The Demon (comics)

The Demon is a DC Comics superhero series created by comic book master, Jack Kirby. The title character, named Etrigan, is an actual demon from Hell who usually finds himself allied to the forces of good.

He was originally summoned by the wizard Merlin as part of a last-ditch defense of Camelot against the evil wizard, Morgan le Fay. When it became clear that the kingdom would fall regardless, Merlin sent the demon away and changed him into an immortal human named Jason Blood to wait until he was summoned. Centuries later, Jason was called to the crypt of Merlin and discovered a poem that could change him into Etrigan. Unfortunately, he was followed by the long-lived Morgan who lusts for Merlin's secrets. That led to Etrigan's first major battle and the solidification of Morgan as his major enemy. In addition, he later gained another enemy in Klarion, the Witch Boy, a prepubescent mage who maliciously enjoys creating trouble with his magic.

While his comic book series was short-lived, Etrigan has been a popular supporting character with occasional additional mini-series and series.

Some time after his first appearance, Etrigan began speaking entirely in rhyme (the quality of which varied considerably depending on who was writing him at the time). This was explained in-story as the result of a promotion, with the rhyming speech being a badge of his new rank in the infernal hierarchy.

Jason Blood/Etrigan has made a single guest appearance in each of (in which he was voiced by Billy Zane) and Justice League (in which he was voiced by Michael T. Weiss). The animated television version of Etrigan does not speak in rhyme except when reciting the spell that changes him between his human and demon identities.