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| NOTE: This article is about the incarnation of Darkseid from the DC Animated Universe. The mainstream version can be found here: Darkseid. |
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| “ | Savor your moment of triumph, Superman. But remember: Victory has it's price. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid before coldly vaporizing Dan Turpin to spite Superman - his most infamous quote. |
| “ | I am many things, Kal-El. But here, I am God. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid's last words to Superman as he is being carried off by his slaves. |
| “ | I told you once Superman, if you would not be my knight, you would be my pawn. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid |
Darkseid is one of the two overarching antagonists (alongside Brainiac) of the DC Animated Universe.
He is an evil, powerful New God warlord and the tyrannical ruler of the planet Apokolips who seeks to find the Anti-Life Equation and use it to eliminate free will and enslave the entire universe to his will. He is also one of Superman's greatest arch-enemies, (and, by extension, the greatest enemy and adversary of the entire Justice League itself).
He was voiced by Michael Ironside, who also portrayed his LEGO counterpart in the LEGO DC Universe, Overdog in Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone, Richter in Total Recall, Colonel Dugan in The Next Karate Kid and Emperor Zanmoran in the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. In the video game Superman: Shadow of Apokolips, he was voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson.
Personality[]
Darkseid, more than perhaps any other villain in the DCAU, is the embodiment of pure evil and tyranny, both metaphorically and literally. He is a malevolent, imperialist, treacherous, ruthless, heartless, psychopathic, sadistic, megalomaniacal, manipulative, deceitful, totalitarian demonic entity obsessed with nothing less than absolute control of the entire universe. He abhors free will and seeks to use the Anti-Life Equation to break the will of others so that they submit to his rule. Because of his malevolence and threat level, he is the only villain Superman has no problem trying to kill.
Darkseid is infamous for his appalling treatment of those who live under his rule. The people of Apokolips live like slaves and, despite Apokolips' advanced technology, live essentially in conditions similar to medieval peasants. He is extremely callous towards his underlings and is intolerant of failure, punishing them violently if they do. He treats them awfully and does not care for their wellbeing at all, as seen with when he punished his son Kalibak with his omega beams, telling him he'd be begging for death when he's done with him. This is seen again when he had one of his top subordinates, Granny Goodness, flogged with an electric whip for failure. He also murdered his majordomo Desaad for insulting him. Interestingly enough, Darkseid seemed willing to listen to criticism from Desaad up until Desaad calls Darkseid's failed attack, "a fool's errand," in which case Darkseid killed him without a hint of regret. As seen with Kalibak, he also does not care at all for his family. While it is hinted that Darkseid cares for his people when he asked the Justice League for help against Brainiac, it is revealed to be a ruse as Darkseid was working with Brainiac to bring down Superman, before subsequently betraying Brainiac too.
While immensely powerful as a New God and dictator, another thing that made Darkseid so dangerous was his skills as a strategist and manipulator. He was very intelligent and a master manipulator, viewing everyone as either a tool to be used or a threat to be disposed of. He is known to keep people around as long as they are useful, and once they are no longer needed, he stabs them in the back. He outwitted and used various characters throughout the franchise for his own ends, including Bruno Manheim, the Kryptonian AI Brainiac and even Superman himself (although he was brainwashed). When he promised he'd make Manheim a king, Darkseid then left him to die in an explosion, calling him, "king of fools." When Brainiac called out Darkseid when he hacked into his system, Darkseid responds casually with, "it's what I do." In his own words, those who will not serve him as his knights will be used by him as pawns, and he applies this to allies and enemies alike. As stated before, even his closest advisors such as Granny Goodness, Desaad and even his own son Kalibak are not safe from him.
All in all, Darkseid was the embodiment of the horrors of tyranny and despotism, the greatest threat the Justice League ever faced and the single greatest evil in the DC Animated Universe.
