Apokolips is a fictional planet that appears in
American comic books published by
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. (doing business as DC) is an American comic book publisher and the flagship unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery.
DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, with thei ...
. The planet is ruled by
Darkseid, established in
Jack Kirby's Fourth World series, and is integral to many stories in the
DC Universe
The DC Universe (DCU) is the fictional shared universe where most stories in American comic book titles published by DC Comics take place. Superheroes such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Robin, Martian Manhunter, The Flash, Green Lant ...
. Apokolips is considered the opposite of the planet
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, the planet is home to the heroic New Gods led by the sage Highfather. New Genesis is the positive counterpart o ...
.
Apokolips is a large planet covered entirely by a city (an
ecumenopolis
Ecumenopolis (from el, οἰκουμένη '' oecumene'' 'world', and ''polis'' 'city', thus 'a world city'; plural ''ecumenopolises'' or ''ecumenopoleis'') is the hypothetical concept of a planetwide city.
Description
The word was invented in ...
). It is a notoriously dismal place, where the slavish Hunger Dogs (low-class citizens) labor endlessly to feed the Energy Pits which supply light and power to the world. Both Apokolips and New Genesis exist in a different plane of existence from the regular DC Universe, located near
the Source
''The Source'' is an American hip hop and entertainment website, and a magazine that publishes annually or . It is the world's longest-running rap periodical, being founded as a newsletter in 1988 by Jonathan Shecter. David Mays was the ma ...
that originated the Old and
New Gods.
Apokolips represents a failed society. As Jack Misselhorn writes: "No one on Apokolips evolves spiritually because there is no love. It is a stagnant society, its inhabitants living in ignorance, the legacy of oppression".
Accessing either Apokolips or New Genesis usually requires a form of travel known as a "Boom Tube", a portal generated by a device known as a
Mother Box
Mother Boxes are fictional devices in Jack Kirby's '' Fourth World'' setting in the DC Universe.
The Mother Boxes appeared in the feature films ''Justice League'' and ''Zack Snyder's Justice League'' of the DC Extended Universe.
History
Created ...
. In some versions, the boom tube actually converts the size of individuals that pass through to proportions fitting the destination, i.e., when a New God passes from Apokolips (or New Genesis) to Earth, they shrink in size, while someone going the other way would grow larger. If someone somehow reaches the Fourth World by other means, they will discover that its denizens are giants.
Fictional history
Apokolips and its bright counterpart
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, the planet is home to the heroic New Gods led by the sage Highfather. New Genesis is the positive counterpart o ...
were spawned by the destruction of
Urgrund, the world of the "Old Gods" (implied to be the gods of
Norse mythology
Norse, Nordic, or Scandinavian mythology is the body of myths belonging to the North Germanic peoples, stemming from Old Norse religion and continuing after the Christianization of Scandinavia, and into the Nordic folklore of the modern period ...
). While New Genesis was given strength and nobility from the "living atoms" of the Old God
Balduur, Apokolips was saturated with evil from an unnamed sorceress. The two planets are locked in an eternal war, symbolizing the struggle of evil and good on a grand mythic scale. Apokolips is ruled by a fell being known as
Darkseid, a dark leader who rules over his downtrodden people by force and fear. Apokolips appears to be a high-tech industrial ecumenopolis.
''Seven Soldiers''
Both Apokolips and
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, the planet is home to the heroic New Gods led by the sage Highfather. New Genesis is the positive counterpart o ...
were seemingly destroyed in a final battle prior to
Grant Morrison
Grant Morrison, MBE (born 31 January 1960) is a Scottish comic book writer, screenwriter, and producer. Their work is known for its nonlinear narratives, humanist philosophy and countercultural leanings. Morrison has written extensively for th ...
's miniseries ''Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle''. However, the final issue of that series implied that the story's earlier events were merely visions seen by the hero as part of an elaborate test by the New God
Metron. How much of the battle really happened and the current status of the New Gods remains to be seen.
''Countdown to Final Crisis''
Using
Boom Tube
The New Gods are a fictional extraterrestrial race appearing in the eponymous comic book series published by DC Comics, as well as selected other DC titles. Created and designed by Jack Kirby, they first appeared in February 1971 in ''New Gods'' ...
technology,
Brother Eye
The OMACs (; Omni Mind And Community, originally Observational Metahuman Activity Construct and alternatively One Man Army Corps.) are a fictional type of cyborg appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. They are based on the Jack Kirby OM ...
arrives on Apokolips and seemingly assimilates the entire planet. Before the assimilation is fully complete, the
Pied Piper
The Pied Piper of Hamelin (german: der Rattenfänger von Hameln, also known as the Pan Piper or the Rat-Catcher of Hamelin) is the title character of a legend from the town of Hamelin (Hameln), Lower Saxony, Germany.
