Meet "The Ray," DC's First Gay Superhero to Join the On-Screen Multiverse

Meet Raymond “Ray” Terrill, a reporter who stumbled upon scientists that were trying to harness light as a weapon, and gained light-based powers after being exposed to a “genetic light bomb.” These abilities are virtually limitless, allowing him to fly, travel at lightspeed, create damaging bursts of radiation, and even heal his physical form by going in and out of his energy form. This is the second incarnation for the mantle of “The Ray,” who was originally introduced in 1940 during Smash Comics #14. The CW version of the character will debut in the form of a cartoon titled, Freedom Fighters: The Ray, before actually making a live-action appearance in the “Arrowverse,” explains Greg Berlanti. Announced as an openly gay character, it seems that the CW is continuing to expand it’s television universe of the DCU. This cartoon to live-action concept is not new, as it is currently being tested with Vixen, an animated web series whose female lead will soon make her way to Legends of Tomorrow, played by actress Maisie Richardson.

Over the years the CW has definitively become a hub for DC superheroes on the small screen. Existing in what is referred to as the “Arrowverse,” as multiple spin-off series have been launched following the on-screen introductions on Steven Amell’s show, Green Arrow. The network has housed DC television properties since the premier of Smallville in 2001, a show that attempted to launch an unsuccessful Justice League in its sixth season. It should be stated that the current continuity of the Arrowverse is disconnected from the events that took place in the 10 seasons of Smallville, but the use of a multiverse should serve as a reminder that pretty much anything is possible. A perfect example is the crossover episode of Flash and Supergirl, a show that first aired on CBS, but will now live out the rest of its days on the CW. Whereas Marvel is making it a point to keep their TV and movie universes separate, DC should look into the idea of linking all areas of their multiverse — both of the men playing the Flash, Grant Gustin and Ezra Miller have publicly acknowledged on-screen interactions, so stay tuned to see what comes out of the ever-expanding DC universe.