History[]
Superman: The Animated Series[]
Darkseid seeks to bring the entire universe under his control. To achieve this end, he seeks the cosmic power of the Anti-Life Equation, which theoretically will enable him to control any and all existing life in the universe. Darkseid's perpetual rival is Highfather, the leader of New Genesis ― Apokolips's sister planet. For thousands of years, Apokolips and New Genesis waged war, claiming millions of lives until an truce was finally agreed upon. To seal their bond, Highfather and Darkseid exchanged their infant children: Highfather would look after Darkseid's son Orion and Darkseid would raise Highfather's son Scott Free. Scott, despite the influence of Darkseid and Granny Goodness, grew up to become a freedom fighter in opposition to his adopted father and even freed Big Barda.
Orion took to the lessons of New Genesis and became an enemy to Darkseid as well. Though maintaining an uneasy peace, Darkseid still looked to acquire power without Highfather's interference. He soon took notice of the planet Earth, not only for its vast natural resources and vulnerable population, but also because a potential rival had appeared amongst the otherwise "unworthy" masses: Superman. In an effort to gauge Superman's power (as well as prepare Earth for his coming) Darkseid aided Intergang by supplying powerful weapons of his world to the greedy human criminals. Darkseid ordered his servant Desaad to destroy Superman, but his device failed. After his son Kalibak disobeyed orders by battling Superman, Darkseid made his presence known to the Man of Steel, injuring Superman with his Omega Beams before disappearing into a boom tube. Darkseid would later launch a full attack on Earth, beginning with the massive destruction of a nuclear facility in an effort to recreate the fire pits of Apokolips. Superman was again effortlessly defeated in personal combat and bound to the head of Darkseid's war machine.
The invasion would have succeeded if not for the timely intervention of Orion and the armies of New Genesis.
Orion declared that Earth was off-limits on decree of Highfather, and Darkseid grudgingly retreated (claiming he did not wish to spoil his reunion with his son Orion via bloodshed), but not before murdering Dan Turpin in front of all of Metropolis, then escaping through a boom tube before Superman could get to him. Darkseid would orchestrate several attacks against Superman, though keeping his word by avoiding a direct invasion of Earth. He dispatched Granny Goodness to build a device that would pull a comet to Earth, but was thwarted by Supergirl. His most crushing blow to Superman finally came when he brainwashed the hero into believing Darkseid had adopted him. He sent Superman to lead an invasion of Earth. Though Superman fought against the conditioning and eventually managed to break free of it, Darkseid had at least partially achieved a victory by shattering the public trust of Superman. Unfortunately for Darkseid, he had finally pushed Superman too far.
The Man of Steel invaded Apokolips, swatting aside the forces between him and Darkseid's palace, finally clashing directly with the Dread Lord of Apokolips. Darkseid gained the upper hand, telling Superman he would kill more humans, and was about to finish Superman with his Omega Beams when Superman clamped his hands over the overlord's eyes. The backlash of energy exploded against Darkseid's skull, wounding him grievously and knocking him unconscious. Superman threw Darkseid's prone form at the feet of his subjects and declared them free. However, the Lowlies respectfully carried their lord from the battlefield before an astonished Superman, with Darkseid reminding the hero, "I am many things, Kal-El... but here, I am God".
Justice League and Justice League Unlimited[]
In the quest for the Anti-Life Equation, Darkseid invaded a sector protected by New Genesis, thus violating the rivaling planets' ancient peace treaty. Orion's fleet was waiting for Apokolips's invasion force and shattered Darkseid's armada. Upon this, Highfather gave Darkseid an ultimatum assuring that the next breach of their treaty would result in his annihilation. While Apokolips was rebuilding its military forces, the villainous Kryptonian supercomputer Brainiac arrived with the intent of assimilating the planet.
