Bubastis was a genetically engineered red-furred lynx and the sole companion of Adrian Veidt. Created as an experimental prototype for the "alien" squid monster that would later be used in the 11/2 Psychic Shockwave disaster in New York City, she was Veidt's most beloved companion.
Biography[]
Creation[]
Created through Adrian Veidt's mastery of genetic engineering, Bubastis embodied his obsession with perfection and control and served as a status symbol and a living testament to his scientific genius. She was deeply loyal to Veidt, following him everywhere and sharing moments of quiet companionship, such as watching television.
Role in Adrian Veidt's Life[]
Bubastis played a significant role in Adrian Veidt’s isolated existence, symbolizing his detachment from humanity and his penchant for aesthetic and exotic creations. While hosting Laurie Juspeczyk and Jon Osterman at Karnak, Veidt casually remarked on the expense of feeding his genetically engineered pet, showcasing his pride in her as an emblem of his wealth and innovation.
In 1985, a marketer for Veidt’s Ozymandias Action Figure line suggested including Bubastis and other prominent figures from Veidt’s costumed adventurer past. Veidt rejected all the proposed additions except Bubastis, enthusiastically approving her inclusion. He even requested one of the Bubastis figures for himself once they were produced.
Sacrifice and Death[]
Bubastis’s loyalty ultimately led to her tragic demise during the climax of Adrian Veidt’s plan to avert global nuclear war. As Doctor Manhattan pursued Veidt through Karnak, Veidt used Bubastis to bait Manhattan into an intrinsic field subtractor, a device designed to disintegrate matter. Apologizing to his pet with visible regret, Veidt activated the machine, sacrificing Bubastis in an attempt to destroy Manhattan.
Despite Veidt's ingenuity, the plan failed. Manhattan reassembled himself from the ashes in less than ten seconds much to Veidt’s visible astonishment. Bubastis, however, remained incinerated, marking a poignant moment of loss for Veidt amidst the culmination of his grand scheme.
Trivia[]
- The name Bubastis comes from the Egyptian transcription Per-Bast, with the "Per" literally translating to "House" while Bast is the Egyptian goddess Bast or Bastet. The name literally translates to House of Bast. Bastet is the goddess of cats, sun and moon. Bubastis himself is a feline, and is genetically superior to other felines.
- Additionally, Bubastis is also the name of a place in Lower Egypt that at one point served as an Egyptian war. As Bubastis seemed to imply to be a sidekick to Ozymandias both in the arctic as well as combat, the name is a full embodiment of Bubastis’ characteristics.