Scorch (comics)

Scorch
Scorch as seen in JLA #84 (October 2003).
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Superman (vol. 2) #160 (September 2000)
Created by	Jeph Loeb (writer) Ed McGuinness (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Aubrey Sparks
Species	Metahuman
Team affiliations	Justice League Secret Society of Super Villains
Abilities	Pyrokinesis Heat resistance Teleportation

Scorch (Aubrey Sparks) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.

Publication history

Scorch first appeared in Superman (vol. 2) #160 and was created by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness.

Fictional character biography

Originally a civilian from Pisboe, Virginia, Aubrey Sparks was transformed into Scorch during the "Emperor Joker" storyline. ^[1] Joker uses power stolen from Mister Mxyzptlk to create an alternate universe in which Superman is a villain and creates his own warped version of the Justice League, with Scorch among its ranks. After Joker is defeated, Mxyzptlk preserves Scorch, among other residents of Joker's universe, by transporting them to the main universe.

Scorch offers to help Martian Manhunter overcome his weakness to fire, and ultimately falls in love with him. In the process, she inadvertently releases his hidden Fernus personality, which was suppressed by the Oans millennia prior. The Justice League engages Fernus, who attacks Scorch and renders her comatose. ^[2]

During the "Infinite Crisis" storyline, Scorch reappears as a member of Alexander Luthor Jr.'s Secret Society of Super Villains, having been awakened from her coma and led to perceive the Justice League as a threat. She, Effigy, Heat Wave, and Plasmus start a wildfire in the western United States, threatening homes. As her accomplices battle Superman, Scorch realizes the error of her ways and helps Superman defeat them. ^[3] Scorch is subsequently placed under house arrest by the Department of Extranormal Operations. ^[4]

Scorch reappears in Action Comics #1082 (2025), where she has reformed. ^[5]

Powers and abilities

Scorch can create heat intense enough to melt various metals. She can easily manipulate flames, even those not of her creation. She has also been seen using this ability to smother flames by absorbing them into her body. Scorch can also teleport, disappearing and reappearing in a cloud of smoke.

In other media

Scorch makes non-speaking cameo appearances in DC Super Hero Girls as a student of Super Hero High.

References

1. Greenberger, Robert; Pasko, Martin (2010). The Essential Superman Encyclopedia. Del Rey. p. 353. ISBN   978-0-345-50108-0.
2. JLA #78-89 (April - December 2003)
3. Superman (vol. 2) #225 (March 2006)
4. Martian Manhunter: The Others Among Us #5 (February 2007)
5. Jennings, Collier (January 15, 2025). "Action Comics #1082 review". AIPT Comics. Retrieved January 18, 2025. One former villain, Scorch, even compares living a normal life to quitting smoking (which takes on an extra bit of irony as she's pyrokinetic and smokes).