C O N C E P T A B S T R A C T:
In this version, Matrix is one of the Worldkillers created by Zor-El, but re-programmed and sent to Earth by Jor-El in order to construct, and then guard, the Fortress of Solitude prior to Krypton's destruction. A protoplasmic matrix, “Mae” is composed of liquefied sunstone and bioneural circuitry. It is both genderless and formless, being a purple-pink gelatin in its natural form. Capable of producing telekinetic fields, Matrix alters its molecular arrangement and shape to create the illusion of humanoid appearance and locomotion. It can also mimic the abilities of flight, super strength, and super stamina. As Matrix has no true eyes or ears, the nature of how Matrix perceives the environment around it is fundamentally different from telescopic or x-ray vision, or super hearing. While lacking heat vision or freeze breath, Matrix has two abilities unique to it: force blasts and the ability to become invisible.
As a non-Kryptonian, Matrix is not affected by red sun radiation. Instead, being composed of sunstone, Matrix derives its power source from any kind of solar or visual radiation. It’s stamina is not as high as Superman or Supergirl’s and it can succumb to fatigue.
The point of the character is to support the Superman cast with a familiar character from the 1990’s that’s updated to compliment Superman and Supergirl, while still allowing another writer to come in and pick up Kon-El/Connor or Jon Kent. It's also intended to serve the Justice League in a similar role as Oracle given the updated computer/digital interface aspect to the character.
The history of Krypton is not a peaceful one. The planet that gave rise to General Zod was a world whose hands were stained by blood. Some of it their own, such as when the threat of the Manhunters arose. Some of it the blood of those they wronged, such as the war fought between Krypton and their former colony of Daxamite. Krypton needed weapons for its own defense. And there were those whose genius was frighteningly capable of providing them, not the least of which were the Worldkillers. Biological weapons, the product of experimentation, including on other species.
The protoplasmic matrix was one such weapon, devised by Zor-El as a defensive weapon to safeguard the House of El. When the Science Council later declared the Worldkillers to be illegal and ordered their destruction, Zor-El placed them in hibernation instead. An artificial entity, Matrix was re-programmed to serve as a “chore bot” and handled household tasks related to maintenance and upkeep of the home. It also cared for the infant Kara-El as a robot or android nanny. When Zor and Jor-El’s father, Seyg-El grew infirm with age, Matrix worked alongside a creation of Jor-El, known as Kelex, to see to the patriarchs needs.
After Seyg-El died, the matrix was placed in storage until Jor-El came across it while making preparations for the Kryptonian exodus from Krypton. The matrix was included in the materials that were sent to Earth in order to create a colony in the arctic wastes of the planet. Programmed with the blueprints for the colony habitat, the matrix activated upon arrival on the planet Earth and began construction of what would come to be known as the Fortress of Solitude. Once completed, the matrix remained active to serve as the guardian of the colony, waiting for the Kryptonian people to arrive -- unaware that the battle between Zod and Jor-El had made all of Jor-El’s plans impossible. Instead of a Kryptonian colony, only two rockets made it off Krypton before the end.
When the son of Jor-El and Lara, now believing himself to be Clark Kent, found the Fortress of Solitude, he discovered the matrix there, functioning as both the mainframe and security system for the facility. The matrix, usually referred to as either Matrix or Mae, was able to connect Clark back to his heritage as Kal-El as well as several recorded lessons left for him by Jor-El. Matrix was also able to mimic Superman and Clark Kent’s likeness, enabling him to serve as a body double when required. On several occasions, Matrix substituted for Clark at the Daily Planet during periods where Superman was off planet.
After the discovery of his 11 year old cousin floating in Earth’s orbit, Matrix adapted it’s likeness and role in order to serve as a training program for the young Kryptonian -- allowing her to use her yellow sun enabled powers without fear of harming an actual person in a safe, controlled environment. To facilitate interaction between them, Matrix adopted the likeness of a teenage girl that was modeled in part on actress Hayley Mills from 1961’s The Parent Trap. Personality profile was derived from popular media, most notably The Patty Duke Show. When in public and operating incognito, Matrix formulated the identity or name of “Linda Danvers” for itself.
Matrix retained this female form for several years, using it as a default template for whenever it needed to approximate humanoid form in order to interact with the House of El or the environment. When Kara-El began training the clone of Superman, the form seemed to allow a similar level of rapport building, so it was retained. However, when the young Kryptonian-human hybrid offspring of Kal-El and Lois Lane began to exhibit powers and abilities, Matrix calculated the need for a new template to serve this function. Patterning itself of Jon’s likeness, Matrix possesses brown hair and eyes when in its male form. As with the development of its female persona, Matrix conducted research into young male behavior using the available media as a resource; specifically, Leave It To Beaver.
S U P P O R T I N G C A S T:
Krypto the Superdog
A canine native to the planet Krypton, Krypto is sometimes kept at the Fortress of Solitude for the protection of both people and squirrels everywhere. Matrix takes care of Krypto’s care and feeding within the kennel inside of the Fortress.
Kelex
While Matrix was envisioned as the guardian of the Fortress, Kelex was meant to be the overseer of the Fortress' medical bay.
Mon-El (Lar Gand)
A Daxamite who briefly served as Earth’s Superboy for a time, Mon-El was placed inside of the Phantom Zone to stop the spread of lead poisoning within his body. Matrix socializes and communicates with him via the Phantom Zone monitors, aiding the man in retaining his sanity.
R O G U E ' S G A L L E R Y:
Worldkillers
Five biological weapons remain. Like himself, the creations of Supergirl’s father, Zor-El, during Krypton’s embarrassingly violent past. Unlike himself, an artificial intelligence whose personal code is guided by the dictates of the matrix programmed into his core by Zor-El, these living experiments know only what they were created for: war, famine, pestilence, and death.
The Manhunters
The rogue robotic police force that inadvertently spawned his creation.
Chemo
A walking toxic waste vat that endangers the environment, including the arctic.
