Villains don't get nastier than Darkseid, the cold and malevolent master of Apokolips. Jack Kirby knew he was creating a superpower to dealt with when he concocted this master manipulator. Darkseid's goals are so much more insidious than his agents that the menace he emboies becomes ever increasing as the Fourth World books unfolded. He never seems under threat, or would admit to same, and he has a profound sense of superiority to his opponents, though he'd not be dumb enough to underestimate them if he could avoid it. Most comic book villains are flawed by their very nature and you can see how they can be defeated ultimately. I never grokked how Darkseid was going to be stopped...ever.
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After thirty or forty years of comics history, Kirby was still able to come up with game-changing concepts, like a villain of such stature that he has overwhelmed every other villain at DC, and created the template for Marvel's own overwhelming cosmic figure Thanos. Kirby looms large in both movie universes, because it seems impossible to surpass these titanic images. But if he were still around, Kirby would've found a way to reach even further, because that's who he was.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that. BTW, what a stunning watercolor of Darkseid!! Thanks, Rip. Awesome as always.
DeleteI agree with your sentiments Russ. While Starlin insists that Thanos was not inspired by Darkseid, there's little doubt that quickly he became so. That both of these uber-baddies are the core villains of two film franchises speaks to the greatness of the King.
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And you are welcome Rey. It's been a pleasure presenting this great Kirby artwork. I've learned more than a little bit along the way. It wraps up tomorrow.
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