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117-616: One of Pacific Comics first titles, the original run of Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers lasted thirteen issues, plus a special, through January 1984. All were written, illustrated, and edited by Jack Kirby. In the last issues of the Pacific series, Kirby crafted an origin story for Captain Victory which he tied into the New Gods comic book that he had written and drawn for DC Comics in

234-552: A 'graphite edition' reprint of the first Captain Victory issue. The edition, in TwoMorrow's words, "presented [ Captain Victory #1] as it was created (before it was broken up for the later Pacific Comics series), reproduced from copies of Jack's uninked pencils!" In 2000, Jack Kirby's grandson Jeremy Kirby launched Jack Kirby Comics , the fledgling company's only offering being a three-issue retelling of Captain Victory , reordered and rescripted by Jeremy. The quality of issues, anyway,

351-561: A baton, hinting to his earliest title of Izaya, the Warrior, who battled Darkseid at the breaking of the Third World and lead the forces of New Genesis for countless years against the forces of Apokolips. His personality is also different as he appears to be a harsh father for Orion on the surface, though he quietly hints his pride in his adoptive son's actions. He later reveals another great threat as being no less than Superman himself, leading to

468-465: A blinding flare of light, Highfather arose as a New God to battle Darkseid. The brothers, now equal, tore the world apart during their battle, leaving them to rebuild on the remains, which became Apokolips and New Genesis. It was his search for what was believed to be his daughter Kaiyo that Darkseid came to traverse and enslave various worlds and universes throughout the 52 realities spanning existence, leading up to his first invasion of Earth 2 as well as

585-491: A commentary and critique of the Vietnam War (as it's all about the ambiguity and moral costs of war), 'The Pact' is a creation myth in comics form, providing readers deeper context about both the struggle between Apokolips and New Genesis and the great sacrifices that have to be made to create peace in the face of overwhelming destruction." Despite the creative strength of Kirby's material, the book's sales slipped steadily after

702-464: A crisis of conscience after Hal points out how his forcing war and his control over individualism in general has caused him to become what he always hated. After being convinced by Hal to relinquish the Equation back to Kyle before things get worse, Highfather does so asking him to prove himself worthy of it before smashing his own scepter in disgrace. After remaining corpsmen banish the old entities and save

819-566: A dear friend in the battles that followed Izaya began to waver in his conflict, he set out to the multiverse hoping to find the answer he seeks commune from the source. Finding an obelisk called The Source Shard near the wall. The Shard is a remnant of the original Source Wall which was destroyed when the Old Gods had died, Only the bravest, foolish and desperate ever come to this hellish domain for council from it. Demanding an answer after all he'd lost and all he will soon lose to this insane treaty, as

936-473: A new, more mainstream superhero costume for Orion, which he would wear for the next few years, but failed to lead to a relaunch. That same year, Jenette Kahn became DC's new publisher and decided to revive the "Fourth World" lineup in 1977. The New Gods series relaunched in July 1977, and with 1st Issue Special still a relatively recent publication, it picked up where the storyline of that issue left off. Although

1053-506: A one-off story called "On the Road to Armagetto" which was also rejected, due to the fact that it did not contain a definitive ending to the series. A 48-page new story called "Even Gods Must Die" was published in the sixth issue of the reprint series instead, which in turn served as a prologue for the upcoming The Hunger Dogs graphic novel, which DC editors greenlighted to conclude the series. Published as DC Graphic Novel #4, The Hunger Dogs

1170-1150: A rest to as well is the concept of the New Gods and the ideas surrounding them. There's a very clear conclusion to the New Gods’ storyline in Final Crisis #7. The good part about it is that readers will see that ending, and we won't have to return to it right away. Like the Multiverse, the New Gods will be out there and available to us, and we can use them when we see fit, and feel the time is right. Just because we introduced concepts doesn't mean that we have to constantly use them." In September 2011, The New 52 rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline, Darkseid first appears in Justice League #4. DeSaad and Steppenwolf also briefly appear in this story arc, experimenting on Superman and referring to "the search for Darkseid's daughter", explaining Darkseid's actions throughout infinite and his assault and assimilation of various worlds throughout

1287-461: A shadow that to many readers bore a resemblance to Orion's father, Darkseid . After the end of Pacific, no more was seen of Captain Victory until Topps Comics attempted to revive the character as part of a planned 5-issue mini-series. It only lasted one issue ( Victory #1, June 1994) before Topps cancelled all of the 'Kirbyverse' books in 1994. This issue was a part of a more complex project named Secret City Saga . TwoMorrows Publishing created

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1404-612: A strong start. New Gods was cancelled with issue #11 (Oct-Nov 1972), and the last issue of Forever People was also #11 (August–September 1972). The Apokolips/New Genesis war was left unresolved. Kirby's production assistant at the time, Mark Evanier , explained: "Folks forget but the New Gods saga was intended to be a limited series ... There was no intention that these characters would go on forever. After Jack's books started getting good sales figures, DC demanded that we keep them going and use guest stars like Deadman , which we were very much against doing. So Kirby had this novel he

1521-552: A time long gone charge through the portal he initially opened, all but stunned at what has come through to his front doorstep. At a loss for words on how the contents of the wall he studied for so long has come to life and is laying siege to New Genesis Highfather is soon attacked by a third world titan as the new make war and chaos with the old, but when Hand losses his grip on these Source Titans as they steadily begin to revive from their waking death. Highfather recovers soon after Hal and Sinestro are routed by his elite warriors; stating

