Fictional Character Biography
As a child, Roy G. Bivolo always dreamed of a career as an artist, a lofty goal considering he was completely colorblind. He would often paint what he thought were beautiful pieces of art, only to be told that it was made up of clashing colors. His father, an optometrist and genius in optical technology, swore he would find a cure for his son's disorder. Due to failing health, he was unable to complete his product, but instead created a sophisticated pair of goggles that would allow Roy to create beams of solid rainbow-colored light. On his death-bed, his father presents him with this gift, and it was not long before Roy found a sinister use for it.
Turning to crime because the world did not appreciate his art, Roy, now the Rainbow Raider, went on a crime spree focused mostly on art galleries, saying that if he could not appreciate the great works of art in them (due to his disability), no one else would. During this time he often clashes with the Flash, and sparks a rivalry that would last several years. Some years later he would fight Booster Gold as well.
He later becomes a minor enemy of the JLA, and is part of the riot in the super-hero prison of Belle Reve inJLA #34. Though he attacks Kyle Rayner, he is quickly defeated by a single punch from Zauriel. He is also featured in JLA-80 Page Giant #1, discussing other villains with Sonar II.
Roy is slain by the villainess Blacksmith when she impaled him with his latest work of art. More recently, in Blackest Night #3, he is temporarily reanimated as a zombie within the Black Lantern Corps. Also, since his death, a team of color-themed supervillains have dubbed themselves the Rainbow Raiders in his honor.
Read more about this topic: Rainbow Raider
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