Nyssa Raatko

Nyssa Raatko (Arabic: نيسا رعتكو), also known as Nyssa al Ghul, is a supervillainess in DC Comics. Nyssa Raatko was created by Greg Rucka and Klaus Janson for the Batman series of comic books. She is an enemy of Batman. She is the daughter of Ra's al Ghul and the half-sister of Talia al Ghul.[1]

Nyssa al Ghul
Cover to Batman: Death and the Maidens #3.
Klaus Janson, artist
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceDetective Comics #783 (August 2003)
Created byGreg Rucka (writer)
Klaus Janson (artist)
In-story information
Alter egoNyssa Al Ghul
Team affiliationsLeague of Assassins
Notable aliasesNyssa al Ghul, Nyssa Queen
Abilities
  • Genius-level intellect
  • Master martial artist
  • Expertise in alchemy
  • Slowed aging and accelerated healing via Lazarus Pits

Nyssa made her first live-action appearance as a recurring character on the Arrowverse television series Arrow starting in the second season, played by Katrina Law. She also appeared in the final season of Gotham, portrayed by Jaime Murray.

Fictional character biography

In Batman: Death and the Maidens, it is revealed that Ra's al Ghul and a Russian-Jewish peasant woman had a love child named Nyssa born during his travels in Russia in the 18th century. Enamored by the romantic stories that her mother told her about Ra's as a child, Nyssa sets out to find Ra's and eventually locates him at his headquarters in North Africa.[2]

Impressed by her beauty, warrior skills, and her determination and ability to locate him, he promotes her as his right hand associate and they go on adventures together. Ra's is so impressed with her abilities, he even allows Nyssa to use his Lazarus Pits. Like her sister Talia, Nyssa eventually becomes disenchanted with Ra's genocidal plans to "cleanse the Earth", and disassociates herself from her father sometime in the early 20th century. Ra's reluctantly approves this, believing that she will return to him and that she or her children will become his future heirs. To his disappointment, Nyssa refuses to give herself or her family to him, causing him to disown her permanently. He does however allow her to keep a Lazarus Pit for herself which helps her survive until the modern times.

The Second World War

During World War II, Nyssa and her family are quickly sent to a concentration camp, where Nyssa's entire family dies and she is rendered infertile by very Mengele-style experiments. At one point she begs Ra's for help, but he refuses her.

Death and the Maidens

Broken by her horrifying experiences during this time, and enraged that Ra's has abandoned her and her family to die at the hands of the Nazis, Nyssa is finally motivated to act when her great-grandson  her last living descendant - is killed. She plots to kill Ra's by befriending, kidnapping, and brainwashing Talia and using her to kill Ra's. To this end, she captures Talia and, using a Lazarus Pit, kills and resurrects her in rapid succession. Rendered apathetic by her time in the camp, unable to feel anything, Nyssa then attempts to destroy all hope and optimism in the world by assassinating Superman with Kryptonite bullets she steals from the Batcave, hoping that, by uniting the world in one moment of tragedy, she will manage to rouse herself once more.

While Batman is successful in preventing the assassination of Superman, he is unable to stop Ra's from being killed by Nyssa.[3] This in turn is part of a greater plan by Ra's to ensure that his daughters, both initially dissatisfied with his plans, will realize that he is right, and that they would come to accept their destinies as his heirs. Realizing and accepting this, both Nyssa and Talia become the heads of the League of Assassins.

Lazarus Pit

The Lazarus pit can grant restorative properties that can heal injuries and even grant immortality. Nyssa is in possession of one of the world's last Lazarus Pits, which has granted her longevity and the ability to heal her wounds; she survives The Holocaust thanks to its powers. She also found the ability to use the pit multiple times. She is also extremely wealthy, especially since she assumes control of Ra's' organization and joins forces with Talia. Like her father and half-sister, she knows Batman's secret identity and the location of the Batcave.

"Infinite Crisis"

During "Infinite Crisis", Nyssa and her sister connive to use Talia's membership in Luthor's Secret Society of Super Villains in order to take over the planet. Nyssa tries to recruit Batgirl (as Cassandra Cain) to stand at her side as "The One Who Is All". She attempts to explain why she is working with the villains of the Society to Batgirl:

"Vast stockpiles of food rot, while people starve. Millions die from curable diseases, while drug companies rake in the billions. Our environment chokes on our waste, becoming so toxic that life fails. It's genocide by greed, apathy, and neglect. These are the real crimes. Something must change... The Society's plans are vast. They will succeed. I can't stop them. When the world gets a true taste of violent oppression, and their heroes lie dead and broken  apathy will die. That's when you'll lead my league to sanction key society members. Leaving Talia and I to lead the revolution. A new world will be born, one of peace and equality. Millions of lives will be saved".

