Publication date October 1997 Colorist(s) Patricia Mulvihill Genre Crossover Publisher DC Comics | Inker(s) Joe Rubinstein Writer John Byrne Penciller Ron Wagner | |
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Main characters Highfather, Darkseid, Superman Similar Death of the New Gods, Cosmic Odyssey, Countdown to Final Crisis, Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen, Final Crisis | ||
"Genesis" was a comic book crossover storyline published by DC Comics in August 1997 that ran through a self-titled, four-issue, weekly mini-series and various tie-in issues. The mini-series was written by John Byrne and drawn by Ron Wagner and Joe Rubinstein.
Contents
Plot
The storyline centers on the New Gods of New Genesis and their enemy Darkseid and involves all of DC's super-powered characters. The storyline introduced the concept of the "Godwave", an interstellar phenomenon that, on its first pass, created gods on various planets through the universe, such as the Greek, Egyptian, and Norse pantheons on Earth. The Godwave then reached the edge of the universe and bounced back, creating superhumans on its second pass.
The series focused on how the wave threatens reality when it rebounds back to its starting point on its third pass. Darkseid attempts to seize the power of the Godwave, which disrupts the abilities of various superheroes, either neutralizing them or drastically altering them. The wave also has the effect of making humans feel like something is missing. Some simply think it's a case of the blues, while others despair so badly they commit suicide.
The heroes of Earth and the New Gods of New Genesis battle to prevent Darkseid from accomplishing his plans. Darkseid's forces again stage an invasion of Earth before travelling to the Source Wall to confront the heroes.
Critical response
The series was critically panned for retroactively changing the nature of the powers of various superheroes by revealing that superpowers were manifestations of the Source in the form of a grand unified theory.
Tie-ins
Action Comics #738
The Adventures of Superman #551
Aquaman vol. 5, #37
Azrael #34
Batman #547
Green Lantern vol. 3, #91
Impulse #30
Jack Kirby's Fourth World #8
Legion of Super-Heroes vol. 4, #97
Lobo #44
The Power of SHAZAM! #31
Resurrection Man #6
Robin vol. 4, #46
Sovereign Seven #27
The Spectre vol. 3, #58
Starman #35
Steel #43
Superboy and the Ravers #14
Supergirl vol. 4, #14
Superman vol. 2, #128
Superman: The Man of Steel #72
Teen Titans vol. 2, #13
Wonder Woman vol. 2, #126
Xero #6
Young Heroes in Love #5