-header.jpg?q=50&fit=contain&w=1140&h=&dpr=1.5)
The following article contains spoilers from The Flash #787, on sale now.
While participating in an intergalactic wrestling tournament, the Flash and his partner, Omega Bam Man, went up against one of the strangest beings in the DC Universe. The Flash #787 (by Jeremy Adams, Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan, Jeromy Cox, and Rob Leigh) saw the duo fight their way through the brackets before reaching the tag team champions, Maul and Klee Pan. If one of those names sounds remotely familiar, it is because Klee Pan is the first Faceless Hunter ever introduced in the DC Universe.
This character first debuted in Strange Adventures #124 (by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky). Initially though to be a villain, Klee Pan later turned out to be a major ally of Earth, who helped save it, and his home planet of Saturn multiple times. So, to find him participating in a space wrestling show is a bit odd, but at least it restores one of DC's unique species to the lore of the universe.
Who Are the Faceless Hunters Seen in The Flash?
The Faceless Hunters themselves come from the planet Saturn. Or more accurately, their world, Klaramar, revolves within in atom on the planet Saturn. Despite their diminutive place of origin, the Faceless Hunters are actually extremely powerful and dangerous if pushed. When Klee Pan first debuted, he went across the planet, stealing monuments in that resembled faces. It was later revealed he needed to do so to save his world from an energy bomb left behind by an evil member of his people Chun Yull. This led to a number of adventures with himself and heroes from Earth teaming up to stop Chun Yull multiple times.
As a species, Klaramarians are actually fairly dangerous. Though they evolved in a subatomic environment, they can control their size when leaving their home world, being able to increase to human size, but still being taller than the average human. In addition, they have natural super strength, while also possessing advanced technology, making them incredibly dangerous if fought one-on-one. Chun Yull himself was capable of going toe-to-toe with Superman during one of his schemes.
In The Flash Klee Pan is Participating in a Wrestling Show
So, to see Klee Pan, perhaps the most benevolent of his species, participating in a wrestling organization that is technically illegal by order of the Green Lantern Corps is a little strange. If his history holds up, then it doesn't make sense that he would willingly go and trash the planet that he helped save so many times in the past.
Although, his motives might once again be turned towards his home world. The reigning champion of Wrestling Across the Multiverse does get a special belt that increases their durability. Perhaps Klee is looking to acquire that to better enable himself to protect his planet. That, or things are now at peace, and he's just trying to live his best life. Either way, it is wonderful to see that DC is once again dipping into the more fantastic properties they have at their disposal. With any luck, the Faceless Hunters might make more appearances in the DCU going forward.