RUN THE TABLE
Greetings from the desert fellow CBSI members. As always in the speculation of comics, there is a cycle of “what’s hot” regarding characters, issues and storylines. In recent news, the New Gods world has been prominent in the headlines and seems to be on a course to hit the silver screen in the near future. With this, let’s take a look at key books, and 1st appearances that potentially serve us all well
After leaving Marvel Comics toward the start of 1970, Jack Kirby made his way to rival DC Comics to take over one ongoing title (Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen) and launch three new series and a brand-new mythos. With The Forever People, The New Gods, and Mister Miracle, Kirby effectively created an entirely new cosmic legacy for the DC Universe, The New Gods introduces the sprawling cast from the twin worlds of New Genesis and Apokolips, including Darkseid, Orion, Highfather, and Lightray.
So just what are the New Gods? They are a race of highly powerful beings who live in the Fourth World, a realm far removed from the rest of the DC Universe. Once this realm consisted of a single, primeval world called Urgrund. However, that world was split in two after a war, and now the Fourth World consists of two planets – New Genesis and Apokolips. The former is ruled by the Highfather, while the latter is a realm populated by slaves, all dominated by the baddie known as Darkseid.
These two worlds have been locked in perpetual war for thousands of years, with that war often spilling out to affect the larger DC Universe. New Genesis has the finest warriors and technology the universe has to offer, while Apokolips has endless hordes of winged Parademons and a small but deadly group of assassins called the Female Furies. A temporary peace was achieved when Highfather and Darkseid traded their sons Scott Free (Mister Miracle) and Orion, but that truce has evaporated now that both men are grown and united in their hatred of Darkseid.
Most New Gods possess enhanced strength and greatly extended lifespans. Some are as strong as or stronger than heroes like Superman. Many possess other unique abilities. Mister Miracle is capable of escaping any trap, no matter how impossible. Glorious Godfrey has a superhuman ability to influence others through the power of his voice. Metron sits on the Mobius chair, which grants him access to all knowledge in the universe. Darkseid wields Omega Beams, energy blasts that can change direction at will and obliterate any enemy they touch.
Interestingly, the New Gods were derived from stories Kirby had originally planned for Marvel's Thor comics. In New Gods lore, the Fourth World was born when Ragnarok destroyed the old gods of the Third World and a new generation of gods took their place.
Ok, so with a brief history of this Fourth World, let’s look at the issues that are key to the storylines and the why’s behind some of them.
The following is in chronological order as meant to be read in order to capture the whole story.
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 133
Jack Kirby 1st DC work
Intro to Fourth World
1st appearance of Morgan Edge
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 134
1st cameo Darkseid (I know debatable)
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 135
1st S.A Guardian appearance
The Forever People # 1
1st full appearance Darkseid
1st appearance of the Forever People: Beautiful Dreamer, Mark Moonrider, Serifan, Big Bear and Vykin the Black
1st appearance of Infinity-Man
The New Gods # 1
1st appearance of Orion (Darkseid Son)
1st appearance of Highfather (Leader of New Genesis)
1st appearance of Kalibak (Orion's half-brother)
1st appearance of Lightray
1st appearance of New Genesis and Apokolips
Mister Miracle # 1
1st appearance of Mister Miracle (son of Highfather)
1st appearance of Oberon (Mister Miracle's stage manager)
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 136
The Forever People # 2
1st appearance of Desaad (chief counselor to Darkseid)
1st appearance of Mantis
New Gods # 2
1st cover appearance of Darkseid
1st cameo appearance of Slig
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 137
Mister Miracle # 2
1st appearance of Granny Goodness
The Forever People # 3
1st appearance of Glorious Godfrey
1st team appearance of the Justifiers
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 138
The New Gods # 3
1st appearance of Black Racer
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 139
Mister Miracle # 3
1st appearance of Doctor Bedlam
The Forever People # 4
New Gods # 4
1st appearance of Esak
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 141
Mister Miracle # 4
1st appearance of Big Barda
The Forever People # 5
1st appearance of Lonar
New Gods # 5
1st full appearance of Slig
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 142
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 143
Mister Miracle # 5
1st appearance of Virman Vundabar
The Forever People # 6
The New Gods # 6
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 144
Mister Miracle # 6
1st team appearance of the Female Furies: Bernadeth, Lashina, Mad Harriet and Stompa
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 145
Forever People # 7
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 146
New Gods # 7
Origin of Orion
Origin of Mister Miracle
1st appearance of Steppenwolf
Mister Miracle # 7
1st appearance of Kanto
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 147
The Forever People # 8
New Gods # 8
1st appearance of Suli
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olson # 148
Mister Miracle # 8
The Forever People # 9
New Gods # 9
1st appearance of All-Widow
Mister Miracle # 9
1st appearance of Himon
The Forever People # 10
New Gods # 10
Mister Miracle # 10
The Forever People # 11
1st appearance of Devilance
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New Gods # 11
Mister Miracle # 11
Mister Miracle # 12
Mister Miracle # 13
Mister Miracle # 14
Mister Miracle # 15
Mister Miracle # 16
Mister Miracle # 17
Mister Miracle # 18
Marriage of Big Barda and Mister Miracle
Well there you have it. The chronological issue by issue look at the New Gods / Fourth World Saga including key issues. As this spans over four separate comic book properties, there are Omnibus’ available in 4 volumes for those who strictly want to read beyond collecting or flipping.
With all this being said, I highly recommend digging into this lore and learning about all it has to offer. With this being written for the big screen, There is no doubt some of the books above beyond the obvious ones will gain in value provide, a nice profit for those who are early in the game. Cough, cough Mister Miracle # 2 and # 6. Don’t say we didn’t tell you so!
My memory always takes me back to pre GOTG movies. Including how many of those books were in bins waiting to be had, and the ROI turned was addicting. You have any questions on that, or anything else related, please reach out to some of the vets, or anyone on the CBSI writing group. Between all of the resources, there is no question that can’t be answered.
As always, thanks for reading!
Talk soon,