1638-410: A vast interstellar conflict between New Genesis and Apokolips. Izaya recovered and became a general in the ensuing war, eventually killing Steppenwolf in battle. After avenging his wife, Izaya grew sick of the carnage of war and forsook his warrior ways. While wandering the ravaged lands of New Genesis looking for meaning, Izaya came across a mysterious wall where fiery messages appeared; messages from

1755-664: Is a New God , leader of the planet New Genesis and the positive counterpart brother to the evil Darkseid . Highfather was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in The New Gods #1 (March 1971). The character played a significant role in The Great Darkness Saga , a 1982 storyline in Legion of Super-Heroes . His name is a phonetic variant of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah . He additionally thematically resembles

1872-454: Is a nightmarish, polluted dystopia filled with machinery and fire pits, ruled by the tyrannical Darkseid . The two planets were once part of the same world, a planet called Urgrund ( German for "primeval ground"), but it was split apart millennia ago after the death of the Old Gods during Ragnarök . The characters associated with the New Gods are often collectively referred to as " Jack Kirby's Fourth World ". Unhappy with Marvel Comics at

1989-708: Is able to send Darkseid's resurrected son, Orion , to rip out his heart. Orion leaves the scene of the fray to die of his own wounds; and, seemingly with success, the Source entity manages to reunite with the Anti-Life entity and merge Apokolips with New Genesis to create the Fifth World, with the New Gods of the Fourth World all deceased. In DC Universe #0, a bridge between the Countdown and Final Crisis limited series, Darkseid

2106-549: Is creator-owned by her under Marvel's Icon imprint. Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers guest-starred in issue #3 of the six-issue limited series . In late 2011, Dynamite Entertainment started a new series under the Kirby: Genesis title, which used many of Kirby's created and owned characters (many unpublished), including Captain Victory. This led, in November 2011, to a new Captain Victory title which lasted six issues. It

2223-535: Is greeted by Malhedron of the wheel, wondering if their operations was a success Highfather clarified the case by showcasing the equations power too him. Worried that the delicate balance held by the two warring worlds could be disastrously upset by this new power the loyal former Apokoliptian questioned his masters logic on causing such an upheaval, but Highfather rebuked this stating victory was what mattered ordering him to begone. As Guy Gardner and Simon Baz charge into New Genesis unannounced on Malhedron and his lover

2340-476: Is judged fairly inferior to the originals, despite the interesting cover art. The title of the comic book is the same as the original from 1981. The 3rd issue was published exclusively on the web. In 2006, a new series was published, based on recently discovered initial, and rejected, character sketches for the Wonder Warriors. Jack Kirby's Galactic Bounty Hunters was co-written by Jack's daughter, Lisa, and

2457-605: Is resurrected on Earth. In Final Crisis , Darkseid and his minions now exist on Earth in the guises of organized criminals, with Darkseid taking the name "Boss Dark Side". Other New Gods, such as Metron and the Black Racer , also appear reborn in newer, more elaborate Fifth World incarnations. Orion is discovered dead by detective Dan Turpin , prompting the Guardians of the Universe to launch an investigation. Batman surmises that Orion

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2574-722: Is revealed that the evil gods of Apokolips have been hiding in human bodies, and some have their bodies "rebuilt" for them in the Evil Factory, formerly the Command-D bunkers in Blüdhaven . Darkseid inhabits the body of Dan Turpin, after Turpin finally succumbs to the evil god. Kalibak inhabits a new body, that of a humanoid tiger, leading a team of similar creatures in battle. Mokkari and Simyan appear, looking more or less identical to their previous forms, with no explanation given to where their bodies came from. Granny Goodness takes up residence in

2691-551: Is sometimes considered volume 2, as the aforementioned volume 2 was essentially a reprinting of volume 1. Originally written by Tom Peyer and Rachel Pollack , and pencilled by Luke Ross , volume 4 of New Gods ran from October 1995 until February 1997. It was taken over by John Byrne for issues #12–15 at the end of the series; this title would be renamed as Jack Kirby's Fourth World , also by Byrne, with numbering reset to issue #1, and covers provided by Walt Simonson . Walt Simonson's Orion series, which continued to host

2808-402: The 1970s . It was suggested that Captain Victory was the son of Orion , of the New Gods. Orion was not specifically named, but a number of clues were planted, including equipment said to belong to Captain Victory's father that was identical to the astro-harness ridden by Orion in the earlier series. Additionally, Captain Victory's grandfather, Blackmaas, was illustrated only as a cast shadow, but

2925-518: The Alpha Lantern Kraken, using her to attack the Guardians of the Universe, while DeSaad inhabits the body of Mary Marvel . The Female Furies themselves are not shown to still exist, but they are recreated using Anti-Life controlled heroes and villains in the forms of Wonder Woman , Batwoman , Catwoman , and Giganta . At the conclusion of the series, the essence of Darkseid is destroyed;

3042-558: The DC Comics universe), Highfather's history is rewritten. This new version is portrayed in a more morally ambiguous or outright negative light, contrasting with the unambiguously good and kind figure he was previously. In The Multiversity Guidebook it is revealed that the New 52 version of Highfather, as well as of all the other New Gods, are emanations of the original. The original New Gods of New Genesis are recovering their strength on Earth-51 of

3159-518: The DC Universe . New Gods #1 marks the first appearance of Orion , Highfather , and Metron , among others. The opening sequence alludes to the presence of the "Old Gods" and the "New Gods" (e.g., " There came a time when the Old Gods died... "). Simultaneously published during this time were the Forever People and Mister Miracle series, also written and drawn by Kirby. Kirby fans consider

