Darkseid is one of the most iconic villains in the DC Universe, often portrayed as the embodiment of ultimate evil. But like many legendary characters, his origin has evolved over time. In this blog, we will look into “The Origins of Darkseid” exploring two major interpretations of Darkseid’s backstory—the original one crafted by Jack Kirby in his Fourth World saga and the later retelling in DC’s New 52, written by Greg Pak in Justice League #23.1. Both versions offer unique takes, but only one has the mythic depth that helped define an entire mythology.
Jack Kirby’s Vision: A Mythic Origin Born from the Fourth World
When Jack Kirby left Marvel for DC Comics, he didn’t want to just contribute to existing stories—he wanted to create an entirely new mythology. That vision became the Fourth World, a sprawling narrative centered around cosmic battles, godlike beings, and philosophical conflicts between good and evil. And at the heart of it stood Darkseid.
The Birth of New Genesis and Apokolips
Kirby’s story begins after the fall of the “Old Gods,” ancient deities who perished in a cataclysmic event. In their wake rose two new worlds: New Genesis, a peaceful, heavenly realm, and Apokolips, a hellish wasteland consumed by fire and tyranny. These worlds didn’t just appear—they symbolized the eternal struggle between light and darkness, hope and despair.
From Uxas to Darkseid
Darkseid wasn’t always the stone-faced tyrant we know today. He was once a being named Uxas, second in line for the throne of Apokolips, behind his noble brother Drax. But where Drax sought peace and change—wanting to rid Apokolips of its evil legacy—Uxas believed power should rule through fear.
As Drax prepared to claim the Omega Force, a source of immense power, Uxas betrayed him. Drax donned a specially-designed suit to channel the Omega energy, but Uxas had sabotaged the plan. He killed Drax, took the suit for himself, and bathed in the Omega Force. Emerging from this transformation, Uxas was gone—Darkseid had risen.
Shaped by Cruelty
Darkseid’s rise wasn’t just about power. His mother had raised him harshly, grooming him for a future of conquest and domination. She believed that to rule Apokolips, one must break others’ wills and show no mercy. Ironically, Darkseid ultimately killed her too, fully seizing control of Apokolips. This act cemented his place as the god of tyranny and destruction.
Outside the Crisis: A Continuity Untouched
When DC launched Crisis on Infinite Earths to reset its universe, Darkseid remained untouched. His story existed outside of mainstream continuity. While many heroes and villains were rebooted, Darkseid’s mythos remained consistent from Kirby’s original vision all the way to the New 52. That longevity speaks to the timeless power of Kirby’s narrative.
The New 52 Retelling: A Shorter, Simpler Darkseid
In 2013, DC reimagined many of its iconic characters with new origins. One such revision came in Justice League #23.1, part of the New 52 initiative. Written by Greg Pak, this version aimed to retell Darkseid’s origin in a condensed, modernized way—but lacked the grandeur of Kirby’s mythic tale.
A Simple Farmer Turned God
In this version, Uxas began life on a primitive world as a farmer, working the land with his brother and sister. His people lived in fear of the old gods, worshiping them out of desperation and dread. But Uxas didn’t pray—he hated the gods. He believed they didn’t deserve their power.
So Uxas climbed what was known as the Forbidden Mountain, confronted the gods, and killed them. He somehow absorbed their divine energy, transforming himself into Darkseid.
The story doesn’t explain how he defeats such powerful beings or how he absorbs their power—it simply states that he did. The mystery and epic build-up that defined Kirby’s version are missing here.
The Rise of Highfather
Meanwhile, Uxas’s brother-in-law receives the dying power of the last old god, transforming him into Highfather. The two then become eternal opposites—Darkseid rules Apokolips, and Highfather leads New Genesis. This sets up their cosmic rivalry, but again, the execution feels rushed.
Comparing the Two: Epic vs. Expedient
Jack Kirby’s original origin for Darkseid is steeped in symbolism and cosmic scale. It presents Darkseid not just as a villain, but as a force of nature—evil incarnate, forged through betrayal, cruelty, and divine power. His story weaves into the rise and fall of gods, the shaping of new worlds, and the deep philosophical divide between tyranny and freedom.
In contrast, the New 52 version simplifies things. Uxas goes from disgruntled farmer to god-slayer with little buildup. While it hits the same basic beats (killing the old gods, becoming Darkseid, clashing with Highfather), it lacks the depth, nuance, and emotional stakes of Kirby’s masterpiece.
Conclusion: One Legacy, Two Origins
Darkseid is one of those rare characters whose origin feels like mythology. Jack Kirby didn’t just give us a backstory—he created an epic. The New 52 retelling, while serviceable, reads more like a plot summary than a legend.
If you want to truly understand the scope of Darkseid’s power and the gravity of his threat, Kirby’s Fourth World is the definitive tale. It’s not just an origin—it’s a warning: that evil, when nurtured and unchallenged, can rise to godhood.
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