New Gods

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Lore & Background

New Genesis is an idyllic planet filled with unspoiled forests, mountains, and rivers, ruled by the benevolent Highfather. In stark contrast, Apokolips is a nightmarish, polluted dystopia filled with machinery and fire pits, ruled by the tyrannical Darkseid. The two planets were separated after the Old Gods died during Ragnarök, an event alluded to in the opening sequence of *New Gods #1* which states, "There came a time when the Old Gods died..." Jason Sacks and Keith Dallas describe the conflict as a creation myth in comic form, exploring themes like the ambiguity and moral costs of war. Charles Hatfield notes that Kirby's storytelling juxtaposes pacifism with violence, creating a "technological sublime" that is both redemptive and cataclysmic. The backstory explains that the struggle between these worlds requires great sacrifices to create peace in the face of overwhelming destruction.

In Their Own Story

Kirby began the saga in *Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133* (October 1970), with the first New Gods appearing in *New Gods #1* and *Forever People #1* (both February-March 1971). The series launched with Orion, Highfather, and Metron. Some fans consider the three-issue arc from *New Gods #6–8* to be the peak of Kirby's artistic work; issue #6, "The Glory Boat," features a battle between Apokolips and New Genesis drawn in spectacular art. Issue #7, "The Pact," sought to explain the backstory and was read as a commentary on the Vietnam War. Despite strong creative material, sales slipped steadily, leading to cancellation with issue #11 (Oct–Nov 1972). Mark Evanier noted that Kirby felt stuck unable to reach the last chapter of his intended novel after DC demanded guest stars instead of advancing the main story. In 1978, *Adventure Comics #459–460* featured a climactic battle where Darkseid was defeated and appeared to die, only for his return to be depicted in *Justice League of America #183–185*.

Reader's Guide

The New Gods have appeared in various volumes following Kirby's original run. A relaunch titled "The Return of the New Gods" began in July 1977 with issue #12, written by Gerry Conway and pencilled by Don Newton, introducing the character Jezebelle before ending at issue #19. Volume 2 (1984) was essentially a reprint series that included Kirby's story "Even Gods Must Die," serving as a prologue to *The Hunger Dogs* graphic novel. Published as DC Graphic Novel #4, *The Hunger Dogs* depicted a slave revolt on Apokolips forcing Darkseid to flee, though production was marred by controversy over DC refusing to let the New Gods die. Volume 3 (1989–91), written by Mark Evanier and Paris Cullins, ran for 28 issues. Volume 4 began in October 1995 with writers Tom Peyer and Rachel Pollack, later taken over by John Byrne who renamed it *Jack Kirby's Fourth World*.

Did You Know?

• Jack Kirby conceived the idea of two planets at war years earlier while plotting 'Tales of Asgard' stories for Thor.
• The first page of *New Gods #1* mirrors scenes from Thor, showing a planet torn in half and armored gods dying on a fiery battleground.
• Mark Evanier explained that Kirby viewed the New Gods saga as a novel he was stuck in the middle of because DC demanded it continue indefinitely with guest stars instead of ending.
• The 1977 revival series picked up where *1st Issue Special* left off, featuring a new mainstream superhero costume for Orion.
• DC editors prevented Kirby from using his original intended ending for the Volume 2 reprint series, which would have resulted in both Darkseid and Orion dying.