3276-635: The Norse god Odin (who was known as the all-father). Izaya the Inheritor was originally a warrior and leader of New Genesis. In a key moment of his life, he unwillingly played an important role in the schemes of Darkseid, heir to the throne of Apokolips . Darkseid manipulated his uncle Steppenwolf into raiding New Genesis and killing Izaya's wife, Avia. Darkseid then appeared to kill Izaya but intentionally left him alive, knowing Izaya would seek revenge on Steppenwolf. As per Darkseid's plan, these events resulted in

3393-567: The Source when making his decisions. Though never stated explicitly in the New Gods series, the Source is implied to be some form of higher power (perhaps even God), making Izaya a spiritual as well as the political leader of his people. As ruler of New Genesis, he is kind, compassionate, and caring but ready to defend it from any threat. During the Genesis limited series, Highfather is slain in battle with

3510-460: The Source , the mysterious benevolent force overseeing the universe. Izaya was linked to the Source, becoming a peacemaker and planetary leader under the title of Highfather. In making peace with Apokolips, Izaya and Darkseid made a pact to exchange their sons. Darkseid raised Scott Free while Izaya raised Orion . Izaya raised Orion as his own son and nurtured him in positive and pacifistic values to offset his evil heritage. Orion became one of

3627-469: The eponymous comic book series published by DC Comics , as well as selected other DC titles. Created and designed by Jack Kirby , they first appeared in February 1971 in New Gods #1. The New Gods are natives of the twin planets of New Genesis and Apokolips . New Genesis is an idyllic planet filled with unspoiled forests, mountains, and rivers and ruled by the benevolent Highfather , while Apokolips

Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers - Misplaced Pages Continue

3744-502: The "Tales of Asgard" stories in Thor . He wanted to have two planets at war and end with Ragnarok , the battle that would kill Thor's lucrative pantheon. Instead, he tried the idea in his Inhumans stories. Now he was presenting it in its original context. Though he wouldn't ever say it publicly, the New Gods books started right after the gods in Thor killed one another. The first page of Orion of

3861-552: The Bible, made for a heady brew, but the scope of his vision has endured." In 2007, comics writer Grant Morrison commented: "Kirby's dramas were staged across Jungian vistas of raw symbol and storm ... The Fourth World saga crackles with the voltage of Jack Kirby's boundless imagination let loose onto paper." In 1976, the New Gods were featured in the last issue of 1st Issue Special , written by Gerry Conway and Dennis O'Neil and pencilled by Mike Vosburg . The issue featured

3978-405: The Fourth World realm. For example, if Superman were to travel to Apokolips under his own power, he would be miniature in comparison to the New Gods – Orion remarked that "Earth is but a speck in an air pocket" and that the universe of New Genesis is the "real world". Proportionally, entire planets were shown to seem no larger than golf balls. New Genesis is the home of the New Gods, who live in

4095-569: The Life Equation. Before he could be killed the crafty fear Lantern fled the scene but not before having the Despotelis rewire the Boom tube generator circuitry to redirect the portal generators destination coordinates, confident that Sinestro escapes towards where he intentionally leads his forces, to Earth. In a surprise turn of events from when Hal Jordan and Will Hand were confronted by Orion back at

4212-417: The Multiverse following the events of Final Crisis , while their emanations take their place as "updated" versions for the new timeline. Before there was New Genesis, Apokolips, or New Gods, there were mudgrubbers (mortals). The Old Gods towered above them on the ancient world of Urgrund. Before his ascension, Izaya was a simple farmer who lived with his wife Avia. His younger brother, Uxas, grew resentful of

4329-632: The Multiverse made the Source Wall less impenetrable. The Source's agent is revealed to be the New God Infinity-Man . Darkseid acquires the powers of the Anti-Life Equation and capitalizes on the deaths of the New Gods by using the human Jimmy Olsen as a "soul-catcher" for the Gods, from which he can claim all their powers and recreate the universe in his own image, but he is killed when the Source

4446-529: The New Gods , written by Jim Starlin , was a story-arc involving the mysterious deaths of the New Gods across the universe in preparation for the coming storylines in Grant Morrison 's Final Crisis , published later in 2008. As elaborated in Death of the New Gods , the mysterious Godkiller turned out to be an agent of the sentient Source itself, which sought to destroy the imperfect Fourth World—compromised by

4563-601: The New Gods showed the same scenes from Thor —a planet torn in half and armored gods holding swords and dying on a fiery battleground. Kirby began the "Fourth World" in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133 (October 1970). The New Gods first appeared in New Gods #1 (February–March 1971) and Forever People #1 (February–March 1971). Another "Fourth World" title Mister Miracle was launched in April 1971. Various New Gods, notably Darkseid, went on to interact with other denizens of

4680-532: The New Gods are vulnerable to a substance called Radion. Its source is unknown and its effects are toxic only in sustained amounts or after explosive exposure. The average New God can be slain by an application of Radion from a Radion blaster or bomb. Writer Rachel Pollack introduced the idea in "Sacrifice of the Gods" in 1996 that the New Gods were giants and that the Boom Tube would shrink them as they traveled to normal time and space or enlarge beings who traveled to

4797-464: The New Gods boasts of having caught a host of Glowworms for him to convert. Highfather orders his boasting to cease so that he may open the cells to their prison to enable their transformations, welcoming the various light bearers to his home domain bathing them in the white light of the Life Equation However, Malhedron intercepts the blast from Highfather's scepter being horrendously scarred in

Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers - Misplaced Pages Continue

4914-405: The New Gods possess superhuman abilities of various kinds and differing degrees, including superhuman strength, stamina, reflexes, invulnerability and speed. The denizens of New Genesis and Apokolips are also immortal and endowed with a greater intelligence than Homo sapiens , despite their resemblance. Both worlds have the finest technology that the universe can offer. Despite their immortality,

