HOME | DD

Description

Real Name:

In a former human existence, I was once known as "Penelope Umbaugh".   That name no longer has any meaning to me.

Alter-ego/Identity:

In this existence, I am known as Penumbra, Keeper of the Shadow Eye.   And much like the shadowy area between the Darkness and the Light, I stand in both regions, but with loyalty only to Darkness.   I have also been referred to as "The Devourer of Light", "The Eye of The Eclipse", and "The Finder of Dark Souls".

And... Uh... I've also been called "The Butcher of Toonsville" by a few pissed-off imaginary creations, after something I accidently did on my first assignment...

And don't call me by cutesy nicknames like "Penny" or "Pen-Pen"...   Seriously, you don't know me well enough to call me by those.

Species:

Formerly human, now a being of shadowy Darkness serving The Eclipse... I suppose the term "super-being" would also apply.

Age:

Darkness is as old as time immemorial, and so it is the same for me...   However, since enigmatic answers such as this could be construed as "evading the question"... I was 29 years old at the time of my assimilation into The Eclipse. I have stopped counting after that, since it has become inconsequential to mark the birth anniversary of a former existence...

...Besides, it's physically impossible for me to eat birthday cake anymore with this form...

Occupation:

Intelligence Operative. By the will of The Eclipse, I investigate, encounter, and catalogue those beings of power who are aligned towards Darkness.   In simpler terms, I seek out "super-villains".

The occupation of my former existence was that of a television news reporter.

Hmmm... It appears that the more things change, the more they stay the same....

Residence(s):

Apart from The Domicile of Darkness, where I have a condo that allows a shorter commute to The Eclipse, my current assignment takes me just about everywhere in my search for Dark Beings of Power... So, "mobile" would be a more accurate description of my usual status.

For the time being, I am occupying the personal vessel of the so-called "Galactic Guide" Estelle, with full intent of exploiting it's resources to allow the Forces of Darkness a chance to make themselves known throughout the multi-verse. I have also spent some free time sabotaging, booby-trapping, selling off her items online, and vandalizing the place. Those activities have caused me to rediscover the ability to giggle.

Affiliates (Including Minions/Contacts/and Allies):

I serve The Eclipse. That is all that needs to be said.

The Shadow Eye could be considered an "ally", although it has a tendency to consider it's own priorities over mine, and cause mischief at the most inopportune times.   And whenever I attempt to enjoy any rare moments of solitude, it starts becoming chatty.

Well, let's see you try to "zen-out", while a voice sounding like BRIAN BLESSED is booming in your mind.   Honestly, they should have called it "The Shadow MOUTH" instead of "Eye".

Brief Biography:

In my former existence as a television news reporter, I had used my influence and contacts to be part of what I had hoped would a career-boosting exclusive: The first member of the press to cover the test run of a secret project called "Operation Flip-Side". However, what was intended to be just a means of of viewing other dimensions, ended up causing a breach to open in the very fabric of time and space...  Out of which came a horde of creatures, some resembling old-style black and white cartoon characters, who began attacking anyone in sight. I have not been given permission by The Eclipse to reveal the events that happened after that, but the outcome required me to make a choice... And this current existance is the direct result of that choice. "Career-boosting exclusive", INDEED.

Personality:

My former human existence was a female filled with unbridled ambition, drive, persistence, and a willingness to do anything to get a news story. I freely admit that she was also narcissistic, snobbish, cowardly, petty, easily jealous, vindictive, a total backstabber, and was only capable of expressing empathy just by "faking it" for the camera.  Perhaps having so much darkness within my former human heart was the reason why The Eclipse allowed me to survive and become a servant of it.   Or perhaps I just happened to have the right skills for a job opening...

In my current existence, I tend to be aloof and enigmatic, though my current assignment requires me to become a little bit more "personable" when interacting with Dark Beings of Power. When dealing with defenders of Light, I am not one to indulge in the time-honored tradition of villainous speeches and theatrical gestures, nor waste an advantage by taunting my opponent. If I am required to act, then it would be swift and without mercy.

