Robb Ghag reviews Justice League #23.1: Darkseid…
“For Darkseid, Lord of Apokolips, you conform or die. Now born into his realm is an anomaly who looks to challenge that. A trickster, who will go to any length to survive even if it means sacrificing worlds to do it—leading to an Earth shattering confrontation between The Man of Steel and a Dark Lord.”
Is there any villain more destructive, malevolent or awe inspiring then Darkseid in the DC Universe? That’s a debate for the masses, but in my humble opinion, the answer is No.
Throughout the history of the DC Universe villains have come and gone, with their plans for world domination, or universal mayhem. None have really withstood the test of time like Darkseid has. While I am an occasional reader of Justice League in the New 52, the rebirth and re-emergence of Darkseid was epically detailed and it is easy to see why it was on the New York Times Best Seller List.
The writing for me in this issue really stresses the age of the story, and reads almost like folklore or mythology. Greg Pak does a great job utilizing simple lines such as “Once Upon a Time…in the dirt fields of the world before our worlds…” Very poetic, and immediately delves you into that frame of mind.
The artwork has a very early concept, sketch like feel. It works well, as splash pages and insets enhance the story. As well another grandiose 3D cover showing Darkseid’s “Omega Beams” almost jumping through the page. If you’ve ever read anything about Jack Kirby’s “New Gods” this story is definitely for you.
Forget what you know about the Darkseid of present, his hunt for the destruction of Superman and Earth, or his obsession with Anti-Life. Read this issue and realize where this New God came from, and why is feared throughout the DC Universe.
Robb Ghag works for an Arts & Entertainment Brokerage in Toronto Canada. An Animation and Film school graduate, he specializes in Risk Management of Animation and VFX studios throughout North America.