5031-524: The New Gods, are resurrected and reborn; and Nix Uotan implies that they will guide the recently destroyed Earth-51 , restoring it to prosperity and peace. Nix also indicates that the Super Young Team are the new Forever People of the Fifth World. In an interview with Newsarama , DC Executive Editor Dan DiDio spoke of the future of the New Gods in the DC Universe, saying, "The other thing we’ll give

5148-642: The New Gods. The plan would be foiled by the combined power of the New Gods, the Justice League, and the Justice Society . Essentially a reprint series, this volume packaged two issues apiece per single issue of the original 1971 series. The mini-series' final issue was originally intended to include a reprint of New Gods #11 and a new 24-page story which would conclude the series and end with both Darkseid and Orion dead. DC editors prevented Kirby from using his original intended ending. Kirby instead turned in

5265-411: The Old Gods were destroyed by Darkseid, who became more horrific in turn as he leeched their essence from them. As Darkseid's schemes started to tear the planet apart, Highfather ran with his wounded Avia in hand towards one of the last and greatest of the Old Gods, acknowledging his time had come and passed he chose to pass on the last of his power to reward Izaya's beloved's devotion to them. Empowered in

5382-524: The Prime Earth universe where Darkseid had been denied conquest The Source had somehow awakened spawning the Life Equation within it. He orders each of his loyal vassals to this universe and collect one of seven rings belonging to spectrum of the white light bringing it to him so that he may harness its power, all while withholding the Forge Master of the New Gods; Hylat so he may remake his scepter for him. As

5499-419: The Prime Earth universe. Bekka warns that Metron and Highfather might have erred on how much resistance they will encounter once the invasion has begun considering the heavy resistance they've suffered at the hands of the mortal ring wielders alone. Highfather says they have nothing to fear now that he withholds the Life Equation save more treachery from the inside reminding everyone of Malhedron's treachery to aid

5616-474: The Road to Armagetto" were revised and incorporated into the graphic novel, while DC ordered the entire plot restructured, resulting in many pages of the story being rearranged out of Kirby's intended reading order. In the end, The Hunger Dogs saw the tormented, slave population of Apokolips rise up against Darkseid in a massive slave revolt, forcing Darkseid to flee his homeworld. This ending would not last, as Darkseid would reclaim Apokolips off-panel prior to

5733-596: The Source Wall. Where the latter of the group resurrected an army of Old Gods and third world beings trapped within it using the power of the Black Lantern Highfather is informed that the Boom Tube set for earth has been compromised having been instead set towards the source wall. Ordering Metron to recalibrate the coordinates so he can take earth using the Life Equation to further his war plans against his wicked brother. He soon changes his mind and his initial plans after three Lanterns and an army of ancient beings of

5850-605: The Wall for more answers Highfather accompanies Metron searching for more info on the power he seeks lamenting that what he initially believed to be it only created abominable travesty worthy of Darksied, having had enough of the seeker of knowledge's ramblings he opens up a Boom Tube back to New Genesis summoning Orion to keep an eye on him. Giving command over his divine guard in his absence while he prepares for final war. Back within New Genesis Highfather communes with Hylat over

5967-470: The array of worlds invading this parallel Earth. Unlike his encounters in Justice League , this one is far more successful, resulting in the death of that Earth's Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman; in the midst of this war, Power Girl and Huntress somehow traverse into the realm of Prime-Earth. It is teased that the fall of the Olympian Gods will lead to the creation of New Gods, but not stated if they mean

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6084-544: The backup feature "Tales of the New Gods", began in Byrne's Jack Kirby's Fourth World and served as an extension of it. Simonson wished to simply title his series "New Gods", but DC felt the name had been used too much recently. John Byrne's one-shot issue Darkseid vs. Galactus: The Hunger also appeared in October 1995. Taking place in both the yearlong series Countdown to Final Crisis (2007–2008) and its spin-off, Death of

6201-411: The burden, through their combined practice they were able to diffuse it. Highfather then had Kyle come with him back to his home dimension but was intercepted by the Guardians, moving to stop them from leaving he easily swept them aside teleporting them to the far fringes of the universe. Disclosing who he is after both White and Violet lanterns question his motives after admitting he ordered the attacks on

6318-476: The conscience he had surrendered, knowing the price he paid to become what he is and what they both are and vowed to one day to return to reclaim themselves. After the Source detects an upcoming powerful danger that will potentially result in the end time and originates somewhere on Earth Highfather sends Orion to stop this. This threat is initially thought be 'Zeke' the last child of Zeus, which causes Orion moral qualms as he doesn't want to kill children. However,

6435-603: The council makes good on their assignment They arrive just in time for the finishing touches on their master's weapon. Noting how the Lanterns had squandered the power of the light of life he assured they would understand true power soon enough, professing to his army that he now wielded the power of the Life Equation Highfather would set out to test his new weapon on a back alley grunge planet where he opted to remake its populace into New Gods with it. It failed, realizing that

6552-476: The cruelty of the Old Gods they worshiped. Uxas then started a war between them. This war shattered their planet, destroyed most of the pantheon, and killed nearly every living thing. Izaya carried off his dying wife while Uxas became Darkseid by draining the rest of the Old Gods' divine powers. Izaya came across the Skyfather of the Old Gods and begged him to protect them. However, Skyfather, like all of his brethren,

6669-502: The destiny chosen for him without question, that he would take in and love the scion of Darkseid while trading the last memory of his lovely Avia to his deranged counterparts care. Promising to forever shoulder the burden of their shattered beings while keeping their beloved Avia alive within his heart, this being is shown to be Izaya's moral center now taking the form of the Infinity-Man who would promise his mortal coil he would live on as

