Who Is Nelvana? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

Nelvana is a Bell Features comic book character, with over 24 comic issue appearances. Of powerful Inuit heritage, demi-goddess Nelvana draws strength from the Northern Lights.

Who is Nelvana?

Origin Inuit god Koliak, King of the Northern Lights, fell in love with and married a mortal woman. That marriage produced a daughter, the powerful half-god Nelvana. The gods were enraged that Koliak should marry a mortal, and cursed him to be visible only as the Northern Lights. Nelvana draws her strength from her father as the Aurora Borealis. Creation Writer/artist Adrian Dingle and Franz Johnston co-created Nelvana of the Northern Lights; her first appearance was in Triumph Adventure Comics #1 , debuting August 1941. Nelvana is one of the earliest superheroines - she predates Wonder Woman - and the first to debut in Canada . Dingle was inspired by the Inuit legends of Koliak, his mortal wife, and their children, and decided to make Nelvana (who was typically described as hideous and witch-like) young and beautiful, creating a national superheroine for Canada. Major Story Arcs Her adventures continued publication in various titles between 1941 and 1947.

Key facts

Nelvana is of god/eternal origin and first appeared in "Nelvana of the Northern Lights". The character is published by Bell Features. With 24 recorded issue appearances, Nelvana ranks among the most featured characters in comics.