I have noticed that when dealing with fools and morons, my stoicism tends to erode rather quickly, bringing out a more short-tempered and irritable side of my personality... In pop culture terms, I transition from "Mr. Spock" to "Dr. McCoy" rather easily when in the presence of idiots.

-Likes/dislikes:

While there is very little of my former human existence that I miss, I do regret my physical inability to eat Dark chocolate when stressed-out.

I really dislike those who just HAVE to give that speech about how "The Light will always defeat The Darkness, blah-blah-blah".

-Beliefs, Plans, and other Goals:

Darkness will always devour Light. The goals of The Eclipse are without question.

-Quirks/hobbies/other identifiers:

- I have been told that my voice sounds like the character of Scarlet from the Space Dandy anime, except speaking as if from beyond the grave...

- I collect vintage neon signs.

- Though my physical form appears to be solidly 3-dimensional, light will not interact with it, nor does it cast a shadow.

Skills:

I still possess all the skills and knowledge of my former existence as a journalist, especially in the research and communications fields, as well as being able to navigate a top-heavy bureaucracy. While I do have some knowledge of hand-to-hand and melee weapon skills, I still share my former existence's aversion to physical combat, and prefer to just dodge any attacks and counter with The Shadow Eye (usually from behind).

Powers, Abilities, and Other Assets:

My body is composed of "Darkness Energy", but is capable of the same feats as a superhuman with the power of elasticity: Stretch or expand to great lengths, flatten, change shape, and more, but I am unable to change my identity. I can also form melee-style weapons, but only if physical combat is absolutely necessary. My body is also incredibly resilient to physical attacks in much the same way (yes, I am actually tangible and able to physically interact with the world). Contrary to popular belief, I am actually sustained by absorbing Light energy, so flash cameras, laser beams, and even standing in the Sun, is actually healthy for me. Other forms of energy can harm me to a certain degree, and some magic-based attacks or weaponry can hit with full force, so I do tend to dodge a lot.

Another ability of mine is to "shadow-jump", which allows me to enter one shadow on a physical surface and exit from another at a different location (line-of-sight in terms of distance).  It does give the appearance that I am phasing through solid objects and structures, but it is much the same effect as the "instant hole" visual gag from the old animated cartoons (and no, eliminating the shadow I am emerging from will not cut me in two).

Finally, I am The Keeper of The Shadow Eye, a spherical artifact of sentient Darkness, which communicates with me via a telepathic link and remembers everything it sees and hears like a recording device. And as I mentioned above, it also possesses a "volume control problem voice" and a boisterous personality that seems to be patterned after British actor BRIAN BLESSED (caps intentional). While that unfortunate aspect is mine alone to endure, The Eye's primary ability is to incapacitate an opponent by forcibly draining the Inner Light energy they possess and devouring it. To explain, Inner Light energy is not entirely made up of a person's life force, but mainly the energy manifested from creative thoughts, inspirations, dreams, and especially imagination. Draining that energy from a target does not kill them, but shock from doing so usually causes them to fall unconscious for an extended period, or unable to use their superhuman abilities. In the case of elastic persons, the inability to envision in their minds how they want to reshape their bodies often results in them collapsing into a helpless pile of elongating body parts. Given time, the target eventually will regenerate enough Inner Light energy to become fully active again, but there have been cases of sustained "creativity block" with some individuals. And if it becomes necessary, The Shadow Eye can also fire bolts of pure Darkness energy to good effect, but the expenditure of such causes The Eye demand more Inner Light energy to replace it.

-Source(s) of Power, Abilities, Etc.:

As one may guess, my abilities are gifts from The Eclipse.

