Mercy Graves is a fictional character in DC Comics, primarily recognized as the devoted personal assistant and bodyguard to Lex Luthor. Created by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Hilary J. Bader for Superman: The Animated Series, she debuted in the episode "A Little Piece of Home" in September 1996. The character was later integrated into the main DC Comics continuity, making her first comic book appearance in Detective Comics #735 in August 1999, as part of the "No Man's Land" storyline in the Batman titles.
In comic depictions, Mercy is portrayed as a formidable human operative with peak physical conditioning, advanced hand-to-hand combat expertise, tactical analysis skills, and proficiency in driving and weaponry. She functions as Luthor's chauffeur, enforcer, and confidante, executing his orders with efficiency and unwavering loyalty, often displaying a dry wit and professional demeanor. Her origins typically involve a challenging upbringing, leading her to align with Luthor's ambitions at LexCorp.
Significant developments include her expanded role during Lex Luthor's fictional presidency in the early 2000s, where she worked alongside another bodyguard named Hope. In the New 52 continuity, Mercy was killed during the "Forever Evil" storyline, though subsequent reboots and alternate versions have revived or reinterpreted the character. She remains a recurring figure in modern Superman narratives, embodying a blend of competence and complexity within Luthor's orbit across various DC media adaptations.