55 Five Years Ago Today The God of Evil Came to the DC Universe and Nothing Has Ever Been the Same

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DC Comics is famous for creating iconic supervillains. Characters like Lex Luthor and the Joker are instantly recognizable, and with the growing popularity of superhero movies and shows, more and more people are interested in these characters. Recently, attention has turned to other villains within the DC universe. Today marks the 55th anniversary of one villain who has consistently appeared in DC adaptations and gained popularity over the years. He first appeared in Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 back in 1970 – the formidable Darkseid, widely considered DC’s most terrifying villain.

Darkseid is a supremely powerful and dangerous villain within the DC Universe. Often called the God of Evil, he represents the darkest aspects of humanity and embodies destructive forces. His origin story is a fascinating and complex part of DC Comics history, taking readers to unexpected places. For over 55 years, Darkseid has been a key figure in DC’s comics, television shows, animated films, video games, and movies, and his importance has grown, now serving as a central force in the entire DC Universe. He’s rightfully earned his place as one of the greatest villains in comic book history.

Darkseid Is the Brainchild of Comics’ Greatest Talent

Jack Kirby is widely considered one of the most talented and influential comic book creators of all time. He collaborated with Stan Lee to create many of Marvel’s most iconic characters. Though Lee often received more recognition, Kirby was responsible for a huge amount of the creative work. This imbalance, and Lee’s tendency to take credit, eventually led Kirby to leave Marvel for DC Comics. Known for his strong work ethic and compassion, Kirby specifically asked DC for a title where the previous creator had moved on, wanting to avoid taking anyone’s job – something Stan Lee wouldn’t have considered. He was assigned to *Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen*, which ultimately became the launching pad for his epic Fourth World saga.

Jack Kirby’s work for Marvel and DC shows his fascination with mythology and world-building, perfectly captured in his ‘Fourth World’ series. He essentially built a whole new universe within the DC Multiverse, introducing characters like Orion, Mister Miracle, and the New Gods. These characters were Kirby’s unique take on ancient myths, each exploring different aspects of the human condition. Notably, the villain Darkseid embodied the complete darkness within people.

Jack Kirby described Darkseid as a primal, powerful force – the driving darkness behind all life. He envisioned Darkseid as the ultimate tyrant, a god consumed by the need for control. Darkseid ruled the fiery world of Apokolips with an absolute grip, relentlessly searching for the Anti-Life Equation, a formula that would let him dominate every mind in existence. He was a truly monstrous figure, treating both enemies and followers with cruelty, and believing himself to be the only being of importance in the entire universe. Kirby crafted a villain perfectly suited for the anxieties of the post-World War II era, and that villain continues to resonate with audiences today.

While Jack Kirby’s work for Marvel generally resonated more with readers, his Fourth World creations, particularly Darkseid, have had a significant impact on the comic book world. Darkseid served as a key inspiration for Thanos, and he first appeared in other media through the SuperFriends cartoon in the early 1980s. After the Crisis event, Darkseid became a central figure in the DC Universe, prominently featuring in the groundbreaking crossover comic Legends and numerous stories since. Writer Grant Morrison is a particularly big fan, consistently incorporating the villain into their work, most notably in the acclaimed Final Crisis. Darkseid has also appeared in various DC animated series and films, and even served as the primary antagonist in the DCEU. Considering he debuted in a Jimmy Olsen comic book, that’s quite a legacy.

Darkseid Is

Although Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men are often considered Jack Kirby’s most famous works, many fans, including myself, believe his Fourth World saga is his masterpiece. These books offered a unique and powerful commentary on humanity, infused with Kirby’s incredible artistic style. Darkseid, in particular, stands out as a truly iconic villain, fully deserving of his title as the God of Evil.

Darkseid started as a character in comics aimed at younger audiences, but he’s become a hugely popular villain. There’s a unique quality to him – creator Jack Kirby really nailed it, crafting a truly evil character with a compelling backstory that allows for endless storytelling possibilities. Even after the initial series ended, Darkseid remained a powerful force, proving he was too good to be forgotten. Many consider him to be the greatest villain in comic book history, and it’s easy to see why.

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2025-10-13 15:15