6786-422: The destruction of their world. However, much of the events of that miniseries prove to be a vision of possible events, leaving Highfather and New Genesis' current situation in doubt. However, he was shown in Final Crisis sketchbook, indicating that he will return. In Final Crisis #7, Highfather is depicted next to Barda and Mister Miracle in front of a reincarnated New Genesis. In The New 52 (a reboot of

6903-671: The disruption in its creation by the Old Gods—in favor of a more perfect "Fifth World" by reuniting the Source with the Anti-Life Equation . The Source's initial attempts to recreate the Fifth World had been hampered by the Crisis on Infinite Earths which unified the Multiverse and forged an impenetrable Source Wall around the Anti-Life Equation. By subtly manipulating characters such as Alexander Luthor, Jr. , and Booster Gold to recreate

7020-433: The dreaded Old God Yuga Khan , suddenly resurfaced. Greatly angered by his wayward progeny's slaying of his fellow Old Gods, he utilized the Anti-Life Equation to resurrect those slain by Darkseid as well as inhibiting the stolen divine powers his sons took. A great battle broke out between family members on the ruined soil on Urgrund, where Uxas and Izaya battled their tyrannical father and his reanimated army. While Izaya

7137-458: The dust they were recreated from and sending the Old God back to the Source. For a time, both brothers would raise their dead world back from the devastation wreaked by their previous conflicts, dubbing it Genesis with Izaya eventually remarrying, up until for undisclosed reasons Darkseid killed Highfather's new wife away from prying eyes, save those of his sibling's. Another war would commence pitting

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7254-558: The event was chronicled and aptly named "The Final Day", as the Old Gods were no more, and the brothers called themselves the New Gods in their place. Eons later Darkseid agreed with Highfather, and they remade their broken home together, dubbing it Genesis. An era of peace reigned for a time, with Highfather seemingly reviving Avia as his New God Bride, but time past and old habits returned to type as Darkseid murdered and allegedly raped Izaya's wife as he walked in on him covered in his own sister's blood. Conflict eventually broke out between

7371-474: The events of the 1986 Legends crossover. Following the Cosmic Odyssey limited series by Jim Starlin and Mike Mignola , a new New Gods series was launched. Written by longtime Kirby assistant Mark Evanier , with co-author and penciler Paris Cullins , this would be the most lengthy New Gods run yet. Coming in at 28 issues, this volume was published from February 1989 to August 1991. This series

7488-505: The face of such adversity remembering what Highfather himself used to be like before he became so jaded by his conflict vowing to return to the man he once was again. Highfather and his New Gods soon returned during Rebirth . Highfather is one of the most powerful New Gods. He can manipulate tremendous amounts of an energy called the Alpha Effect. He does this via his staff, which is a physical manifestation of what lies beyond, linked with

7605-446: The fact his sons ended up killing and usurping the powers of all the Old Gods of Urgrund save himself, he utilized the power of the Anti-Life Equation to reanimate his fallen subjects, while using his own powers to suppress his sons' New God Abilities, all to prevent the rise of the New Gods standing before him. When Zonuz was prepping to deliver the killing blow, Uxas crept up from behind and ended him, reducing his resurrected army back to

7722-406: The falling New Genesis the regretful god rescinds all hostilities against the light corps present; mournful of what his hubris had wrought he bent on one knee before the assembled outsiders as a token of apologies and thanks on behalf of the New Gods for rescuing their city. Saying if there is to be a final war within their universe then it is in good hands, he commends Hal Jordan for his leadership in

7839-568: The first meeting between Superman and Orion. Upon yet another voyage to the Source Wall in search for answers of a tumultuous event where the impenetrable wall had been breached the lord of new genesis accompanied by Metron; surveys the cosmic barricade noticing something new as he observes its continents. Having studied every inch of the structure for eons finding this singular being from a universe that came before stuck within it, who wasn't there last time particularly intrigued him. This being his aid dubs Relic manages to decipher commerce coming from

7956-571: The floating city of Supertown. The surface is inhabited by the " Bugs " and the Primitives, with the former being considered a lesser class. New Genesis and Apokolips exist in a different plane of existence located near the Source , and can only be accessed via Boom Tube portals. New Genesis and Apokolips were created after the destruction of the Old Gods' home planet of Urgrund and respectively seeded with good and evil essences by Balduur and an unnamed sorceress. Through Darkseid's manipulation,

8073-469: The former's faction against the self-titled God of Evil, which devastated the world they made together. With the losses tallied on both sides, a ceasefire was eventually called with Darkseid eventually slinking back into the darkness, while Highfather wept over the loss of their new home. Over time, a peace treaty would be forged in which Izaya would lose the compassionate part of himself to the Source to make him go through with it. Exchanging their sons like in

8190-427: The greatest warriors of New Genesis, fiercely devoted to the ideals of his adoptive home. Eventually, Scott Free escaped Apokolips (as planned by Darkseid), breaking the pact between the two powers. The conflict between the two planets would resume, this time with Orion as New Genesis' main champion. Izaya and Scott were eventually reunited, though relations between the two were not always easy. Highfather often consults

8307-434: The hands of mere mortals, only to be assaulted by the fear masters construct of Darkseid as his adversary goes onto say that while a detailed record was kept on his deranged brother nothing could be said about Highfather who was little more than a side note in his dossier file. Greatly irked by this Highfather attacked Sinestro with great fury, who even backed by the embodiment of fear was monstrously outclassed by Highfather and