-Notable weaknesses:

As mentioned above, direct exposure to light will not harm me, but I do like to give my opponents the false impression that it does.   That has lead to some amusing situations, with my pretending to avoid bright Light sources, and my opponents attempting to take advantage of this vulnerability... The look on their faces when they realize this was just a ruse is always delicious.

On the other hand, a constant exposure to incandescent ultra-violet Light wavelengths, or "black Light", does have the same effect on me as a human sunbathing without using sunscreen protection.   Fortunately, the changeover to LEDs will render this annoyance moot.

Arch-Foes:

While I consider Estelle as a "true adversary" of mine, she and the other defenders of Light that I have defeated are hardly worthy of the "arch" designation.

Personal Setbacks:

- The accidental annihilation of Toonsville City during a test of The Shadow Eye. The Eye was suppose to just drain the inhabitants of a specific amount of Inner Light, not just suck it all out to where they literally imploded in horrific (but amusing) ways... So much for using imaginary creations as a renewable energy source. Yes, The Shadow Eye is to "Toons", to what a flamethrower is to a city made of origami.

- A miscalculation on my part that allowed an army of warrior clowns and amazon mimes to invade the fortress of Lord Dark Serious. My fellow operatives at The Eclipse will never let me live that one down...

- Oh yes... The recent epiphany that I am unable to perform a proper "evil laugh"...

Noteworthy Accomplishments:

- Successfully sabotaged the 'Lighthouse of Infinity', which subsequently caused the destruction of the Imperium dimensional dreadnought
Absolute. Definitely got a nice bonus for that one.

- Individually defeated several defenders of Light (aka "superheroes") with just the power of The Shadow Eye.

- Imprisoned the so-called "Galactic Guide" Estelle and took command of her vessel (still counting this, even if it is only temporary)

Catchphrase or Battle Cry:

Apart from just basic introductions,  I no longer use such exclamations.   I tried it a few times when I was starting out, but ended up being accused of "you're just ripping off so-and-so...", so no more of that.

Penumbra and Omni-Gal are Characters of, and Art by

Description

Real Name:

In a former human existence, I was once known as "Penelope Umbaugh".   That name no longer has any meaning to me.

Alter-ego/Identity:

In this existence, I am known as Penumbra, Keeper of the Shadow Eye.   And much like the shadowy area between the Darkness and the Light, I stand in both regions, but with loyalty only to Darkness.   I have also been referred to as "The Devourer of Light", "The Eye of The Eclipse", and "The Finder of Dark Souls".

And... Uh... I've also been called "The Butcher of Toonsville" by a few pissed-off imaginary creations, after something I accidently did on my first assignment...

And don't call me by cutesy nicknames like "Penny" or "Pen-Pen"...   Seriously, you don't know me well enough to call me by those.

Species:

Formerly human, now a being of shadowy Darkness serving The Eclipse... I suppose the term "super-being" would also apply.

Age:

Darkness is as old as time immemorial, and so it is the same for me...   However, since enigmatic answers such as this could be construed as "evading the question"... I was 29 years old at the time of my assimilation into The Eclipse. I have stopped counting after that, since it has become inconsequential to mark the birth anniversary of a former existence...

...Besides, it's physically impossible for me to eat birthday cake anymore with this form...

Occupation:

Intelligence Operative. By the will of The Eclipse, I investigate, encounter, and catalogue those beings of power who are aligned towards Darkness.   In simpler terms, I seek out "super-villains".

The occupation of my former existence was that of a television news reporter.

Hmmm... It appears that the more things change, the more they stay the same....

Residence(s):

Apart from The Domicile of Darkness, where I have a condo that allows a shorter commute to The Eclipse, my current assignment takes me just about everywhere in my search for Dark Beings of Power... So, "mobile" would be a more accurate description of my usual status.

For the time being, I am occupying the personal vessel of the so-called "Galactic Guide" Estelle, with full intent of exploiting it's resources to allow the Forces of Darkness a chance to make themselves known throughout the multi-verse. I have also spent some free time sabotaging, booby-trapping, selling off her items online, and vandalizing the place. Those activities have caused me to rediscover the ability to giggle.

