An activated Meta-Gene.
The Meta-Gene is a genetic marker in Homo metas that allows them to endure catastrophic physical trauma by developing new abilities—i.e. superpowers.[1]
History[]
Origin[]
Vandal Savage approaching the glowing meteorite that would forever change the course of mankind.
The inception of this preternatural genetic marker dates back to circa 48,000 BCE, when a Homo sapiens, Vandal Savage, came into contact with a fallen meteorite whose radiation changed his genetic makeup, begetting what would later become known as the "Meta-Gene". When Savage was mortally wounded, the resulting physical trauma awakened his dormant Gene, giving him the ability to adapt and overcome that situation: accelerated healing.
It is believed that this genetic advantage is what caused the Homo sapiens to drive Homo neanderthalensis into extinction, despite the latter outnumbering the former.[2] For the subsequent millennia, Vandal Savage's Meta-Gene was passed down to his copious spawn and their respective descendants,[2][3][4] thus increasing the Homo meta population in numbers.
Over the course of history, the Meta-Gene attracted interest from Apokolips,[2] the Kroloteans,[5] and the Reach. The latter two conducted experiments on both Homo meta with dormant and active Meta-Genes in order to isolate it, so they could duplicate and weaponize Meta-Gene powers.[1]
Characteristics[]
Eduardo Dorado Sr. has speculated that the Meta-Gene is opportunistic in nature, taking advantage of pre-existing factors in a person's system. He based this theory on the fact that his son gained teleportation powers when he became meta-active, presumably due to the Zeta-Beam radiation he inherited from his father, who had worked in close proximity to it for decades.[6] Blood relatives with the Meta-Gene are likely to develop similar powers.[7]
The Meta-Gene can be forcibly activated by submersing Homo metas in tar[8] or by utilizing sorcery.[9]