A Forgotten DC Menace Just Returned as the Ultimate Cosmic Weapon

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Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 reintroduces the writer who revitalized Superman in the early 2020s, Philip Kennedy Johnson. Notably known for “Warworld Saga”, his latest work on Superman serves as a continuation of that tale. The narrative commences with Kryl-Ux, a Phaelorian (a type of Kryptonian raised on the colony world of Phaelor), in pursuit of an energy source. This quest takes him to the farthest reaches of the universe where he encounters one of the most terrifying sights within the DC Multiverse – the Promethean Giants. These colossal beings have been glimpsed throughout the history of the DC Multiverse, but Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1 unveils that they possess far greater power than previously thought. The comic concludes by transporting us to a future where Kryl-Ux harnessed the power of the Promethean Giants to conquer Earth, and numerous references are made to these beings in the pages of the titular Book of El as the true force governing the planet since Superman vanished and Kryl-Ux seized control.

Warworld Saga” stands among the finest contemporary Superman tales, as it offers readers a fresh perspective on Warworld, thanks to Johnson’s storytelling. Similarly, Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #1 aims to provide a unique take on the Promethean Giants. Long-standing DC comics enthusiasts are familiar with these colossal beings, as they have occasionally been associated with the Source Wall – a crucial component of the DC Multiverse. The Source Wall is a concept originating from the New Gods comics, and the backstory of the Source Wall significantly influences the history of the Promethean Giants.

The Promethean Giants Are Ancient and Powerful

The Promethean Giants were initially introduced in issue #5 of New Gods, during Jack Kirby’s creation of the New Gods mythology. It was during Metron’s journey through the Promethean Galaxy that he stumbled upon these colossal beings. Akin to Metron with his insatiable thirst for knowledge, these giants were imprisoned on immense asteroids, drifting aimlessly in the cosmos due to their obsessive pursuit of knowledge.

However, information about the Promethean Giants is scarce; all we know is that they are ancient and powerful, but essentially they are captives, a symbol of the overreaching ambition of those who seek ultimate wisdom recklessly. Interestingly, these giants bear resemblance to the ones found on the Source Wall, hinting at the power Kryl-Ux wielded in releasing them.

The Source Wall serves as the boundary of the multiverse, enclosing all that exists within it. Originating from the creations of Kirby, it represents the ultimate power source and a well-guarded secret, being the origin point of everything. Over time, various deities have attempted to breach this barrier in pursuit of creation’s secrets, but most have been captured instead. Darkseid is among those who have encountered the Source Wall. As revelations unfolded, it was disclosed that the Source Wall exists primarily to keep Perpetua at bay from the DC Multiverse.

The Promethean Giants share proximity to the Source Wall, hinting at a potential connection. It’s possible that they were confined by the Hands, entities responsible for constructing the Source Wall as a means of sealing away Perpetua. Warworld is home to an ancient power known as the Fire of Olgrun, one of the many aspects of the primordial deity Olgrun. Other elements of Olgrun can be found scattered throughout the universe, and it’s speculated that the Promethean Giants could be instrumental in locating one of them. Kryl-Ux employs them as a weapon against Earth, suggesting a level of control over these beings. Hence, they might hold the key to another facet of Olgrun.

The Promethean Giants Have Never Been as Dangerous as They Are Right Now

The ‘Warworld Saga’ could easily have turned into a dull tale, featuring a weakened Superman imprisoned by Mongul on Warworld spanning more than 20 issues. But surprisingly, it turned out to be highly engaging due to Johnson’s creative exploration of Warworld. It would be fantastic if Johnson managed to repeat this feat with the Promethean Giants as he did with Warworld in Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #1, where some plot points from ‘Warworld Saga’ are continued.

In essence, we haven’t been provided with many details regarding the Promethean Giants, their origin remains largely unexplored. However, being creations of Kirby, they certainly fit the bill for the extraordinary concepts that Johnson often incorporates in his writing. At this point in the narrative, we’re still discovering who they are, but we do know they hold significance for the future. Given Johnson’s storytelling prowess, I anticipate a captivating tale as intriguing as “Warworld Saga”.

Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #1 is on sale now.

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2025-09-09 02:14