Affiliates (Including Minions/Contacts/and Allies):

I serve The Eclipse. That is all that needs to be said.

The Shadow Eye could be considered an "ally", although it has a tendency to consider it's own priorities over mine, and cause mischief at the most inopportune times.   And whenever I attempt to enjoy any rare moments of solitude, it starts becoming chatty.

Well, let's see you try to "zen-out", while a voice sounding like BRIAN BLESSED is booming in your mind.   Honestly, they should have called it "The Shadow MOUTH" instead of "Eye".

Brief Biography:

In my former existence as a television news reporter, I had used my influence and contacts to be part of what I had hoped would a career-boosting exclusive: The first member of the press to cover the test run of a secret project called "Operation Flip-Side". However, what was intended to be just a means of of viewing other dimensions, ended up causing a breach to open in the very fabric of time and space...  Out of which came a horde of creatures, some resembling old-style black and white cartoon characters, who began attacking anyone in sight. I have not been given permission by The Eclipse to reveal the events that happened after that, but the outcome required me to make a choice... And this current existance is the direct result of that choice. "Career-boosting exclusive", INDEED.

Personality:

My former human existence was a female filled with unbridled ambition, drive, persistence, and a willingness to do anything to get a news story. I freely admit that she was also narcissistic, snobbish, cowardly, petty, easily jealous, vindictive, a total backstabber, and was only capable of expressing empathy just by "faking it" for the camera.  Perhaps having so much darkness within my former human heart was the reason why The Eclipse allowed me to survive and become a servant of it.   Or perhaps I just happened to have the right skills for a job opening...

In my current existence, I tend to be aloof and enigmatic, though my current assignment requires me to become a little bit more "personable" when interacting with Dark Beings of Power. When dealing with defenders of Light, I am not one to indulge in the time-honored tradition of villainous speeches and theatrical gestures, nor waste an advantage by taunting my opponent. If I am required to act, then it would be swift and without mercy.

I have noticed that when dealing with fools and morons, my stoicism tends to erode rather quickly, bringing out a more short-tempered and irritable side of my personality... In pop culture terms, I transition from "Mr. Spock" to "Dr. McCoy" rather easily when in the presence of idiots.

-Likes/dislikes:

While there is very little of my former human existence that I miss, I do regret my physical inability to eat Dark chocolate when stressed-out.

I really dislike those who just HAVE to give that speech about how "The Light will always defeat The Darkness, blah-blah-blah".

-Beliefs, Plans, and other Goals:

Darkness will always devour Light. The goals of The Eclipse are without question.

-Quirks/hobbies/other identifiers:

- I have been told that my voice sounds like the character of Scarlet from the Space Dandy anime, except speaking as if from beyond the grave...

- I collect vintage neon signs.

- Though my physical form appears to be solidly 3-dimensional, light will not interact with it, nor does it cast a shadow.

Skills:

I still possess all the skills and knowledge of my former existence as a journalist, especially in the research and communications fields, as well as being able to navigate a top-heavy bureaucracy. While I do have some knowledge of hand-to-hand and melee weapon skills, I still share my former existence's aversion to physical combat, and prefer to just dodge any attacks and counter with The Shadow Eye (usually from behind).

Powers, Abilities, and Other Assets:

My body is composed of "Darkness Energy", but is capable of the same feats as a superhuman with the power of elasticity: Stretch or expand to great lengths, flatten, change shape, and more, but I am unable to change my identity. I can also form melee-style weapons, but only if physical combat is absolutely necessary. My body is also incredibly resilient to physical attacks in much the same way (yes, I am actually tangible and able to physically interact with the world). Contrary to popular belief, I am actually sustained by absorbing Light energy, so flash cameras, laser beams, and even standing in the Sun, is actually healthy for me. Other forms of energy can harm me to a certain degree, and some magic-based attacks or weaponry can hit with full force, so I do tend to dodge a lot.

