Sebastian Faust

Faust
Sebastian Faust, art by Karl Story, Scott Kolins, Robin Riggs.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceOutsiders (vol. 2) #1 Alpha (November 1993)
Created byMike Barr and Paul Pelletier
In-story information
Alter egoSebastian Faust
SpeciesHomo magi
Team affiliationsCheckmate
The Outsiders
Sentinels of Magic
A.R.G.U.S.
Cerebus
PartnershipsBlue Devil
Notable aliasesFaust
Rook Gamma
Abilities
  • Natural magical powers obtained through a demonic bargain, enabling the use of black magic and the invocation of supernatural effects by speaking backwards. Specialized soul magic grants the ability to manipulate souls and mimic the powers of other beings.
  • Extensive knowledge of the occult, skilled paranormal investigator, proficient in espionage and manipulation, and skilled in hand-to-hand combat.

Sebastian Faust, commonly known as Faust, is a fictional character in DC Comics. Created by Mike Barr and Paul Pelletier, he first appeared in the 1993 Outsiders comic series. The character draws inspiration from the German legend of a man who sold his soul to the Devil. Faust is the son of the supervillain Felix Faust and is depicted as both a superhero and an anti-villain.

In his backstory, Sebastian's soul was sold in a Faustian bargain by his father to regain his own mystical abilities. However, the demon Neibiros tricked Felix by granting the powers to Sebastian instead. Sebastian received training in the mystic arts from his father but eventually ran away due to his father's abusive behavior. As an adult, he became a mystic superhero and paranormal investigator. His reputation within the DC Universe's superhero community is often controversial due to his parentage, his callous methods, and his expertise in black magic.[1][2] In the DC Rebirth continuity, Faust is reintroduced with a similar origin but portrayed as an anti-villain. He is a highly-regarded agent of the United States government and serves as the director of A.R.G.U.S's mystic branch. However, he later betrays the organization in order to save his terminally ill wife. This puts him in conflict with Amanda Waller and her team of mystically-oriented operatives, the Suicide Squad Black.[3]

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