Raven, whose civilian identity is Rachel Roth, is a prominent superheroine in DC Comics, renowned for her mystical abilities and complex heritage. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Pérez, she made her first appearance in a preview insert within DC Comics Presents #26 in October 1980. Raven is the daughter of the interdimensional demon Trigon and the human woman Arella (originally Angela Roth), who fled to the pacifistic dimension of Azarath after conceiving Raven under manipulative circumstances. Raised in Azarath by its inhabitants and the goddess Azar, Raven was trained to suppress her emotions to control the demonic powers inherited from her father, as unchecked feelings could unleash devastating forces.
Seeking to prevent Trigon's conquest of Earth, Raven approached the Justice League for aid but was refused due to sensed darkness within her. In response, she assembled a new iteration of the Teen Titans, recruiting members such as Robin (Dick Grayson), Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy, Wonder Girl, and Kid Flash. As a founding member of the New Teen Titans, Raven contributed significantly to battles against threats including Deathstroke and the Brotherhood of Evil. A pivotal development occurred in the "Terror of Trigon" storyline, where Raven succumbed to her father's influence, serving as the portal for his invasion of Earth, only for the Titans to defeat him with her assistance, leading to her temporary purification and rebirth in a white form symbolizing her inner goodness.
Over subsequent decades, Raven's character has undergone numerous evolutions, including periods of corruption, death, resurrection, and redemption across continuities such as New Earth, The New 52, and Rebirth. She has faced repeated manipulations by Trigon, explored romantic connections notably with Beast Boy, and assumed roles ranging from villainous possession to mentor in Titans Academy. Despite her ongoing internal struggle against demonic impulses, Raven remains a steadfast hero, valued for her empathy, telekinesis, soul-self projection, and profound magical prowess, often finding familial bonds within the Titans that anchor her against her heritage.