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Jack Kirby’s Fourth World (Image via DC Comics)

2. Jack Kirby’s Fourth World

This doesn’t encompass a given story or even a specific series. Rather, this entry takes a wide focus onto a group of interconnected titles collected as Jack Kirby’s Fourth World.

It all began, ignominiously enough, with an October 1970 issue of Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen #133. The concept took on a greater head of steam with the later introduction of the series, The New Gods, Mister Miracle, and The Forever People. Surprisingly, this grand tale was published from 1970 to only 1973.

So, what’s so freaky-deaky about this collection of series? It all deals with a grand, cosmic battle between good and evil. This is in part represented by the “good” planet and people of New Genesis and the “bad” planet and people of Apokolips.

Echoes of Earth

The stages include highly advanced technological societies populated by the so-called “New Gods”. These space-based deities are echoes of the gods of our own human mythology. For example, New Genesis is ruled by the Highfather, who is really named Izaya. The name’s reminiscent of the Biblical Isaiah, but Izaya takes nods from Zeus, Odin, and many other patriarchal figures throughout myth, religion, and legend.

Izaya’s counterpart, Darkseid, rules Apokolips and draws uncomfortable parallels with fascists from Earth history, down to his authoritarian rule and love of jackboots. Together, the pair are seemingly fated to play off one another, using their people as pawns, for centuries upon centuries.

Good and evil aren’t clear in this strange world, however. Darkseid and the Highfather sometimes work a little too closely for comfort, as when they exchange sons in a peacemaking pact. All along, the Fourth World series trades in breathtakingly large and strange ways of life and tale-telling.