8424-517: The incursion of countless other Earths along the DCnU, up until the core world of Prime Earth where he battled and lost against the Justice League when they first formed to battle his invasion. After countless eons of infighting proceeding after the fall of the Old World, Darkseid and Highfather would eventually be forced into conflict against their demented father and King of the Old Gods, Yuga Khan . Livid at

8541-502: The location of the White lantern and the Life Equation he wields. Assuming holding such a power would mean death for a mortal being the lord of New Genesis immediately sets out to claim both. As Rayner was having his existential meltdown due to the Life Equation running rampant within him, Highfather teleported in out of nowhere presenting himself as a friend advising Kyle to focus on him, use his White Light power to connect with him to shoulder

8658-560: The malevolent Darkseid and his elite followers. The beings of New Genesis and Apokolips call themselves gods, living outside of normal time and space in a realm known as the Fourth World . Due to their proximity to the Source , a primeval energy believed to be one of the ultimate foundations of the Universal Expression of Energy, these New Gods have evolved into genetically stable higher beings of evolutionary perfection. All of

8775-574: The multiverse. In subsequent issues it is revealed that Cyborg's teleportation powers are linked to the Boom Tubes, thanks to upgrades performed by his father utilizing the Mother Box found by the team in their initial adventure, and that every 1,000 times he uses this technology, a glitch in it transports him and his Justice League comrades to Apokolips. In the pages of Earth 2 #1, it is revealed that Darkseid's search has also resulted in his traversing

8892-478: The newest prisoner of the wall about an event relating to what Highfather seeks, hearing of the seven lanterns and the mystic lights with which they used to penetrate the wall retrieving the multiversal power which lies beyond. The lord of New Genesis immediately returns to his domain Mobilizing Orion and the rest of his elite forces; The Council of Eight consisting of Bekka , Lightray and others; stating within

9009-415: The observer would approach both lords, offering a tradeoff to reduce the constant fighting. Horrified with the terms set by both the neutral party and the dark lord, whom Metron had approached first, Highfather would have to select a son in his care to trade with Darkseid's own progeny. In a desperate bid to end all of the conflicts Highfather ventured beyond his domain and reality itself. Having recently lost

9126-403: The power of the Source itself. Darkseid once rendered the staff useless, but it has since reestablished its link with the Source and regained its powers. Highfather is an immortal with high levels of super strength, endurance, speed and reflexes, equal to Darkseid. As Izaya, he was a superb hand-to-hand combatant and a master of weaponry. However, he left the ways of combat behind when he took on

9243-516: The previous continuity would not stop Darkseid from waging wars of conquest across reality however, so Highfather brokered another treaty where Darkseid would only attack the Earth 2 dimension while leaving the other infinite Earths untouched. Over time, the core universe where Apokolips first suffered defeat from would have more interactions with the New Gods of both New Genesis; created by the now-militant Highfather, as well as those of Apokolips; domain of

9360-464: The process before porting both them and Saint Walker out of his reach. As he sets to transform the rest of the captured corps beginning with Kilowog they are interrupted by the untimely arrival and warranted threat presented by John Stewart , who Malhedron had ported back. In response, Highfather flattened him with use of his newfound power but Stewart stood his ground causing him to order his charges to terminate him instead. When that failed Highfather

9477-540: The race of New Gods populating the Fourth World or simply newer younger gods. A figure, with Orion's helmet, appears in shadow then disappears into a Boom Tube. Orion fights against, then assists Wonder Woman in her struggle with the gods of Olympus and the monstrous First Born of Zeus, eventually leading her and the Last Born of Olympus to New Genesis and its leader: Highfather. While Highfather appears much younger than his pre- Flashpoint incarnation, New Genesis appears much

9594-545: The rings he took, then soon turning on both Kyle and Carol after revealing his intent of conscripting the Prime Universe into his army against Darkseid banishing them both from his kingdom to the ruins below it. Bekka soon rejoins him as he demonstrates the power of the Life Equation transforming dozens of citizens from a warrior race like city into loyal drones under his banner, an occurrence that doesn't go unnoticed by The Guardians. Awaiting atop of his palace spire, Highfather

9711-556: The rogue lanterns, but bekka only affirms that they all should tread carefully as earth had repelled Darkseid with the former doubling his argument saying the conquest of earth was vital to his plans. Goaded by a familiar voice Highfather turns to meet a Parallax empowered Sinestro who vouches the claim that earth's more troublesome than believed, as the two monarchs converse Highfather initially scoffs at whatever consul he could offer him. When sinestro only makes ultimatums Highfather bursts into laughter at such predictions of crushing defeat at

9828-494: The role of Highfather. In the New 52, Highfather retains his status as a New God, but has become much more battle-oriented. He appears as a man in his late thirties. He is superhumanly strong, with enough power to physically battle Darkseid multiple times and shatter constructs generated by a Lantern Corps ring. He has also demonstrated levels of invulnerability high enough to resist planet-shattering forces. At one time Izaya possessed

9945-444: The same year, he announced that Image Comics would be publishing an all-new Captain Victory comic book featuring many of Jack Kirby's never-before-seen creations. The hardcover collection was scheduled to be released in November 2007 ( ISBN   1582408149 ), but production issues delayed the hardcover, so that better source material could be located. New Gods The New Gods are a fictional extraterrestrial race appearing in

10062-456: The same, consisting of a futuristic floating city above a mostly rural world covered in forests. In the Darkseid special issue, it is revealed that he and Highfather are some of the only survivors of a previous larger world, where they were brothers and peasants. Their world was also inhabited by colossal beings known as Old Gods, who spent much of their time brawling with each other, feeding off

