3

I have read in a DC comic about John Constantine where the superhero says that ultimate secret of magic is that anybody can do it. However, I don't believe I have ever read a DC comic that reveals any public available method for learning magic that's accessible to the average person. Is there any DC comic that shows a public available method for the average Joe to learn magic (ie. book in the library, lessons anyone can pay money to receive, etc.)?

1
  • 1
    I like to think in-universe comic books have back-page AMAZE YOUR FRIENDS! POSSIBLY SUMMON A DEMON BY ACCIDENT! LEARN MAGIC! adverts. Aug 4, 2020 at 15:53

1 Answer 1

4

Anyone in the DC universe can learn magic, yes. But for humans it takes a special gene in order to be able to use it without the aid of magical items or pacts with magical entities.

People with such genetics belong to the Homo magi subspecies. This was shown for the first time in JLA #165, from 1979 (as seen in the link).

Homo Magi are naturally adept at magic; since many humans possesses the Homo Magi gene because of their relationships in the distant past, these humans can learn to use indirect magic by performing rituals, but pure Homo Magi or their direct descendants can use direct magic.

I think whomever wrote that left out a word. It should read "(...) but only pure Homo magi or their direct descendants (...)".

Please notice that since DC has rebooted their universe a few times since 1979, so that may not be the rule for now. I am so old that I know who the Wonder Twins are, and I haven't checked much of the latest stuff.

1
  • 3
    Like Renan, I'm out of touch with the most recent stuff. But as far as I know, there's never been a time when all the editors and writers at DC were making a serious long-term effort to stay Absolutely Self-Consistent about the DCU's "rules of magic." I suspect you could find lots of stories where someone is casting spells, and no one ever explicitly says "he's been tested for the Homo Magi gene and definitely has it [or doesn't]." So if you want to assume all of the DCU's spellcasters have the same magic gene, you can . . . and if you want to assume otherwise, nobody is stopping you!
    – Lorendiac
    Aug 3, 2020 at 23:56

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.