Cassandra refuses, and, along with Mr. Freeze, escapes from Nyssa's grasp.

In "One Year Later", Nyssa is seen in Northern Africa, planning an unknown plot with two terrorists. As she gets into her car to leave, it explodes.[4] In the following issue, Lady Shiva reports that Nyssa Raatko is dead where she was probably killed by the League of Assassins.[5]

In other media

Television

Katrina Law as Nyssa al Ghul in Arrow.
  • Nyssa al Ghul appears in the CW series Arrow, portrayed by Katrina Law. First appearing in season two, Nyssa al Ghul teams up with protagonists to take down Deathstroke. She is responsible for having rescued Sara Lance from Lian Yu and later became her lover. Nyssa reappears in season three, where following Sara's murder, Nyssa trains her sister Laurel Lance. In the season finale of season 3, Nyssa works with Oliver and his allies to defeat and kill Ra's. She then reappears in season four to oppose Laurel's reckless scheme to resurrect Sara using the Lazarus Pit. She declines the leadership of the League and instead disbands it. In season five, Oliver recruits Nyssa to join his team to oppose Adrian Chase and his team, which includes Nyssa's sister Talia. In season six, Nyssa battles the Thanatos Guild. Nyssa is later seen in a flashforward in season seven, training Mia Smoak, Oliver and Felicity's secret daughter, throughout her childhood. In the series finale episode "Fadeout" Nyssa has reconciles with Talia at Oliver's funeral.
  • Nyssa al Ghul appears in the fifth season of the FOX television series Gotham, portrayed by Jaime Murray. She is originally introduced as the "Secretary of Homeland Security" named Theresa Walker. Throughout the season she works via multiple proxies and henchmen such as Bane, Riddler, Leslie Thompkins, and Hugo Strange. After Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne realize someone is manipulating these events, they are able to convince Riddler to turn over evidence on his boss. As a result, "Theresa Walker" is ousted from the government and forced to go on the run. After arriving in Gotham, she reveals to Bruce that she is in fact Nyssa al Ghul, daughter of the recently-deceased Ra's al Ghul, seeking vengeance for her father's death. Nyssa is ultimately defeated in combat with the combined efforts of Gordon and Barbara Kean. She is able to escape arrest and steal Oswald Cobblepot's submarine, forcing Bruce to leave the city in pursuit of her.

Biographical Information: Full Name: Nyssa Raatko Birth Year: Approximately 1991-1992 Age: Around 25 to 26 during the events of the Shadow War mission in the Arkham Knight game Birthplace: Unknown, likely born within the League of Assassins Family: Daughter of Ra's al Ghul, younger sister of Talia al Ghul Personality:

Rebellion: Nyssa leads a rebellion against her father, Ra's al Ghul, and those loyal to him within the League of Assassins. She seeks to take control of the League and steer it away from her father's influence. Sense of Justice: Nyssa's rebel faction of the League does everything in their power to prevent Ra's loyalists from gaining access to the Lazarus Pit, as they believe it can be misused and lead to destruction. She atones for the sins of her father by trying to prevent innocent lives from being harmed. Determination: Nyssa is resolute in her mission to overthrow her father's control and make sure the League of Assassins operates with a different set of principles. She is willing to confront Batman and make difficult choices to achieve her goals. Conflict: Nyssa's character is conflicted due to her familial ties to Ra's al Ghul and her desire to break away from his methods. She struggles with her loyalty to her father and her own vision for the League's future. Resourcefulness: Nyssa shows resourcefulness in utilizing her knowledge and skills to lead the rebel faction. She employs various tactics to protect the Lazarus Pit and ensure the League remains under her control. Sense of Morality: Nyssa has a strong sense of morality and aims to lead the League in a way that prevents the taking of innocent lives. She promises Batman that the League will never again harm the innocent if he allows her father to die.

Throughout the Shadow War and its aftermath, Nyssa's leadership will be tested, and she will be faced with difficult choices. As the conflict unfolds, Nyssa will find herself presented with new opportunities that could lead to a different life. While she remains cautious and guarded, aware of the dangers of leaving the League, the future holds the potential for her to explore a different path, one that may bring her closer to her desires and personal fulfillment.