The legend dates back to ...
intervenes and channels the
Anti-Life Equation
The Anti-Life Equation is a fictional concept appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. In Jack Kirby's Fourth World setting, the Anti-Life Equation is a formula for total control over the minds of sentient beings that is sought by ...
through his flute. This destroys much of
Brother Eye
The OMACs (; Omni Mind And Community, originally Observational Metahuman Activity Construct and alternatively One Man Army Corps.) are a fictional type of cyborg appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. They are based on the Jack Kirby OM ...
, causing its central core to make a last-minute escape off the surface of the planet and reverting much of Apokolips to what it was.
''Death of the New Gods''
At the end of the ''Death of the New Gods'' miniseries, with all the gods now dead, the combined entity born from the melding of the
Source
Source may refer to:
Research
* Historical document
* Historical source
* Source (intelligence) or sub source, typically a confidential provider of non open-source intelligence
* Source (journalism), a person, publication, publishing institute o ...
and the
Anti-Life Equation
The Anti-Life Equation is a fictional concept appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. In Jack Kirby's Fourth World setting, the Anti-Life Equation is a formula for total control over the minds of sentient beings that is sought by ...
merges Apokolips and
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, the planet is home to the heroic New Gods led by the sage Highfather. New Genesis is the positive counterpart o ...
into a single new planet with characteristics in common with both the former worlds.
''The Great Darkness Saga''
In the 30th century, original ''
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Plastino, the Legion is a group of superpowered beings living in the 30th and 31st c ...
'' continuity, Apokolips is inactive and Darkseid incapacitated. In the reboot ''Legion'' continuity, Darkseid was aged and dying, with the planet mostly uninhabited, but the center of a large cult.
''
The New 52
The New 52 is the 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero comic books. Following the conclusion of the " Flashpoint" crossover storyline, DC canceled all its existing titles and debuted 52 new serie ...
'': Earth-0 and Earth-2
In DC continuity following its 2011 ''
Flashpoint'' event and the launch of its ''
New 52
The New 52 is the 2011 revamp and relaunch by DC Comics of its entire line of ongoing monthly superhero comic books. Following the conclusion of the " Flashpoint" crossover storyline, DC canceled all its existing titles and debuted 52 new series ...
'' line of comics, the
DC Multiverse
In DC Comics, the Multiverse is a "cosmic construct" composed of the many fictional universes the stories of DC take place in. The worlds in this multiverse share a space and fate in common, and its structure has changed several times in the h ...
remains composed of 52 worlds, but only one set of New Gods. Darkseid and his army from Apokolips has attempted to invade Earth-0, or Prime Earth, but is repelled by the first incarnation of the
Justice League
The Justice League (also known as The Justice League of America) are a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). The team was conceived ...
. At the same time, his armies invaded the alternate Earth of Earth-2 under the aegis of
Steppenwolf, which was much more successful.
The invasion of Earth-2 cost the lives of that universe's original
Superman
Superman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and debuted in the comic book ''Action Comics'' #1 (cover-dated June 1938 and publi ...
,
Batman
Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on ...
,
Catwoman
Catwoman is a fictional character created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Debuting as "the Cat" in ''Batman'' #1 (spring 1940), she is ...
,
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is a superhero created by the American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston (pen name: Charles Moulton), and artist Harry G. Peter. Marston's wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston, Elizabeth, and their life partner, Olive Byr ...
and millions of humans, including Earth-2's
Lois Lane
Lois Lane is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, she first appeared in ''Action Comics'' #1 (June 1938). Lois is an award-winning journalist for ...
, married to Superman on that world. The Apokoliptan forces have assistance from
Fury (Earth-2 Wonder Woman's abducted and brainwashed daughter), with all her mother's Amazonian abilities. Five years on, a number of new "wonders" begin to emerge:
Green Lantern (Alan Scott)
Alan Scott is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, and the first character to bear the name Green Lantern. He fights evil with the aid of a magical ring which grants him a variety of powers. He was created by Mar ...
