When we last visited the remains of Ungrund…
…there were two giant molten bodies, spinning slow and barren — clean of all that had gone before — adrift in the fading sounds of cosmic thunder…
New Gods (vol. 1) #1 (Feb./March 1971)
Over the next 500 million years, the planets cooled, becoming “two separate and distinct homes for new forces to rise and drop and achieve powers to move the universe in new ways…”
APOKOLIPS
…forever orbiting in shadow — its surface marked by mammoth fire pits — which illuminate its stark and functional temples — in which creatures of fury worship a creed of destruction!!
The beings of Apokolips were born from the atoms of a mysterious Old God sorceress. Their planet was devoid of natural resources… an industrial wasteland.
NEW GENESIS
…moving with majestic serenity, in eternal partnership with the seething giant, Apokolips, a sunlit sister world.
The beings of New Genesis were born from the living atoms of the Old God Balduur. Their planet was lush and full of life… a place of peace.
THE FOURTH WORLD
30,000 years ago, the inhabitants of Apoklips and New Genesis attained godhood, marking the beginning of “the Fourth World.”
The first ruler of Apokolips was Yuga Khan. Married to Heggra, they had two sons, Drax and Uxas. In his quest for more and more power, Yuga Khan attempted to breach the Source Wall and was instead imprisoned in the Promethean Galaxy as one of the Celestial Giants.
Heggra became the sovereign queen-mother of Apokolips. While she was responsible for many political and military machinations, it was her sons who would live in infamy.
Uxas, the younger son, longed to inherit the throne and plotted to take his mother’s and brother’s place. He saw an opportunity when he discovered the Omega Realm, but…
Drax, his older brother, intended to make a connection to it first. When he fell into the Infinity Pit, Uxas supposedly followed in order to save him. However, Drax was left horribly burned and near death. As for Uxas…
Uxas claimed his god-name and became… Darkseid.
Drax ultimately survived, saved by the alien warrior, Astorr. After nursing him back to health and before he died, Astorr passed his powers to Drax, who became… Infinity Man.
Next week: The Great Clash!
Jack Kirby’s Fourth World #5
July 1997 (5-14-97)
$1.95
“O, Deadly Darkseid”
5 pages
Writer/Artist: John L. Byrne
Editor: Paul Kupperberg
Jack Kirby’s Fourth World #18
Aug. 1998 (6-10-98)
$1.95
“The Guardian of Infinity”
4 pages
Writer/Artist: John L. Byrne
Editor: Paul Kupperberg
New Gods (vol. 1) #1
Feb/March 1971 (12-22-70)
$0.15
“Orion Fights for Earth”
23 pages
Writer/Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Vince Colletta
Editor: Jack Kirby
New Gods (vol. 3) #17
June 1990 (5-8-1990)
$1.50
“Advent of Darkness”
24 pages
Plotter/Penciller: Paris Cullins
Scripter: Mark Evanier
Inker: Will A. Blyberg
Editor: Michael Eury
CODEX OMNIVERSA 