Darkseid secretly approached Brainiac and offered him to hand over Superman and in return, Brainiac would spare Apokolips. So, Darkseid went to the Justice League and asked for their help to battle Brainiac, to which Superman reluctantly conceded. In Apokolips, Darkseid and Superman fought together until Brainiac's forces retreated. Darkseid told the League to follow and finish him off, which they did. Afterwards, Darkseid boom tubed inside Brainiac's headquarters just in time to vanquish the League, thus delivering his end of the bargain: Superman. When Brainiac started extracting living DNA from Superman, Darkseid implanted a Motherbox device that overrode Brainiac's control circuits, turning him into his puppet. Darkseid intended to use Brainiac's program to collect the Anti-Life Equation and reorder the universe at his will. At that point, Orion, Batman, and Wonder Woman showed up to thwart him.
Orion and Darkseid exchanged punches, but Darkseid was victorious over his son. Darkseid attempted to leave the asteroid, however, he was intercepted by Superman, who was determined to hold him inside until its destruction. Darkseid fought with everything he had, even using his Omega Beams to release Superman's neck hold, but was finally overpowered by the Man of the Steel when he punch him into the celling that resulted in an explosion that left him buried in debts where he was unable to get up. Superman tried to finish him off but Batman intervened though Superman was intent on finishing the long awaited fight. Not wanting him to become his enemy, Batman opened a Boom Tube, that sent him, Superman, and the unconscious Orion to safety while Darkseid was left stranded within the exploding headquarters. Despite his circumstances, Darkseid rejoiced and scorned Superman as a "loser" with his last breath before being destroyed with the asteroid.
Resurrection[]
Darkseid returned thanks to Lex Luthor, who had been trying to resurrect Brainiac instead. Darkseid, enhanced by Brainiac's power as well, showed his gratitude to Luthor by unleashing the Omega Beams upon Luthor's spacecraft, destroying it. He then returned to Apokolips, halting the power struggle between Granny Goodness and Virman Vundabar in his absence. His return shocked his followers, who immediately accepted him as their leader once more. Seething with hatred and vengeance for Superman, Darkseid declared war on Earth, implying that his treaty with Highfather would no longer apply as he was heading there afterwards.
He launched simultaneous attacks across the globe and set up magma-tappers to ignite Earth's core and generate fire pits, thus creating Apokolips on Earth. Darkseid found himself opposed not only by Earth's military and the Justice League, but by the surviving members of Luthor's Legion of Doom who had escaped death at Darkseid's hands only days earlier. With his flagship hovering above the Daily Planet, Darkseid was assaulted by the unlikely trio of Superman, Batman and Lex Luthor. Upon this, the Lord of Apokolips vows to kill the Man of Steel, but not before making him and everyone he loved suffer dearly.
The two engaged in battle, demolishing the Daily Planet along the way. Darkseid was repeatedly hindered by Batman, who was then targeted by his Omega Beam but evaded it after having one of Darkseid's pawns take the blast. Darkseid was impressed to see how Batman adroitly dodged it, remarking on him being the first person to ever do so. He turned to Luthor to see if he would be as lucky, but Luthor promptly fled, an act Darkseid remarked as a wise strategy.
Then, Superman thrashed Darkseid across the city with his full might, but the tyrant managed to gain the upper hand by using a hidden pain amplification weapon ― the Agony Matrix. Darkseid gloated upon Superman's pain, but was impressed by his endurance and proclaimed how he was going to carve out his heart with a Kryptonite blade as a token of mercy. Darkseid would have succeeded, if not for Lex Luthor stepping in on time to bestow Darkseid with his greatest desire ― the Anti-Life Equation. Superman was forgotten, as Darkseid was mesmerized and overwhelmed by the Equation's dazzling beauty.
He took it on and complimented its beauty, something Luthor agreed with before they vanished into thin air. The Justice League suspects that both of them survived and will be back in the future. However, both Darkseid and Luthor were absorbed into the Source Wall, as such is the fate that occurs to those who solved the Anti-Life Equation, where they will stay for all eternity.