, the
Atom
Every atom is composed of a nucleus and one or more electrons bound to the nucleus. The nucleus is made of one or more protons and a number of neutrons. Only the most common variety of hydrogen has no neutrons.
Every solid, liquid, gas, and ...
,
Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl is the name of several superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original Hawkgirl, Shiera Sanders Hall, was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville, and first appeared in ''Flash Comics' ...
,
Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate (also known as Fate) is the name of multiple superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original version of the character was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, debuting in ''More F ...
, the
Red Tornado
Red is the color at the long wavelength end of the visible spectrum of light, next to orange and opposite violet. It has a dominant wavelength of approximately 625–740 nanometres. It is a primary color in the RGB color model and a secondary ...
(an android with Lois Lane's consciousness) and the
Flash
Flash, flashes, or FLASH may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media
Fictional aliases
* Flash (DC Comics character), several DC Comics superheroes with super speed:
** Flash (Barry Allen)
** Flash (Jay Garrick)
** Wally West, the first Kid F ...
form an embryonic Justice Society to deal with threats such as
Solomon Grundy. Before long, the armies of Apokolips attempt a second invasion of Earth 2, and the Wonders of the World are supported by further heroes includes Batman (
Thomas Wayne
Thomas Alan Wayne, M.D. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is the father of Bruce Wayne ( Batman), and husband of Martha Wayne as well as the paternal grandfather of Damian Wayne. Wayne was int ...
), a new
Superman (Val-Zod), the
Huntress (Helena Wayne)
The Huntress, also known as Helena Wayne, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The Character (arts), character is the daughter of the Batman (Earth-Two), Batman and Catwoman#Earth-Two, Catwoman (Selina Kyle) ...
,
Power Girl
Power Girl, also known as Kara Zor-L and Karen Starr, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books by DC Comics, making her first appearance in ''All Star Comics'' #58 (January/February 1976). Power Girl is the cousin of the superhero Supe ...
, Aquawoman (Marella), the
Accountable (Jimmy Olsen), the New God
Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle (Scott Free) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971) and was created by Jack Kirby.
Publication history
Mister Miracle debuted in ...
, and Earth 0's
Mister Terrific.
Agents of Darkseid, such as
Glorious Godfrey
Glorious Godfrey is a DC Comics supervillain who is part of The Fourth World series of comic books in the early 1970s.
Publication history
Glorious Godfrey first appeared in ''The Forever People'' #3 (June 1971) and was created by Jack Kirby.
In ...
and
Kalibak
Kalibak
Kalibak () is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. He is the eldest son of Darkseid, half-brother of Orion and Grayven, and an enemy of Superman and the Justice League.
Created by Jack Kirby, being debuted w ...
(in ''Batman & Robin'') and the Apokoliptian
Orion (in ''Wonder Woman''), have encountered the heroes of Earth-0 on several occasions, but no full-scale invasions have taken place. Later, in the series ''Earth 2: Worlds' End'',
Mister Miracle
Mister Miracle (Scott Free) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971) and was created by Jack Kirby.
Publication history
Mister Miracle debuted in ...
discovers that
Highfather
Highfather (Izaya the Inheritor) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. An integral part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, Highfather is a New God, leader of the planet New Genesis and the positive co ...
made a deal with Darkseid that the armies of Apokolips could invade Earth-2 and that dimension freely without the intervention of the New Gods of New Genesis, explaining the wild disparity between the fates of Earth-0 and Earth-2. Ultimately, Apokolips itself enters Earth-2's Solar System and consumes Earth-2, transforming the planet into fuel to sustain itself.
''DC Rebirth''
When Perpetua destroys the Source Wall, one of the side effects is that Apokolips simply vanishes. With Apokolips gone, Darkseid plans to use the Ghost Sector to create a New Apokolips which he will use to invade and conquer the Multiverse.
Inhabitants
The population is a downtrodden lot, including many kidnapped from other worlds before being "broken". The majority of the population are called Lowlies or Hunger Dogs, a bald and fearful race that has no sense of self-worth or value, and yet, in their own way, are just as much gods as those who rule the planet. The Lowlies are subject to constant abuse that ends only with death. Next are the
Parademon
Apokolips is a fictional planet that appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The planet is ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series, and is integral to many stories in the DC Universe. Apokolips is co ...
s, who serve as the keepers of order on the planet. Higher above the Parademons are the
Female Furies
The Female Furies are a group of women warriors and supervillains appearing in comics published by DC Comics. All of them are New Gods who serve Darkseid. They operate directly under Granny Goodness, who trains all of Darkseid's soldiers.
