DC Comics has givenDarkseidhis biggest upgrade since his debut in 1970. While DC definitely killed off Darkseid in 2024, he has “returned” in the strangest way possible and much stronger than ever before. Instead of seeking the Anti-Life Equation, he’s now in control of his very own universe.
Darkseid has been a threat to the universe for decades. He has continually been searching for theAnti-Life Equationso that he can control all free will in the universe. Anti-Life has always been his ultimate goal, but DC surprised readers whenDarkseid was killed off inDC All In Special#1by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Daniel Sampere, and Wes Craig.
In this major special one-shot, Darkseid realizes his true purpose in the universe - and that he has a way to escape it. Instead of simply staying as part of the eternal cycle of the universe, Darkseid seeks out the Justice League for a major confrontation, leading to his death, as he planned.
Darkseid Has Always Sought Control, and in 2024 He Finally Made Some Major Strides
DC All In Special#1 by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, Wes Craig, Daniel Sampere, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, Mike Spicer, Alejandro Sánchez, and Steve Wands
Usually, the Justice League going up against Darkseid is a major battle that they often just barely win. But this time, despiteDarkseidbeing seemingly more powerful than ever, the god wasn’t looking to win. Instead, he engages Superman and other Justice League Unlimited members in a brutal battle that seemingly ends with Darkseid’s death. While this death scene seems like a massive and total victory for the forces of good in the DCU, things aren’t as they seem. This supposed death was actuallythe biggest power boost that Darkseid had ever gotten, and it just gave him everything he had ever hoped for.
The New Godsare interesting beings in that they’re often portrayed as the DCU’s living embodiment of ideas. As such,Darkseid represents the idea of tyranny, which explains why he has constantly and consistently sought the Anti-Life Equation. If Darkseid were to get hold of this equation, it would prove that all life is meaningless and that the only thing that matters is service to Darkseid. It’s a dark goal that Darkseid has only narrowly failed to accomplish. Time and again, the Justice League has defeated him and saved the universe from being under his iron fist.
DC Comics' Absolute Universe Is Massive, and New Gods Will Be “Central” To Its Future Stories
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Considering that Darkseid is a New God, it seemed like he would never truly be defeated and that eventually, Darkseid would get his hands on the Anti-Life Equation and wipe out all free will. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem like that will come to pass. Darkseid learned that his role in the universe is thathe’s the force that gives constraint to life. Every living thing in the universe needs adversity, and that adversity comes from the energy of Darkseid. It makes Darkseid a primal force and an immenselyimportant part of the DC Multiverse, but now, Darkseid has moved on after his death and become something else entirely.
Darkseid Now Rules His Very Own Absolute Universe
Darkseid Has Absolute Control in DC’s Darkest Worlds
After the death of Darkseid, his energy was released and created a brand-new universe where Darkseid is the ultimate ruler: the much lauded Absolute Universe. Instead of hope being the natural state of this universe, it’s hopelessness. The Absolute Universe is everything Darkseid finally wanted:a universe that he can control and manipulate as he pleases. Every enemy he’s ever had, like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, starts off at a significant disadvantage compared to the original DC Universe. While hope is still managing to bloom, it’s in the oppressive universe where evil reigns absolutely.
Darkseid is perfectly capable of manipulating the Absolute Universe as he sees fit, making the lives of everyone in it miserable.
In 2024, Darkseid went from being the enemy of all life to being revealed as an integral part of life - to creating his very own universe. It’s hard to imagine a bigger upgrade in the character’s history. He’s always been a major threat to the freedom of the DCU, but now he has his very own universe that he can control as he pleases. Worst of all,there’s literally no one who can stop him. The Justice Leagueisn’t aware of the Absolute Universe yet, and there isn’t an Absolute Justice League. Darkseid is perfectly capable of manipulating the Absolute Universe as he sees fit, making the lives of everyone in it miserable.
Darkseid Has Been Re-Invented as an Absolute God
Anything Could Happen with This Major Antagonist in 2025
It’s not unusual for villains to get upgraded over the years. The Joker, for example, went from a basic serial killer to one of the biggest threats the world can face depending on the story. As the heroes get stronger and gain more allies, it’s perfectly natural for the villains to do the same as well. Darkseid has always been powerful, either through his penchant for manipulation or his incredibly dangerous Omega Effect. Either way, it’s unlikely that readers expected DC to giveDarkseideverything he ever wanted and make him a legitimate god who rules over an entire universe.
DC All In Special#1is available now from DC Comics!
Darkseid
Darkseid is a tyrannical supervillain in DC Comics, ruling the hellish planet Apokolips. He seeks the Anti-Life Equation to control all sentient life and eliminate free will across the universe. With immense strength, energy manipulation, and Omega Beams that disintegrate targets, Darkseid is a relentless foe of Superman, the Justice League, New Gods, and free people everywhere.