Powers and Abilities[]
- New God Physiology: As a New God who is worshiped by the New Gods of Apokolips, Darkseid is a phenomenally powerful being with tremendous physical might. These attributes were further enhanced/increased power by him being resurrected with Brainiac's cybernetics fused into his own physiology, granting him new abilities. He was then able to teleport himself without the use of a boom tube, which is similar to a huge explosion, and can suspend a person (like Lex) in midair and push him back with a wave of his hand.
- Semi-Immortality: As a New God, Darkseid is immune to aging and illnesses. It has been stated that he is extremely ancient, much like Highfather of New Genesis.
- Superhuman Strength: Darkseid's natural strength outshines the likes of Superman, SHAZAM, Martian Manhunter, Orion, Lobo, Bizarro, or Mongul, as well as most solar-powered Kryptonians and New Gods. He could easily beat down his own son as well as engage and overpower Superman himself, despite the tremendous physical might of both of them. Later, after Lex accidentally revived him and fused him with Brainiac, he became strong enough to outmatch Superman when the latter isn't using his full power. But even with greater strength, he was still unable to hold his own when Superman unleashed his full power.
- Superhuman Stamina: As a New God, Darkseid can go and operate at maximum efficiency for an extremely long amount of time without every tiring or needing sustenance. Darkseid was relatively unfazed even after taking numerous punches from Superman when he was blinded with rage.
- Superhuman Intelligence: As a New God, Darkseid possesses intellectual capacities that are beyond the likes of modern geniuses of Earth. He has detailed knowledge of his obsession (The Anti-Life Equation), is extremely manipulative, and has detailed scientific, religious and arcane knowledge possessed by the New Gods. Furthermore, one might assume that he became even smarter because of Brainiac's influence. He is a master manipulator who knows how to use people for his own ends before (almost always) betraying them once they served his purpose. His skills in deception are such that even the AI master computer Brainiac, a being of shocking intelligence, fell for Darkseid's trickery.
- Near-Invulnerability: Darkseid's durability borders on invulnerability. He cannot be damaged by most extreme means, although direct and focused blows from the likes of Superman or Orion have proven effective. Orion is able to overpower Darkseid and even make his nose bleed, and Superman was able to release the full might of his strength on Darkseid, which Darkseid barely survived. Despite his extreme durability, Darkseid can be killed by explosions powerful enough to obliterate a planet. This makes him far less durable than his comics counterpart.
- Regenerative Healing: As a New God, his metabolism had an advanced healing factor. He was able to recover from damage done to him by Superman and Orion quickly while still in battle. While actually injuring Darkseid was an almost impossible feat, he could still get hurt, but when he did, depending on the damage, Darkseid could heal/recover from his wounds at an accelerated rate. When Superman overloaded Darkseid's Omega Beams against his skull, his eyes exploded and his skull was severely damaged, but he managed to regenerate from such damage overtime. He also healed quickly after Superman used his heat vision to drill through his foot. Furthermore, it's assumed he can even heal both his biological parts and cybernetic/technological parts because of Brainiac's influence, similar to how Lex Luthor healed when Brainiac was inside of him.
- Omega Beams: Darkseid's most renowned ability is his power to fire extremely concentrated beams of energy from his eyes, much like Superman's heat vision, although he can manually control his Omega Beam's course. His Omega Beams have various effects, as it is mostly used to kill beings and even New Gods. Although it can also be used to teleport/translocate people to Apokolips' pits to be punished. After being resurrected with Brainiac's cybernetics being incorporate into his own biology, the power of his Omega Beams had increased. Superman has been the only being able to withstand it, and only Batman has been able to dodge it's homing ability to lock onto targets.
- Agony Matrix: After fusing with Brainiac's cybernetics, Darkseid can emit an energy-field-based weapon that directs neural stimulation to every pain receptor in a person to flare uncontrollably and cause unfathomable torture. It will have complete effect over any being as long as they have the ability to feel pain, to the point they will be lucky to survive regardless of any level of invulnerability they may have. Superman managed to live through the brutal attack only because of his superhuman attributes and his will. It was almost a certainty that a normal being would have succumbed to the intense pain immediately and died. Darkseid even remarked that Superman impressed him with his resilience as Superman laid on the ground writhing in pain.
