DC vs Vampires: New Gods Get a Radical Reimagining

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One captivating perspective on the DC Comics multiverse is the Elseworlds series titled “DC vs. Vampires“. This alternative reality offers stiff competition to the main DC timeline in terms of providing intriguing content. The uniqueness lies in its ability to reinvent the classic “good versus evil” foundation common in superhero comics into something more menacing and engrossing. When a central figure like Wonder Woman can convincingly be portrayed as a corrupt, mass-murdering terrorist, it’s clear that something extraordinary is being created.

Yet, it’s not just the twist of making heroes into villains and friends into foes that sets this franchise apart. One of the most stunning — and intriguing — changes is the New Gods’ transformation. Despite not being directly tied to Earth, they become integral to the storyline, developing into a power unlike any humans or vampires have ever faced.

DC vs. Vampires Continues its Reimagining of the DC Comics Universe

The “DC vs. Vampires” series debuted in 2021 as a limited run by writers James Tynion IV, Matthew Rosenberg, and Otto Schmidt. In this storyline, a group of vampires, having witnessed decades of battles between superheroes and supervillains, aim to gain control by turning both heroes and villains into vampires. Key figures from the DC Universe have been transformed, leading to an uneasy truce between Barbara Gordon’s vampire kingdom and Green Arrow’s anti-vampire movement. However, under the leadership of Damian Wayne, a renegade vampire faction threatens this fragile peace and humanity’s final stand against total vampire rule.

In a twist of events, ancient deities embroiled in an age-old feud unintentionally get entangled in the escalating battle between humans and their vampire adversaries. This tangle occurs when one of these gods, Mr. Miracle, becomes involved in the conflict. On one side, the turmoil caused by the war offers Darkseid and his followers a chance to exploit the situation for their gain, thus increasing Darkseid’s dominion over Earth while also offering a path to vanquish his enemies from New Genesis. On the other hand, Highfather and his forces from New Genesis perceive both vampires and Darkseid as threats to humanity, making them eager to offer as much aid as possible to their human allies.

The New Gods for an Elseworlds’ Era

Involving themselves in the battle between humans and vampires, the New Gods have unexpectedly become significant players in determining the war’s final result. Neither side, including the New Gods themselves, had anticipated their role as combatants during the escalation leading up to the conflict. Many undergo dramatic changes as they take on this new role, as shown in Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt’s DC vs. Vampires: World War V. It turns out that no faction of the New Gods escapes the conflict unscathed; they all experience some degree of transformation or upheaval.

Originally conceived by renowned comic book artist and writer Jack Kirby, the New Gods are typically portrayed in his distinctive style. This style is known for its boldly outlined characters set against vivid color palettes, giving the figures a sense of movement even when they’re stationary. However, Schmidt, whose artwork has been a standout feature in the DC vs. Vampires series, presents a fresh take on the New Gods. Unlike Kirby’s signature blocky dynamism, Schmidt’s interpretation offers a sleeker, less crowded, and more fluid aesthetic. This gentler approach offers a striking contrast to the New Gods as previously imagined, which harmonizes well with both the storyline and the action-focused nature of the franchise.

Even More Changes Are Coming For The New Gods

As a film enthusiast, I’m not just saying that Schmidt reinterprets Kirby’s style; he also alters crucial aspects of the characters. Highfather, for instance, is no longer portrayed as graceful and calm – a depiction that doesn’t fully capture his true leadership essence. Then we have Darkseid, who Kirby initially illustrated to be roughly the same size as most New Gods, already towering over humans. But in Schmidt’s hands, Darkseid becomes colossal, standing at least 10 to 12 stories tall, which adds an even greater aura of intimidation.

It’s quite striking to observe the dramatic change undergone by Mr. Miracle, the son of Highfather and ward of Darkseid. On the surface, he may appear unchanged, but internally, a profound metamorphosis has taken place. He is not merely a vampire or even a demi-vampire, but a father to a unique daughter who is a hybrid of New God and undead vampire. The fusion of her New God abilities with the mystical powers of the vampires is an unprecedented phenomenon in the universe. This extraordinary combination will likely influence how conflicts among humans, vampires, and now gods are resolved.

DC vs. Vampires: World War V is available to purchase.

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2025-04-30 00:16