewicz (penciler), Craig Gilmore (inker), Gene D'Angelo (colorist), and Clem Robins (letterer).
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Justice League Europe #47 (February 1993)
Created by	Gerard Jones (writer) Ron Randall (artist)
In-story information
Full name	Chandi Gupta
Team affiliations	Justice League Europe Justice League
Abilities	Elemental control of fire and water

Maya (Chandi Gupta) is an Indian superheroine in the DC Universe. She first appeared in Justice League Europe #47 (1993), and was created by Gerard Jones and Ron Randall. ^[1]

Fictional character biography

Chandi Gupta is an Indian girl who developed the ability to generate fire and water at a young age. Her parents leave her in the care of a cult they had become involved with, whose members believe her to be the reincarnation of Shiva. Chandi flees to London after realizing that the cult intends to sacrifice her.

While in London, Chandi assumes the codename Maya and helps the Justice League Europe defeat Sonar. She is offered membership in the Justice League and accepts, having nowhere else to go. ^[2]

Maya later learns that the cult who adopted her is affiliated with the Overmaster, who plans to destroy Earth. Overmaster takes control of Maya's mind and uses her against her teammates. Mahayogi, whom she had fought earlier with the League, sacrifices himself to free her. After confronting the Overmaster, Justice League Europe disbands. Maya reunites with her parents, who are revealed to possess fire-based powers similar to hers. ^[3]

Maya is among the candidates considered by Robin to join the Teen Titans, but is passed over in favor of Static, Aquagirl, and Kid Eternity. ^[4]

Powers and abilities

Maya was originally only able to manifest a mystical bow, which is capable of firing projectiles made of mystical fire or water. She later developed the ability to manifest fire and water without using the bow as a focus.

In other media

Chandi Gupta makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the My Adventures with Superman episode "Most Eligible Superman".^{[ citation needed ]}

External links

• DCU Guide: Maya

References

1. The DC Comics Encyclopedia . Dorling Kindersley Limited. 2004. p.  199. ISBN   0-7566-0592-X.
2. Justice League Europe #47 (February 1993)
3. Justice League International (vol. 2) #67 (August 1994)
4. Teen Titans (vol. 3) #66 (February 2009)