Each of the annuals involved in the crossover used this plot device to introduce a new super-powered character to the DC Universe. The "Bloodlines" crossover event spanned 23 of DC's regular titles and wrapped up in the two-part miniseries "Bloodbath". The alien parasites that came to Earth to gather spinal fluid sacrificed themselves to help birth a gigantic alien known as the Taker. Many long-term heroes were absorbed into the monster, only to be saved by the very heroes the parasites had created.