10179-638: The seeming idealized perfection of New Genesis, adding complexity to his gods." Similarly, John Morrow writes, "Kirby knew that his New Genesis was no heaven. Rather, it was more like the free West during the Cold War , which was threatened by forces from within as well as without." Locations on New Genesis include: Highfather Highfather ( Izaya the Inheritor ) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics . An integral part of Jack Kirby 's Fourth World mythos, Highfather

10296-575: The series. The New Gods met the Flash in Super-Team Family #15 (March–April 1978). Darkseid's "death" would quickly be overturned in the New Gods' next appearance in Justice League of America #183–185. The three-part storyline would tell of Darkseid's return to Apokolips and his scheme to destroy Earth-Two and teleport Apokolips into its place, so that he could conquer a new universe devoid of

10413-568: The seven alone were not the power that he originally sought, Metron noted that it was not the seven rings which held the power he seeks but the one ring held by the White Lantern. With this in mind Highfather orders the cleansing of the planet he mutated into monsters and sets out to find this mysterious White Lantern but also orders his warriors to hunt down and subdue the other users of the differing emotional spectrum deeming them and their rings too dangerous to be left unabated. Having returned to

10530-564: The shard remains silent the leader of New Genesis snaps ordering the shard to speak with him after centuries of silence. Wishing to know how he can enact an endeavour that would condemn his son, himself and the memory of his beloved Avia forever. As the Shard makes its verdict stating that Izaya's fate has been sealed the former rejects such an this stating the source asks too much of him. He goes onto say that if he took this knowledge back home with him his people would think him mad for having communed with

10647-538: The source. Feeling that The Sources Essence is little more than torment as penance for his loss and actions committed during the war. Questioning who he truly is whether being a savior or a destroyer; The Source soon states he will do what must be done saying Highfather is of The Source now. In a bright flare of light the gentle Izaya was knocked unconscious, Then a gentle voice loomed over the motionless Highfather stating he would state that he would come to hate his name without ever knowing why. Saying he would come to accept

10764-413: The story's conclusion: "...is a pure example of Kirby's technological sublime, at once redemptive and seductive, healing and cataclysmic... This rhapsodic episode suggests a glorying in, but also a fearful ambivalence about, the blurring of the living and the technological." Issue #7, "The Pact", sought to explain the backstory of the New Gods. Sacks and Keith said: "While the story can also be read as

10881-523: The threat is later revealed to be the First Born of Zeus, a monster that desires only his birthright; Olympus, destroying everything in his path to get it. Highfather himself appears after Orion brings a badly wounded Wonder Woman, Hera and Zola to New Genesis to escape the First Born. In the New-52 Highfather appears to be more similar to his earliest Kirby appearances as he dresses in armor and carries

10998-448: The three-issue arc in New Gods #6-8 to be the peak of Kirby's artistic work. Jason Sacks and Keith Dallas say that issue #6, "The Glory Boat", "juxtaposes several of [Kirby's] favorite themes: the conflict between generations, the ways that pacifism is forced to confront violence, and, of course, the continuing battle between Apokolips and New Genesis, all drawn in some of the most spectacular art of his career." Charles Hatfield says that

11115-628: The time to act was nigh, when questioned by Orion as to why not take his new tools to war Highfather states they are already at war. Making final preparations for war as they make way to terraform the entire Universe where Darkseid had his first defeat. Highfather fulfills terms of agreement with the leader of the Indigo Tribe who had betrayed the rest of the lantern corps to him, after refusing his offer as war guard within his armies he hands Indigo-1 her ring back and transports her to her home dimension. After having had council with Malhedron again, Uggha of

11232-447: The time, as he had created or co-created a plethora of characters without having copyright or creative custody of them, he turned to rival publisher DC Comics, with his sketches and designs for a new group of heroes and villains. As author Marc Flores, who writes under the pen name Ronin Ro, described: The idea of the New Gods had come to Jack years earlier, when he was plotting 90 percent of

11349-439: The titans were neither dead nor alive within the wall but in a state of half-life as he calls it, attempts to bend them to his will using the Life Equation. Only to find it has no effect on them due to their time steeped within the source wall sending them all on a rampage. In a psychic commerce with the equations true host user; Kyle, who buckles under the stress of the high lords overuse of the Life Equation finds himself suffering

11466-436: The title remained "The New Gods" in the indicia and retained its original numbering, launching with #12, the covers used the title "The Return of the New Gods". Conway wrote the series and Don Newton provided the pencils. The series introduced the character Jezebelle . It was cancelled with issue #19 (July–August 1978) prior to the " DC Implosion ", where a variety of market-related factors caused DC to cancel almost all of

11583-526: The titles launched the previous year. The final chapters of the series were published as backup features in the Adventure Comics #459–460 (1978) featured a climactic battle between Darkseid's forces and the New Gods, culminating in Darkseid's defeat and apparent "death." Conway later said that he felt the finale he provided for the New Gods saga was inadequate, though he greatly enjoyed working with Newton on

11700-510: The two argued the merits of living lantern corpsmen and the brashness of his adopted son's actions. He then escorts his guests around the confines of his home which is situated miles above the ruined landscapes of Old Genesis, after introductions have been made and established Lord Izaya preps the siphon to extract the White Ring and the Life Equation held within it. Upon success in the attempt, he then shows his true colors when asked if he'll return

11817-436: The two brothers yet again, as Izaya pitted his Throne world of Genesis against his evil, maddened brother's penal empire of Apokolips. The war between the New Gods raged for countless eons, but by day seven of the conflict, the dead had already come to outnumber the living. Darkseid was eventually banished back to his hellish domain, while Highfather himself went on to create a Utopian society that would forever suspend itself over