- Motherbox: Darkseid has his very own Motherbox, a small hand-held semi-sentient supercomputer with near-arcane abilities that he can use to open up Boom Tubes to locations of his desire as well as communicate with the Source (a supposed omnipotent being who exists beyond the Multiverse and is worshiped by the New Gods of New Genesis as a Supreme Being). He used this to override Brainiac and place him under his control to obey his every command to consume the universe with the Anti-Life Equation. Darkseid lost this when he put it under the control panel in Brainiac's asteroid and it was destroyed when Batman damaged the corrupted controls.
- Leadership Skills: Darkseid can inspire undying loyalty throughout the residents of Apokolips through intimidation, as they all fear being on the receiving end of his wrath. Upon his return to Apokolips after his resurrection, the residents who were at the Civil War immediately stopped what they were doing and instantly bowed down to him. He can even successfully lead military invasions of other planets. Thus, despite being a purely evil tyrant, Darkseid proves capable of convincing others to acknowledge his New God Status.
Relationships[]
Allies[]
Enemies[]
Quotes[]
| “ | Darkseid: Welcome to Apokolips, Mr. Mannheim. Bruno Mannheim: Who are you? Darkseid: Your new lord and master. You may call me... Darkseid. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid's first introduction. |
| “ | That is who I am. And when the time comes, you and this primitive planet will swear allegiance to Darkseid... or you will be destroyed. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid to Superman in their first encounter. |
| “ | Desaad: You sacrificed your s—ah, Kalibak? Darkseid: War casualty. Desaad: How many there will be before you destroy Superman and conquer the Earth? Darkseid: As many as it takes. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Desaad regarding the former's plans to take over the Earth |
| “ | Let us begin at the beginning. What once was whole was split asunder. And in its place, there arose two worlds. Worlds as different as daylight and darkness, virtue and evil. One is called New Genesis. Unparalleled in its beauty, it is ruled by the wise and powerful Highfather. The other is Apokolips, a ravaged wasteland ruled by the demonic and omnipotent Darkseid. He psychically feeds on the despair and misery of others. Because of their opposite natures, these two worlds have been locked in eternal war. However, an uneasy truce was established when Darkseid and Highfather exchanged their infant sons. Unfortunately, this has not diminished Darkseid's ambitions. For years, he has searched the galaxies for the legendary Anti-Life Equation, a formula that would give him complete control over all living things. In his endless search, he has conquered and subjugated planet after planet. | „ |
| ~ Mother Box explaining the origins of Darkseid. |
| “ | Bruno Mannheim: You know, Darkseid, you and me, we make a great team. Darkseid: Indeed. You have served me well, Mr. Mannheim. And now, farewell. Bruno Mannheim: What gives? What about me? You promised you'd make me a king. Darkseid: And so you are: a king of fools. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid betraying Bruno Mannheim and leaves him to die. |
| “ | Kalibak: Your plan worked, Darkseid. Earth is ours. Darkseid: Your enthusiasm is premature, Kalibak. Superman will still try to resist me. Kalibak: Then send me. I'm ready. I'll crush him this time. Darkseid: Don't remind me of your ignominious defeat. You'll stay at my side where I can see you. Kalibak: Father, please. Darkseid: No. This prey requires a more experienced hunter. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Kalibak. |
| “ | Darkseid: You're a magnificent opponent, Superman. But even you must realize it's hopeless. Superman: Darkseid. Darkseid: (Darkseid then uses the Omega Beam on Superman) I could easily destroy you now. And once you're gone, the pathetic beings of this planet won't have the will to resist me. The few who survive, that is. However, if you join me as my loyal vassal, I could guarantee a modicum of... restraint. Think of it, Superman. The power you have now, it's nothing compared with what I'm offering you. Superman: You know I can't do that. Darkseid: Pity. Still, if you won't be my knight, you will be my pawn. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Superman facing each other. |