Another ability of mine is to "shadow-jump", which allows me to enter one shadow on a physical surface and exit from another at a different location (line-of-sight in terms of distance).  It does give the appearance that I am phasing through solid objects and structures, but it is much the same effect as the "instant hole" visual gag from the old animated cartoons (and no, eliminating the shadow I am emerging from will not cut me in two).

Finally, I am The Keeper of The Shadow Eye, a spherical artifact of sentient Darkness, which communicates with me via a telepathic link and remembers everything it sees and hears like a recording device. And as I mentioned above, it also possesses a "volume control problem voice" and a boisterous personality that seems to be patterned after British actor BRIAN BLESSED (caps intentional). While that unfortunate aspect is mine alone to endure, The Eye's primary ability is to incapacitate an opponent by forcibly draining the Inner Light energy they possess and devouring it. To explain, Inner Light energy is not entirely made up of a person's life force, but mainly the energy manifested from creative thoughts, inspirations, dreams, and especially imagination. Draining that energy from a target does not kill them, but shock from doing so usually causes them to fall unconscious for an extended period, or unable to use their superhuman abilities. In the case of elastic persons, the inability to envision in their minds how they want to reshape their bodies often results in them collapsing into a helpless pile of elongating body parts. Given time, the target eventually will regenerate enough Inner Light energy to become fully active again, but there have been cases of sustained "creativity block" with some individuals. And if it becomes necessary, The Shadow Eye can also fire bolts of pure Darkness energy to good effect, but the expenditure of such causes The Eye demand more Inner Light energy to replace it.

-Source(s) of Power, Abilities, Etc.:

As one may guess, my abilities are gifts from The Eclipse.

-Notable weaknesses:

As mentioned above, direct exposure to light will not harm me, but I do like to give my opponents the false impression that it does.   That has lead to some amusing situations, with my pretending to avoid bright Light sources, and my opponents attempting to take advantage of this vulnerability... The look on their faces when they realize this was just a ruse is always delicious.

On the other hand, a constant exposure to incandescent ultra-violet Light wavelengths, or "black Light", does have the same effect on me as a human sunbathing without using sunscreen protection.   Fortunately, the changeover to LEDs will render this annoyance moot.

Arch-Foes:

While I consider Estelle as a "true adversary" of mine, she and the other defenders of Light that I have defeated are hardly worthy of the "arch" designation.

Personal Setbacks:

- The accidental annihilation of Toonsville City during a test of The Shadow Eye. The Eye was suppose to just drain the inhabitants of a specific amount of Inner Light, not just suck it all out to where they literally imploded in horrific (but amusing) ways... So much for using imaginary creations as a renewable energy source. Yes, The Shadow Eye is to "Toons", to what a flamethrower is to a city made of origami.

- A miscalculation on my part that allowed an army of warrior clowns and amazon mimes to invade the fortress of Lord Dark Serious. My fellow operatives at The Eclipse will never let me live that one down...

- Oh yes... The recent epiphany that I am unable to perform a proper "evil laugh"...

Noteworthy Accomplishments:

- Successfully sabotaged the 'Lighthouse of Infinity', which subsequently caused the destruction of the Imperium dimensional dreadnought
Absolute. Definitely got a nice bonus for that one.

- Individually defeated several defenders of Light (aka "superheroes") with just the power of The Shadow Eye.

- Imprisoned the so-called "Galactic Guide" Estelle and took command of her vessel (still counting this, even if it is only temporary)

Catchphrase or Battle Cry:

Apart from just basic introductions,  I no longer use such exclamations.   I tried it a few times when I was starting out, but ended up being accused of "you're just ripping off so-and-so...", so no more of that.

Penumbra and Omni-Gal are Characters of, and Art by