Publica ...
, who are Darkseid's personal guard. They are blessed with unnatural strength and longevity and are either trained for their position in the Furies from birth, or are promoted from the ranks of general Apokoliptian troops. The leaders of the Furies are
Granny Goodness
Granny Goodness is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics.
Granny Goodness made her live-action debut in the final two seasons of ''Smallville'', and she was portrayed by Nancy Amelia Bell and Christine Willes. Granny Goodness made her ...
, who sports the appearance of a matronly old woman while being the most powerful of the guards, and
Kanto
Kantō (Japanese)
Kanto is a simplified spelling of , a Japanese word, only omitting the diacritics.
In Japan
Kantō may refer to:
*Kantō Plain
*Kantō region
*Kantō-kai, organized crime group
*Kanto (Pokémon), a geographical region in the ' ...
, who enjoys a unique position as Darkseid's master assassin. The chief guard,
Big Barda
Big Barda is an antihero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #4 (October 1971), and was created by Jack Kirby. Jack Kirby based Barda's physical appearance on Lainie Kazan, who had re ...
, had a third position under Granny which has not been filled since her defection from the group. Deep below Armagetto, the lifeless forms of the Old Gods live on. They are known as the Dreggs.
Apokolips is ruled by Darkseid as its theocratic god/despot, but he delegates most of the actual day-to-day ruling to his counsellor
DeSaad. Darkseid has no real contenders for the throne of Apokolips except the bug-like
Mantis
Mantises are an order (Mantodea) of insects that contains over 2,400 species in about 460 genera in 33 families. The largest family is the Mantidae ("mantids"). Mantises are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical habitats. They ha ...
, although his sons
Orion,
Grayven
Grayven is a supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in ''Green Lantern'' (vol. 3) #74 (June 1996), and was created by Ron Marz and Darryl Banks making him one of the few characters related to Darkseid not to have been created by J ...
and
Kalibak
Kalibak
Kalibak () is a supervillain appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. He is the eldest son of Darkseid, half-brother of Orion and Grayven, and an enemy of Superman and the Justice League.
Created by Jack Kirby, being debuted w ...
are also potential contenders. Darkseid is cursed with Grayven and Kalibak's stupidity and Orion's service in the name of good. Orion once usurped the throne of Apokolips from his father temporarily, until coming to his senses and returning to New Genesis. It is prophesied that Orion will overthrow Darkseid. In ''
Kingdom Come'', it is revealed that Darkseid's overthrow will not result in major changes on Apokolips, as Apokolips' evil comes from evil itself rather than from Darkseid.
Geography
There are different locations on Apokolips, a ecumenopolis (a world-city) with burning firepits, extant in between dimensions, occupying a ‘frequency’ somewhere between the physical universe and Hell:
* Armagedda - One of the many filth-strewn districts on Apokolips that is inhabited by Hunger Dogs and patrolled by Parademons.
* Armagetto - The planet's one city and capital home to a dangerous ghetto outside of Darkseid's palace.
* Darkseid's Palace - This is where Darkseid lives.
* The Garden of Hope - The only beautiful place on Apokolips that has plants on it. It is here where the precognitive Pythia resides, guarding Darkseid's oracle. Darkseid tends to visit this area when he gets stressed out.
* Granny Goodness' Orphanage - This is a training facility where Granny Goodness trains the children of Apokolips to become mighty warriors. It is located in the Night-Time Zone of Armagetto.
* The Happiness Home - The Happiness Home is a rectangular fortress is built on a solid rock base in the centre of a shallow crater. It is over 200 feet high and a training school of sorts.
* The Necropolis - The Necropolis is an underground labyrinth located on Apokolips, home to the Dreggs, the last surviving Old Gods. The Dreggs survived the sundering of Urgrund, but were rendered mindless. Below the Necropolis are the Black Ways, a labyrinth which was the prison of Sirius, one of the last few surviving Old Gods, now trapped in the form of a large wolf. Sirius sacrificed himself to save Orion's life, as seen in ''Orion'' #10 (March 2001). Powerful artifacts created by the Old Gods have been found in the Necropolis. A sword found in the ruins of Asgaard briefly gave John Hedley superhuman powers, which he used to challenge Orion in ''New Gods'' #16 (May 1990). In another expedition, Kalibak discovered the ''Thunderbelt'', a device which increased his strength and durability (and which was a direct homage to Thor's belt of strength). New Genesis also has ruined cities from the time of the Old Gods. Lonar found his mystical war horse Thunderer in one of these ruins. They met the Odin for some kind of business, such as a black lightning market that could be a source for Asgaardian people.