| “ | People of Earth, I am Darkseid; Lord of Apokolips. Here is your savior, cowed and broken. I have crushed him as easily as I have all who had dared to oppose me throughout the cosmos. I am power unlike any you have known. Absolute, infinite, and unrelenting. You have no choice but to prepare for a long and dark future as my subjects and my slaves. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid's message to the people of Earth. |
| “ | Superman: You hear that Darkseid? The people on Earth aren't like your slaves on Apokolips. They don't take kindly to dictators. Darkseid: If they resist, I will not hesitate to destroy them. |
„ |
| ~ Superman and Darkseid about the people of Earth. |
| “ | Orion: Darkseid. Highfather has decreed this planet is under his protection. Any further aggression will breach the peace treaty and be considered an act of war against New Genesis itself. The decision is yours, Darkseid. Darkseid: It is good to see you after all these years, my son. I've observed your boldness and ferocity for some time, not without undue pride. Though you're misguided in your loyalty, I won't quibble over this insignificant speck in the universe. I would hate to spoil our reunion with bloodshed. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Orion before withdrawing from Earth. |
| “ | Savor your moment of triumph, Superman. But remember, victory has its price. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid before killing Dan Turpin using his Omega Beams. |
| “ | Darkseid: Ever proud, eh, Kryptonian? I must say, I find it... wearying. Superman: What was this bootlicker doing on Earth, Darkseid? I thought your business there was settled. Darkseid: I never settle. What I cannot have, I destroy. Superman: If you attack Earth, it'll be a breach of your treaty with New Genesis. Darkseid: I am well aware of our agreement. However, if the Earth were to be destroyed by a natural disaster, say... a stray comet... well, then, I could not be held accountable. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid intends on destroying Earth. |
| “ | The die is cast. Within the hour, the comet will collide with your paltry planet. The impact will create a dark cloud that will cover the world, snuffing out all life. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid tells Superman how the comet will destroy Earth. |
| “ | Most impressive, but ultimately futile. There is no escape. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid fighting Superman and Supergirl. |
| “ | Furies, teach Granny the price of failure. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid commands the Furies to torture Granny Goodness as punishment for her failure. |
| “ | Darkseid: You've done well, son. Superman: Thank you, Father. As you say, it is our destiny to bring peace and order to the universe. Darkseid: I chose wisely when I adopted you, Kal-El. You have honored me where others failed. As a reward for today's conquest, I'm giving you your own world to rule. Go on. Savor the fruits of your victory, Kal. You've earned it. Superman: By the way, Father, which planet will be mine? Darkseid: A wealthy but untamed world. Bringing it under your heel will be your greatest triumph. It is called Earth. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and the brainwashed Superman. |
| “ | Darkseid: Have a care, Granny. He must not suspect the truth too soon. Granny Goodness: Yes, uniting that planet's military force to destroy him. The poor lamb. Darkseid: Earth will be decimated in the battle. I vowed never to interfere with that world again. But even Highfather would not object to me restoring order to the confused and broken survivors. Granny Goodness: It's a brilliant scheme, Darkseid. Earth will be yours. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Granny Goodness. |
| “ | Welcome, Kal-El, my son. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid greeting the brainwashed Superman. |
| “ | I can't believe he's blood. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid after watching Superman easily defeat Kalibak. |
| “ | Superman: You used me. Darkseid: I told you once, Superman, if you would not be my knight, you would be my pawn. Superman: I see you're a man of your word. Darkseid: I am many things, Kal-El. You couldn't begin to imagine half of them. But for now I shall take the role of executioner. (Darkseid uses the Omega Beams against Superman) A final gift, my wayward son. A fast death. Infinitely preferable to the shame of returning to Earth. There, your legacy would be one of fear and distrust. A pariah, desperately chasing the favor of a world that cursed your name. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid preparing to kill Superman. |
