| Pulse | |
| Biographical Information | |
| Real Name | Cyrus Randall |
| Aliases | Pulse |
| Gender | Male |
| Class | Ace |
| Wild Card Traits | Laser-form |
| Social Information | |
| Citizenship | Citizen of the United States, deceased |
| Event Participant | Swarm War |
| Affiliations | Justice Department |
| Origin | |
| First Appearance | Aces High |
| Final Appearance | Dealer’s Choice |
| Creator | Walter Jon Williams |
Pulse is a fictional character from the Wild Cards series of books.
History[]
An extremely powerful ace able to convert himself to pure energy and travel at light speed in the form of a laser, Pulse knows better than anyone whether Einstein was right or not. He worked for the U.S. Justice Department and participated in at least one space exploration experiment, traveling to the outskirts of our solar system, which left him severely depleted of energy upon his return.
Pulse was among the aces that defended the United States against the Swarm invasion in 1985. After this he faded into obscurity for a few years until approached by the government to join a special team of aces assembled to evict the jokers and even more dangerous jumpers squatting on Ellis Island, known by then as the Rox. Pulse consented to join, briefly discussing the mission with fellow ace Wall Walker while eating at Aces High. After Wall Walker's departure a family of "fans" asked for a photo with Pulse and his autograph.
This family was actually a team of jumpers sent by Bloat to acquire ace bodies and abilities in service to their cause. Pulse was jumped by the Bodysnatcher and presumably killed shortly after.
Wild Card Traits[]
Pulse can convert himself to pure energy and travel at light speed in the form of a laser. Unlike normal lasers which are purely linear, Pulse can "bend" his energy form to turn and change direction in mid-flight. While in his laser state time seems to move very slowly from Pulse's point of view, moving objects seeming immobile.
Pulse's energy form can be used to cause damage, although sustained exertion in this manner eventually wears him down and leaves him reverted to human form in a severely weakened state. Prolonged use of his powers can send Pulse into insulin shock upon his return to human form. At least twice, once upon his return from space and again during the Swarm War, Pulse had to be put on a glucose drip.
Appearance[]
A middle-aged Caucasian man with love-handles spilling out over his belt and dark hair turning to grey, Pulse's appearance was radically altered by the Bodysnatcher after the jumper took control of his body. Bodysnatcher had a death's head tattooed on Pulse's face, pierced his ears with safety pins and dressed him in an open vest over his bare chest. Slightly out of shape, Bodysnatcher also began trying to get Pulse's body into more acceptable condition with intense exercise.
Personality[]
Pulse was a friendly public ace with solid religious beliefs. He thought his powers were a gift from the Almighty and should be used to help others.
Trivia[]
Selected Reading[]
- Wild Cards Volume II: Aces High - "Unto the Sixth Generation"