Dominic Mndawe is the Avatar of The Red who came before Gar Logan and mentored him in matters of the Red. He lives in a cave atop of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Biography[]
Early life[]
- "The outbreak took those we love the most from us. That is why I brought you here. Our shared grief fuels us. I need your help."
- —Freedom Beast to Beast Boy[src]
At an unknown point in time Dominic became known as Freedom Beast and a representative of the Red, given to him by his predecessor Mike Maxwell, some time after the deaths of his sister and her children to the Sakutia plague that also killed Gar's parents.
The Avatar of the Red[]
- "I am like you, my friend. I am one with all beasts who breathe and bleed. I... am your freedom."
- —Freedom Beast to Beast Boy[src]
Many years before meeting Gar, Dominic became the enemy of Dr.Niles Caulder who in his search for immortality was torturing infected apes in a factory in Tanzania. Dominic destroyed the laboratory and punished the lead doctor by merging him with the last remaining ape as she lay suffering using his chimera powers, forcing the doctor to die with his victim.
Dominic approaches Gar as he is leaving a coffee restaurant and is initially mistaken for a fan of the Titans. He grabs hold of Gar, ignoring his growls, and warns him about a danger coming. He tells Gar that all life is relying on him and that "when the tower splits in half, go to the Red". Gar is confused and when he attempts to call Dominic back he finds that Dominic is gone and another man stands in his place.
Personality[]
- "When you become one with the Red, individual relationships lose their meaning. Like a bee with its hive. We are... above such things."
- —Freedom Beast to Beast Boy[src]
Dominic is passionate about protecting animals and his role as Avatar of the Red, however he has grown tired from his decades of service. He's become jaded and bitter towards others, particularly after the loss of his family, and firmly believes that the Avatars of the Red are above love and personal connections, so he looks down on Gar for loving the Titans. He's served the Red for so long that he had forgotten who he once was and is visibly shaken when Gar asks about him. His anger and wariness doesn't cloud his love for the Red however, and he regards Gar with a strong sense of awe, having long awaited the Changeling, and while eager to be released from his duties now Gar has arrived he is willing to wait longer. Although frustrated with Gar's determination to keep his family close, Dominic respects Gar more than he disregards love and is shown nodding in acceptance when Gar leaves to help the Titans against Brother Blood. Dominic is unafraid of killing in torturous ways to punish those who needlessly hurt other life, such as the scientists at Dr.Caulder's labs.
Powers and abilities[]
Powers[]
- "I was once Dominic Mndawe. But the day Mike Maxwell gave me this helmet, there was only Freedom Beast. Beyond tying me to the Red, this ancient helm prolonged my lifespan. It gave me strength, stamina, and the ability to fuse two creatures into one super-hybrid."
- —Freedom Beast[src]
- Connection to The Red: Dominic has a connection to the force known as the Red and is able to manipulate it for a number of means.
- Superhuman Longevity: Dominic's life has been extended immensely by the power of the Helmet, allowing him to serve the Red for decades.
- Superhuman Agility: To be added
- Superhuman Speed: To be added
- Superhuman Strength: To be added
- Animal Communication: Through the use of his helmet, Dominic can communicate with animals and is able to hear the screams of pain from the apes in Dr.Caulder's labs.
- Bio-Fusion: Dominic is able to merge two different species together to create chimeras. He notably fused a lion ad a bat when he confronted Beast Boy.
Abilities[]
- Hand to hand Combat: Dominic is a highly proficient combatant, able to easily handle a number of armored soldiers with guns without any help.
- Cooking: Dominic claims to be a very good cook.
Equipment[]
- "When I wear the helmet of the Beast, I can hear the apes they took from the jungles... screaming. Rattling the bars of their cages."
- —Freedom Beast[src]
- Beast Helmet: The Beast Helmet connects him, and all his predecessors, to the Red and from the helm is granted many powers. It is handed down from user to user.
- Magic Elixir: Dominic wears a bottle of this elixir around his neck and helps him, and others, connect to the Red further.
Appearances[]
Season 4[]
Gallery[]
Stills[]
Trivia[]
- He was credited as Red Representative in "Brother Blood" and his true identity was not revealed until the release of Season 4's part 2 trailer.
- He was previously mistaken to be Mike Maxwell, a.k.a B'Wana Beast, by some reports.[1] He does however mention Mike Maxwell as having been his predecessor of the helmet.
Behind the scenes[]
- In the DC comics, Dominic Mndawe is a superhero who gains the ability to merge the best qualities of animals together to create chimeras and other superhuman powers through the use of the B'wana Helmet and a magic elixir.