| “ | You DARE strike me?! | „ |
| ~ Darkseid after being hit by Superman. |
| “ | Superman: That's for Dan Turpin. Darkseid: Who?! Superman: The good man you murdered. Darkseid: Had I known one human's death would pain you so, I would have killed more. And kill more I shall. Carry that agony with you to oblivion, Superman. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid before his first defeat. |
| “ | General Steppenwolf : (as a hologram) Great Darkseid. The fleet ambushed us as soon as we hit the troposphere. Starkiller Four is gone, and we are in full retreat. They were waiting for us. Desaad: (to Darkseid) You knew that going into that sector was a violation of our treaty with New Genesis. Darkseid: It was a calculated risk. You have served me well, General. Take as many of them with you as you can. General Steppenwolf: As you command, my lord. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid, Desaad and General Steppenwolf. |
| “ | Desaad: You underestimated Highfather and again, it cost you dearly. Darkseid: The solution to the Anti-Life Equation was almost within my grasp. Desaad: But at what price? Our forces are decimated, our defenses weakened? It was a fool's errand. (Darkseid then glares at Desaad with flaming eyes) Uh, what I mean to say is... Darkseid: No one questions me, Desaad. (Desaad attempts to flee, but is hit by the Omega Beam and disintegrated) No one. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid kills Desaad. |
| “ | Kalibak: Father. Father, did you see... (rushes to Darkseid upon seeing Brainiac's ship) Darkseid: Be still, you fool. I'm not blind. Kalibak: But what is it? Darkseid: It's death. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Kalibak sees that Brainiac has arrived. |
| “ | Superman: What do you want? Darkseid: Though it pains me to admit it, I need your help. My latest skirmish with New Genesis has left my military forces at considerably less than full strength. Superman: Why should we help you? Darkseid: Because my enemy is your enemy. Even as we speak, Apokolips is being assimilated by the Kryptonian menace known as Brainiac. Superman: You're lying. I destroyed him. Darkseid: Apparently, he's harder to kill than you realized. You know his pattern, Kal-El. Once he's finished siphoning the memory banks and technology of my planet... Superman: He'll annihilate it. Good! Darkseid: You may not care what happens to me or my world, but know this: if Brainiac isn't stopped countless millions more will perirsh. Think about it. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid asking Superman and the Justice League for help. |
| “ | Superman has played his part, now it's our turn. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid fires a blast against Brainiac. |
| “ | Darkseid: You imbeciles are letting Brainiac get away. What are you waiting for? Finish him. Superman: Sure, but only because you asked so nicely. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid tells Superman and the Justice League to follow and stop Brainiac. |
| “ | Brainiac: It appears our stratagem was a success. Darkseid: Yes. As promised, I've delivered Superman into your hands. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Brainiac captures Superman. |
| “ | Darkseid: Remember the terms of our bargain. In exchange for Superman, you promised to spare my planet. Brainiac: Agreed. Darkseid: But I still can't fathom why you need him. Surely not for simple revenge. Brainiac: It is quite elementary. Observe. [restraining Superman in a metallic contraption] Over the years, I have roamed the universe, collecting data. As my appetite grew, I changed and evolved into what you see today. From this central core, I can send countless drones to the farthest corners of the galaxy to gather more data for my collection, but it is not enough. I have reached the limits of my programmed functions. To evolve to the next level, I must extract living DNA from the last Kryptonian. Now I become a true life form, the likes of which this universe has never seen. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Brainiac about the captured Superman. |
| “ | Brainiac: Wait, what have you done? Darkseid: Just a minor modification to override your control circuits. You are now the instrument of my will. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid turning Brainiac into his puppet to find the Anti-Life Equation. |
| “ | Brainiac: You deceived me, Darkseid. Used me. Darkseid: It's what I do. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid after betraying Braniac. |