* The Terrorium -
Technology
Apokolips is on par with
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, the planet is home to the heroic New Gods led by the sage Highfather. New Genesis is the positive counterpart o ...
in terms of technological advancement. With their technology, they are the height of power in most of the universe and are able to devastate galaxies when they choose to use it. Technology from Apokolips is sometimes on par with the technology used by
Brainiac
Brainiac is a colloquial adjective used to describe exceptionally intelligent people. It may also refer to:
Culture Fictional entities
* Brainiac (character), a fictional supervillain in DC Comics, and an enemy of Superman
* Brainiac (story arc), ...
. Apokoliptian technology is furthermore the source of unparalleled misery in the universe, as the planet routinely arms evil groups with advanced technology to further its influence (and misery) across the universe. Apokoliptian technology was used by
Bruno "Ugly" Mannheim
Bruno "Ugly" Mannheim is a supervillain appearing American comic books published by DC Comics. He is an Intergang crime boss who is the son of Moxie Mannheim and one of Superman's enemies.
Publication history
The character first appeared in ' ...
and his organization
Intergang
Intergang is a fictional organized crime syndicate appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Armed with technology supplied by the villainous New Gods of the planet Apokolips, they consistently appear as enemies of various DC super ...
in the ''
Superman
Superman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, and debuted in the comic book ''Action Comics'' #1 (cover-dated June 1938 and publi ...
'' comics. It was a deal between Darkseid and Metron which was the cause of the invention of the "Boom Tube" using "Element X", which could only be found on Apokolips. The "Entropy Aegis" armor, used by
Steel
Steel is an alloy made up of iron with added carbon to improve its strength and fracture resistance compared to other forms of iron. Many other elements may be present or added. Stainless steels that are corrosion- and oxidation-resistant ty ...
to defeat
Imperiex
Imperiex () is a supervillain character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. He was initially introduced as an adversary to the superhero Superman before becoming a main antagonist for DC Comics' the "Our Worlds at War" crossover.
...
, was Apokoliptian technology, as was Dmitri Pushkin's second suit of
Rocket Red
Rocket Red (russian: Ракетно-Красный, Raketno-Krasnyy) is a fictional character and comic book superhero from the DC Comics universe. Created by Steve Englehart and Joe Staton, he first appeared in ''Green Lantern Corps '' #208 ...
armor.
Other versions
''Darkseid/Galactus: The Hunger''
During an
intercompany crossover
In comic books, an intercompany crossover (also called cross-company or company crossover) is a comic or series of comics in which characters, that at the time of publication are the property or licensed property of one publisher, meet character ...
,
Galactus
Galactus () is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Formerly a mortal man, Galactus is a cosmic entity who consumes planets to sustain his life force, and serves a functional role in the upkeep of t ...
visited Apokolips, but was unable to feed on the planet, since all of the life force that had dwelled there had either left to
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, the planet is home to the heroic New Gods led by the sage Highfather. New Genesis is the positive counterpart o ...
or had been burned in the fire pits long ago, in essence leaving the planet with no lifeforce and making it too corrupt for him to feed on.
In other media
Television
* The last two seasons of ''
Super Friends
''Super Friends'' is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes, which ran from 1973 to 1985 on ABC as part of its Saturday-morning cartoon lineup. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera and was based on the Justice League of ...
'' featured Apokolips. It was shown in various episodes of ''
Super Friends: The Legendary Super Powers Show'' and ''
The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians''.
* Jack Kirby's Fourth World was featured heavily in the final season of ''
Superman: The Animated Series'' with Apokolips as the primary setting in a few episodes. In the final episode "Legacy", Superman faced Darkseid in battle and actually dethroned him as ruler and freed the people of Apokolips, only to watch the citizens help Darkseid recover from his wounds out of loyalty.
* In the successor series ''
Justice League
The Justice League (also known as The Justice League of America) are a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). The team was conceived ...
