Considering her relatively short tenure in the superhero lexicon, Vixen aka Mari Jiwe McCabe has gone through a slew of changes. Originally intended to by the first female African superhero for DC Comics with her own series in 1978, she was backburnered by the “DC Implosion” that year and wouldn”t re-emerge until 1981. Only instead of headlining her own comic, now she was merely part of ACTION COMICS.
Mari”s powers have waxed and waned over the years but the gist is this: Vixen was granted a Tantu Totem by the African go Anansi. With it, Vixen is able to tap into the Earth”s “morphogenetic field” – known as the Red – which allows her to draw on the abilities of any animal on Earth. Sh can shapeshift, create energy fields, and can commune with animals.
Using these powers, Vixen has been part of the Suicide Squad and the Justice League. But she wouldn”t get her own comic again until writer G. Willow Wilson (MS. MARVEL, A-FORCE) and artist Cafu (BLACK PANTHER, ACTION COMICS) got ahold of her in 2008 a limited run entitled VIXEN: RETURN OF THE LION. Afterwards, Mari faded back into the background, once again, becoming a tertiary character.
Until The CW Seed revived her for an animated series last year. At the time, I gave some serious side-eye to DC Entertainment for pushing Vixen into animation while Green Arrow and The Flash got live-action adaptations. Maybe they heard me? Because Vixen is coming to “Arrow” this year! Specifically Episode #415. Megalyn E.K. has been cast Mari McCabe and The CW just gave fans their first look at her costume.
Staying true to a superhero”s iconic look while dressing an actor for practicality can be a challenge, but I”m loving Vixen”s final form. The slashes of yellow give the impression of predator without sacrificing Mari”s bits to the elements. I can”t wait to see her in action! Hopefully this guest appearance turns into a recurring role.
“Arrow” is on The CW, Wednesdays at 8/7c.