Tar

Dick Grayson examines a sample of Tar.

Tar is a thick, dark brown substance used in large quantities by the Bedlam Syndicate to activate the Meta-Gene.

History

The Bedlam Syndicate began using Tar to activate the Meta-Gene in 2016. Among its first subjects was Tara Markov. Its use was overseen by Doctors Helga Jace and Simon Ecks. Subjects were placed in pods which were then filled with Tar until the subject was totally submerged. Subjects could remain in the Tar for extended periods and not drown. Tar exposure could fail, with fatal consequences. Unsuccessful subjects were buried in mass graves in Markovian National Cemetery.

Tar remained in use until the Syndicate was shut down in 2018. The Tar itself was instrumental in bringing Bedlam down as a sample acquired by Nightwing at a base in Moscow contained a clay only found in Markovia, leading him to their main base of operations.

When Markovia resumed meta-activations at the Markov Family Meta-Human Youth Center under King Brion's rule, it moved onto a new method, T.R. 2.0, which used an injection of a black liquid that looks similar to Tar.

Known metas activated by Tar

• Baron Bedlam
• Terra
• Simon Ecks
• Plasma
• Plasmus
• Geo-Force

Sightings

• Season 3
  • 01. "Princes All"
  • 02. "Royal We"
  • 03. "Eminent Threat"
  • 22. "Antisocial Pathologies" ^(flashback)

Background information

In the comics, Tar is a highly addictive and highly destructive narcotic. It gave people who consumed it orally a short burst of super-strength and increased durability. Dealers and users formed a major threat to the hero Steel.