 Apokolips |
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| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Universe | DC Universe |
| Creator | Jack Kirby |
| Genre | Comics |
In the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series. It is also integral to many DC Comics stories. The planet is considered the opposite of New Genesis. Apokolips (a play on the term "apocalypse") is a large planet. It is an ecumenopolis with burning firepits. The war that destroyed the Old Gods and created New Genesis and Apokolips separated the Fourth World from the rest of the universe, leaving it only accessible by Boom Tube.
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Inhabitants
The population is a downtrodden lot, including many kidnapped from other worlds before being 'broken.' The majority of the population are called "Lowlies", a bald and fearful race that has no sense of self worth or value. The Lowlies are subject to constant abuse that ends only with death. There is also a colony of Bugs, recent migrants from New Genesis who are led by Mantis. Slightly above them are the Parademons who serve as the keepers of order on the planet. Higher above the Parademons are the Female Furies who are Darkseid's personal guard. (Male Furies also exist, but are less common) They are blessed with unnatural strength and longevity and are allowed to develop as individuals. This exposure to new concepts often results in them developing comical or garish personalities that contrast strongly with the immense sadism that is required to reach their position. The leaders of the Furies are Granny Goodness, who sports the appearance of a matronly old woman while being the most powerful of the guards, and Kanto, who enjoys a unique position as Darkseid's master assassin. The chief guard, Big Barda had a third position under Granny which has not been filled since her defection from the group. Apokolips is ruled by Darkseid as its theocratic god/despot but he delegates most of the actual day to day ruling to his counsellor Desaad. Darkseid has no real contenders for the throne of Apokolips except the demon Mantis, although his sons Orion, Grayven, and Kalibak are also potential contenders. Darkseid is cursed by Grayven and Kalibak's stupidity and Orion's service of good. It is prophesied that Orion will overthrow Darkseid. In Kingdom Come it is revealed that Darkseid's overthrow will not result in major changes on Apokolips, as Apokolips' evil comes from evil itself rather than Darkseid.
Technology
Surprisingly, Apokolips is second to New Genesis in technological advancement. With their technology, they are the height of power in most of the universe and are able to devastate galaxies when they choose to use it. Apokoliptian technology is furthermore the source of unparalleled misery in the universe as the planet routinely arms evil groups with advanced technology in order to further its influence (and misery) across the universe. Apokolips technology was used by Ugly Mannheim and his Intergang in Superman comics. The "Entropy Aegis" armor used by Steel to defeat Imperiex was Apokaliptian technology, as was Dmitri Pushkin's second suit of Rocket Red armor.
Seven Soldiers
Both Apokolips and New Genesis were seemingly destroyed in a final battle prior to Grant Morrison's miniseries Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle. However, the final issue of that series implied that the story's earlier events were merely visions seen by the hero as part of an elaborate test by the New God Metron. How much of the battle really happened and the current status of the New Gods remains to be seen.
30th century
In the 30th century, original Legion of Super-Heroes continuity, Apokolips is inactive and Darkseid incapacitated. In the Reboot Legion continuity, Darkseid was aged and dying with the planet mostly uninhabited but the center of a large cult.
Galactus
During an intercompany crossover, Galactus visited Apokolips, but was unable to feed on the planet, since all of the life force that had dwelled there had either left to New Genesis or were burned in the fire pits long ago.
References
External links
- Cosmic Teams: New Gods
- DCU Guide: Old Gods
- Index to the Earth-1 Fourth World stories
- The New Gods Library - An Unofficial Fansite
| New Gods | |
|---|---|
| Creators: | Jack Kirby |
| New Genesis: | Highfather • Orion • Mister Miracle • Lightray • Forever People |
| Apokolips: | Darkseid • Kalibak • Desaad • Granny Goodness • Parademon • Steppenwolf • Doctor Bedlam • Virman Vundabar • Female Furies • Lashina • Devilance the Pursuer |
| Other Characters: |
Metron • Black Racer • Forager • Big Barda • Mantis • Himon • Infinity-Man |
| Concepts and Items: | The Source • Source Wall • Anti-Life Equation • Mother Box • Boom Tube |
| Major Storylines: | Jack Kirby's Fourth World • Legends • Cosmic Odyssey • Genesis • Death of the New Gods |