'' Darkseid asked for the League's help when the computer
Brainiac
Brainiac is a colloquial adjective used to describe exceptionally intelligent people. It may also refer to:
Culture Fictional entities
* Brainiac (character), a fictional supervillain in DC Comics, and an enemy of Superman
* Brainiac (story arc), ...
attacks Apokolips. This is later revealed as a trick to capture Superman so Brainiac can make itself an organic being. Darkseid gains control of Brainiac and tries to use him to solve the Anti-Life Equation, but is killed when Brainiac's asteroid base explodes. In the series continuation, ''
Justice League Unlimited
''Justice League Unlimited'' (''JLU'') is a 2004–2006 American superhero animated television series that was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network. Featuring a wide array of superheroes from the DC Comics universe ...
'', Apokolips plunged into civil war after Darkseid's death, between two of his generals,
Granny Goodness
Granny Goodness is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics.
Granny Goodness made her live-action debut in the final two seasons of ''Smallville'', and she was portrayed by Nancy Amelia Bell and Christine Willes. Granny Goodness made her ...
and
Virman Vundabar
Virman Vundabar is a fictional extraterrestrial supervillain published by DC Comics.
Publication history
He was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #5 (December 1971) "drawn like Benito Mussolini".Ro, Ronin. ''Tales to A ...
. Vundabar captures Darkseid's oldest son Kalibak, but Kalibak is later imprisoned on Earth. The League hopes that both sides would destroy each other, so that neither of them can threaten Earth or the universe. But when Darkseid was resurrected by
Lex Luthor
Alexander Joseph "Lex" Luthor () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Lex Luthor originally appeared in ''Action Comics'' #23 (cover dated: April ...
, he returned to Apokolips to reaffirm his rule, quickly ending the civil war. He then orders his forces to attack Earth, so as to get revenge on Superman and later to head to
New Genesis
New Genesis is a fictional planet appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, the planet is home to the heroic New Gods led by the sage Highfather. New Genesis is the positive counterpart o ...
. The Apokolipian forces then came upon Earth via
Boom Tube
The New Gods are a fictional extraterrestrial race appearing in the eponymous comic book series published by DC Comics, as well as selected other DC titles. Created and designed by Jack Kirby, they first appeared in February 1971 in ''New Gods'' ...
s. The Justice League, temporarily allied with the
Secret Society of Super Villains, fought against them. When Darkseid and Luthor seemingly perished when they clasped their hands on the
Anti-Life Equation
The Anti-Life Equation is a fictional concept appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. In Jack Kirby's Fourth World setting, the Anti-Life Equation is a formula for total control over the minds of sentient beings that is sought by ...
, the Apokolipian forces retreated back to their home, with their fate unclear.
* In the series ''
Smallville'', Apokolips is referenced when Clark Kent's cousin Kara explains to Oliver Queen that a symbol-like language depicted on a cave's walls is Apokoliptian in nature. The actual planet appears in the
series finale, in which Darkseid attempts to crash it into Earth until Clark, who has become Superman, defeats Darkseid and pushes Apokolips back into outer space.
* In the direct-to-video film ''
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse'', Apokolips was a featured location where
Darkseid had placed Kara Zor-El under his command.
* Apokolips was referenced in the ''
Young Justice
Young Justice is a fictional DC Comics superhero team consisting of teenaged heroes.
The team was formed in 1998 when DC's usual teen hero group, the Teen Titans, had become adults and changed their name to the Titans. Like the original ''Teen ...
'' episode "Disordered". It eventually appeared in "Endgame", where it was the gathering place for
Vandal Savage
Vandar Adg of the Blood Tribe, more widely known as Vandal Savage, is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is said to be a Cro-Magnon warrior who gained immortality and advanced healing abilities after encount ...
, Darkseid,
G. Gordon Godfrey, and DeSaad.
* Apokolips appears in ''
Justice League Action
''Justice League Action'' is an American superhero animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero team Justice League. The series is produced by Jim Krieg, Butch Lukic, and Alan Burnett. The show debuted on Cartoon Network UK on Nov ...
''.
* Apokolips is featured in the ''
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm as a comic relief henchwoman for the supervillain Joker in '' Batman: The Animated Series'', and debuted in i ...
'' episode "Inner (Para) Demons". The show's
titular character
The title character in a narrative work is one who is named or referred to in the title of the work. In a performed work such as a play or film, the performer who plays the title character is said to have the title role of the piece. The title of ...
and her crew travel there using a stolen
Mother Box
Mother Boxes are fictional devices in Jack Kirby's '' Fourth World'' setting in the DC Universe.