In summary, Nyssa Raatko's decision to lead the League of Assassins is driven by a combination of self-preservation and the necessity to maintain her safety. While she may be open to the possibility of a new life, she remains cautious and aware of the challenges and risks associated with leaving the League. Nyssa's logical and pragmatic approach sets her apart from her family, and as the story unfolds, she will be faced with opportunities that could lead to personal growth and fulfillment.


Physical Appearance:

Short hair, typically styled in a sleek and modern fashion Black smoky eye makeup Bold lips with deep red or burgundy shades Rebel Assassin Suit that combines elements of an assassin's attire and a rebel fighter's outfit Youthful appearance with smooth and radiant skin Refined facial features with high cheekbones Intense gaze, reflective of her determination Athletic build indicative of her rigorous training as an assassin Average height, typically around 5'6" (167 cm) Role in Arkham Knight's "Shadow War" Mission:

In the game, Nyssa plays a pivotal role in the "Shadow War" mission. She leads a rebellion against her father and is determined to prevent Ra's al Ghul's loyalists from accessing the Lazarus Pit. Her interactions with Batman in this mission lead to different outcomes based on player choices, such as the fate of Ra's al Ghul and Nyssa's own future. Additional Information:

Adoptive daughter of Ra's al Ghul Adoptive young sister of Talia al Ghul

IN ARKHAM KNIGHT GAME :

Before the events of Arkham Knight, Nyssa Raatko came to the attention of Batman and Alfred Pennyworth: Bruce Wayne had memorized her appearance, while Alfred formed the belief that Nyssa was the most level-headed and rational member of her family.

After the demise of Ra's al Ghul in Arkham City, Nyssa assumed leadership of one of the warring factions within the League of Assassins. Motivated by a desire to make amends for her father's actions, Nyssa's rebel faction fought tirelessly to prevent the loyalists of Ra's from gaining control of the rebel's Lazarus Pit. They understood the grave consequences that would follow if the loyalists obtained access to the powerful restorative abilities of the Lazarus Pit.

Arkham Knight Incident Prior to the Arkham City crisis, a tape recorded by Ra's Al Ghul was discovered in Elliott Memorial Hospital. In the recording, Ra's entrusted the leadership of the League to Nyssa's sister, Talia, in the event of his death and Batman's refusal to join their cause. Ra's expressed his lack of trust in Nyssa's ability to lead the League, deeming her too compassionate.

While safeguarding the newly established Lazarus Pit, Nyssa found herself face-to-face with Batman. She swiftly disarmed him of the detonator that could have destroyed the Pit. Nyssa sternly warned Batman against fulfilling her father's resurrection.. In a powerful display, she detonated explosive gel, obliterating the Lazarus Pit and solidifying her stance. Nyssa made a solemn promise to Batman that if he allowed Ra's to die, she would ensure that the League never took the life of an innocent again and that they would never return to Gotham. She then returned Batman's detonator to him. With conflicting emotions, Batman departed from the pit, under Nyssa's watchful gaze.


If Batman chose to complete Ra's resurrection, Nyssa unleashed her rebel forces upon him, only to be struck down by her father, now imbued with newfound power. Despite the dire circumstances, Batman offered Nyssa a chance at survival by injecting her with the remaining Lazarus serum. However, Nyssa staunchly refused, determined not to succumb to the same monstrous fate as her father.

If Batman chose to destroy the Lazarus device, Nyssa played a pivotal role in defeating Ra's al Ghul's loyalists, showcasing her formidable skills. In a moment of intense personal conflict, Nyssa sought to personally exact vengeance upon her father. It was through Batman's persuasive words that she was persuaded to restrain her murderous intent. Reluctantly, Nyssa agreed to spare Ra's life. In keeping with her promise, Nyssa decided to sever ties with Gotham once and for all, embarking on a quest to track down the remaining League members who still followed Ra's. Her dedication to righting the wrongs of the League led her on a solitary path away from the city

References

  1. Greenberger, Robert (2008). The Essential Batman Encyclopedia. Del Rey. pp. 303–304. ISBN 9780345501066.
  2. Batman: Death and the Maidens #6 (March 2004)
  3. Batman: Death and the Maidens #8 (May 2004)
  4. Robin (vol. 2) #148 (May 2006)
  5. Robin (vol. 2) #149 (June 2006)
  6. McMillan, Graeme (December 5, 2019). "How the CW's 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' is jumping to comics". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 5, 2019. Retrieved December 5, 2019.
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