11934-403: The two planets enter a devastating war before Highfather enacts a temporary truce. The conflict between the two planets symbolizes the struggle of good and evil on a grand mythic scale. However, despite representing good, New Genesis and its inhabitants are not entirely perfect. Biographer Charles Hatfield writes, "The saga turns out to be not so simple, for Kirby — and this is revealing – blurs

12051-567: The two were quickly defeated by the Wheel's commanders, before a deathblow could be struck, however, Highfather would intervene giving a stern glare to his acolyte when he raised his voice in objection to him. Ordering the two to take the Lanterns to a miracle cell for interrogation regardless of whether they survive or not. In his war room accompanied by the Council of Eight; Highfather stated that he has contented himself on this stalemate for too long and that

12168-414: The various corps, he says his primary mission and solemn duty is to protect the multiverse but insincerely admits to his fault of assaulting this universe to retrieve and study the rings; he gives his guests the choice of accompanying him back to New Genesis where they can properly quell and remove the power from him without incident. Again back in his own domain, Orion is summoned to Highfather's presence as

12285-456: The victor. The villain Libra reappears on Earth after a long absence, making promises to the villains of Earth in the name of the deity he worships. Grant Morrison addressed what he described as "the disconnects that online commentators, sadly, seem to find more fascinating than the stories themselves", by explaining that he provided a rough draft of the first issue, and an outline of the plot, before

12402-538: The war god Ares . He is succeeded as leader of New Genesis by Takion , an Earthling hero and conduit of the Source. Despite his death, Izaya's spirit has served as a member of The Quintessence, a council of powerful cosmic entities that observe events in the universe. Highfather later appears in Seven Soldiers : Mister Miracle as the leader of the New Genesis survivors living as homeless people on Earth following

12519-437: The war-torn remains of his devastated kingdom called New Genesis . The battles between New Genesis and Apokolips would occasionally intensify, with neither gaining a significant advantage over the other. The battles would reach a particularly vicious peak when the planets' orbits around the same sun would bring the two worlds close together and all manner of planetwide disasters threatened. To protect his own interests, Metron

12636-403: The worship of the 'mudgrubbers', whose lives were often lost in the battles. One day the man formerly known as Uxas, having tired of his idol's destructiveness, decided to spark a war between them which would in turn devastate their world fatally wounding his sister, Izaya's first wife, after which he opted to kill all the wounded Old Gods, steal their powers and bring about a new order. One by one,

12753-464: The worth of the seven rings, the New God forger comments the rings use no central control for them to exploit and that while they channel the energies of The Source beyond the wall. That the power they utilize isn't pure, meaning the Life Equation is not held within them. Brooding over his sense of Darksied machinations Metron soon returned to disclose his findings, demanding answers from him Highfather learns

12870-432: The writing began on Countdown and Death of the New Gods . He outlined his thinking on the issues of continuity between the stories by stating that he "started writing Final Crisis #1 in early 2006, around the same time as the 52 series was starting to come out, so Final Crisis was more a continuation of plot threads from Seven Soldiers and 52 than anything else." As the events of Final Crisis unfold, it

12987-533: Was forever stuck in the middle of – he could never get to the last chapter. ... You can spot the issues where Jack kind of gave up trying to advance the story of Darkseid and Orion and was marking time. If those books had been intended from the start to run indefinitely, they would have been done very differently." Despite the sales failure of the book, Kirby's work has remained an inspiration for future comics creators. Comics historian Les Daniels observed in 1995: "Kirby's mix of slang and myth, science fiction and

13104-497: Was in fact killed not of injuries from battling Darkseid, but by a sort of bullet sent backwards in time. Darkseid spreads the Anti-Life Equation among the human population, creating monstrous slaves out of its victims as he ushers in the Final Crisis of Mankind . Shilo Norman begins recruiting an army, warning of a war in heaven having occurred where evil won. Darkseid similarly claims to have ultimately come out of this war in heaven

13221-420: Was intended by Kirby and DC to serve as the end to the entire Fourth World saga. The project was mired in controversy over Kirby's insistence that the series should end with the deaths of the New Gods, which clashed with DC's demands that the New Gods could not be killed off. As a result, production of the graphic novel suffered many delays and revisions. Pages and storyline elements from the never published "On

13338-507: Was later collected into a trade paperback. A new continuing series, Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers , written by Joe Casey and published by Dynamite Entertainment , began in August 2014. It ran for 6 issues and was collected into a trade paperback in 2016. In February 2007, Erik Larsen reported that Image Comics planned to publish a completely recolored one volume collection of Jack Kirby's 14 issues of Captain Victory. In July of

13455-504: Was nearly dead. The deity transformed Izaya into the New God Highfather, who sought to end his brother's rampage. He hoped that together, as New Gods, they could use their powers to restore their broken world together. Darkseid refused this notion, and the ensuing battle further ravaged the planet. After a time, however, silence combed over the space where their world once stood. Some time afterward Uxas's father and Izaya's stepfather,

13572-568: Was now beset by the new crew of lanterns current and retired losing both his scepter and the ring contained within it in the process of the battle, only to show that he no longer needed either to channel the equation since he had himself; become the equation, again banishing his would be distractions from his presence. Now more than ever eager to make preparations to subdue and convert earth Metron states that all preparations have been set and that any possible/probable occurrences have been all but accounted for, on his command New Genesis will make way to

13689-510: Was pinned down by his father for asserting that the time of the Old was over and that the new ways must allow the many to lead instead of just a few, Khan denounced him, declaring that Uxas would never share whatever power they've accumulated. But before a killing blow can be dealt, Uxas comes up behind his father spitting him as he plunges the tool he used to kill his divine predecessors into his back and killing him, much to Izaya's horror. The relevance of

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