The Mother Boxes appeared in the feature films ''Justice League'' and ''Zack Snyder's Justice League'' of the DC Extended Universe.
History
Created ...
to seek an audience with Darkseid and gain control of his Parademon army to defend against the
GCPD, which they do after she and
Doctor Psycho
Doctor Psycho is a fictional character appearing in DC Comics publications and related media, commonly as a recurring adversary of the superhero Wonder Woman. First appearing in ''Wonder Woman'', issue #5 (1943), written by Wonder Woman creator W ...
kill
Granny Goodness
Granny Goodness is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics.
Granny Goodness made her live-action debut in the final two seasons of ''Smallville'', and she was portrayed by Nancy Amelia Bell and Christine Willes. Granny Goodness made her ...
.
Film
* Apokolips appears in ''
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse'', ''
Justice League: War'', ''
Reign of the Supermen
"The Death of Superman" is a Crossover (fiction), crossover story event featured in DC Comics' Superman-related publications. The crossover, which originated from editor Mike Carlin and writers Dan Jurgens, Roger Stern, Louise Simonson, Jerry O ...
'' and ''
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War''.
* Apokolips is mentioned once by
Knockout
A knockout (abbreviated to KO or K.O.) is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, mixed martial arts, karate, some forms of taekwondo and other sports involving striking, a ...
in ''
Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay''.
* Apokolips is indirectly mentioned in ''
Justice League
The Justice League (also known as The Justice League of America) are a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 (March 1960). The team was conceived ...
''. While explaining the ancient
Mother Box
Mother Boxes are fictional devices in Jack Kirby's '' Fourth World'' setting in the DC Universe.
The Mother Boxes appeared in the feature films ''Justice League'' and ''Zack Snyder's Justice League'' of the DC Extended Universe.
History
Created ...
es to
Bruce Wayne
Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on ...
,
Diana Prince
Diana Prince is a fictional character appearing regularly in stories published by DC Comics, as the secret identity of the Amazonian superhero Wonder Woman, who bought the credentials and identity from a United States Army nurse named Diana Pri ...
explains that the boxes combine to form the Unity, a power that transforms words into the primordial hellscape of Steppenwolf’s birth world, referring to Apokolips. Apokolips was physically featured in the director’s cut, ''
Zack Snyder's Justice League
''Zack Snyder's Justice League'' (colloquially referred to as the Snyder Cut) is the 2021 director's cut of the 2017 American superhero film ''Justice League'', the fifth film set within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) based on the team of ...
''
Video games
* Apokolips makes a cameo in the video game ''
Superman: Shadow of Apokolips'', where Darkseid and Kanto observe Intergang's activities with Superman and
Metallo.
* Apokolips is alluded in ''
Justice League Heroes
''Justice League Heroes'' is a 2006 console video game for the Xbox and PlayStation 2 platforms. It was developed by Snowblind Studios, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in conjunction with DC Comics and was distributed in Europ ...
'', where Darkseid uses a Mother Box to turn Earth into a "New Apokolips". Superman is kept on Earth to see what has happened to Earth. Once Darkseid is defeated, Zatanna asks the Mother Box to turn Earth back into its original state.
* Apokolips appears in ''
DC Universe Online
''DC Universe Online'' (''DCUO'') is a free-to-play action combat massively multiplayer online game set in the fictional universe of DC Comics. Developed by Dimensional Ink Games and co-published by Daybreak Game Company and WB Games, the game w ...
'', being viewable in the exterior of two instances, Happiness Home and Darkseid's War Factory, where you face against many of the Apokoliptians.
* Apokolips is featured heavily in ''
Lego DC Super-Villains
''Lego DC Super-Villains'' is a Lego-themed action-adventure platform video game developed by Traveller's Tales. The fourth installment in the '' Lego Batman'' series of games, it is a spin-off that focuses entirely on villains of the DC Univers ...
'' as the final battle between Darkseid, his forces and the Justice League and
Legion of Doom
The Legion of Doom is a group of supervillains who originated in '' Challenge of the Super Friends'', an animated series from Hanna-Barbera based on DC Comics' Justice League. The Legion of Doom has since been incorporated into the main DC Univer ...
, as well as an alternate location once the tenth level called “Cooking Up a Deathstorm” is completed.
References
External links
Cosmic Teams: New GodsDCU Guide: Old Gods
{{Authority control
1971 in comics
Fourth World (comics)
DC Comics planets
DC Comics dimensions
Fictional elements introduced in 1971