| “ | Superman: Why are you doing this? Darkseid: Before, Brainiac had the power to devour planets. Now he can consume an entire universe. He is my solution to the ultimate problem: the Anti-Life Equation. Superman: But why? Darkseid: You of all people should know, the universe is filled with chaos, confusion, and uncertainty. I will tear it down to nothing and then rebuild it, bringing order and discipline at last. Think of it, Superman: a new universe created in my image. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid intends on destroying the universe and recreated in his own image. |
| “ | Brainiac: Darkseid, I calculate that this reaction will soon reach critical mass. If you don't release me, there will be no stopping it. Darkseid: Precisely. Hawkgirl: Then I guess it's up to us (strikes Darkseid down using her mace). Darkseid: Brainiac, stop them. Brainiac: I have no desire to save you, but I am compelled to obey. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid commands Brainiac to kill Hawkgirl and J'onn J'onzz for interfering in his plans. |
| “ | I'm glad to see growing up with Highfather hasn't made you soft and weak. You make an old man proud. But I won't let you or anyone else stand in my way. ((Darkseid bearhugs Orion into unconsciousness) | „ |
| ~ Darkseid fighting against Orion. |
| “ | Perhaps too inventive. It is an admirable quality albeit driven by greed. As surely as Superman will fall, Lex Luthor’s activities must be closely monitored. Do I make myself clear, Kanto? | „ |
| ~ At his base in Shadow of Apokolips. |
| “ | Yes. And I shall be watching both of you closely. Very closely indeed, Superman. | „ |
| ~ While overseeing Lex Luthor at the end of Shadow of Apokolips. |
| “ | I hope you appreciate, Kal-El, that everything that happens from this point is on your head. The skies will rain fire. The oceans will boil. The streets will run red with the blood of billions. Only then, after your last pitiful hope is extinguished, will I end your life. Let's go. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid to Superman before their final confrontation. |
| “ | Superman: Any minute now Brainiac will explode. And guess what - you're going with him. (Darkseid reaches for his Boom-Tube generator, but Superman destroys it with his heat vision) No, Darkseid, to get off this rock, you'll have to go through me. Darkseid: You really are a glutton for punishment. Time and again I've beaten you, humbled you. What makes you think today's outcome will be any different? Superman: Because this time, I won't stop until you're just a greasy smear on my fist. Let's go. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid before fighting Superman again. |
| “ | It seems you need another lesson in humility, boy. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid fighting Superman. |
| “ | This is where you belong, Superman: under my heel. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid stomping on Superman's face. |
| “ | ...Hmph. Loser. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid mocking Superman prior to his death. |
| “ | It seems I have you to thank for my resurrection. Though your world will suffer slowly, I grant you a quick death. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid to Lex Luthor and the Secret Society. |
| “ | Darkseid: Arise, my children. Let this meaningless battle for control end today. Kanto: Of course, lord. We had thought ourselves bereft forever. Darkseid: Only the slimmest of chances has allowed me to overcome my death at the hands of Superman. But let the universe howl in despair for I have returned. Bernadeth: What is your will, my lord? Darkseid: As ever, to search for the Anti-Life Equation, that I may bring order to this aimless universe. But first, Superman must suffer for killing me. His adopted world will die screaming. Only then will I seek the ultimate end. Kanto: Forgive me, lord, but to attack Earth would violate your pact with Highfather. New Genesis would doubtless retaliate. Darkseid: Where do you think I'm going next? |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid returning to Apokolips and declaring his plans to destroy Earth and then New Genesis. |
| “ | I hope you appreciate, Kal-El, that everything that happens from this point is on your head. The skies will rain fire. The oceans will boil. The streets will run red with the blood of billions. Only then, after your last pitiful hope is extinguished, will I end your life. Let's go. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid to Superman before their final confrontation. |
| “ | Lex Luthor: You destroyed Brainiac. And I'm going to make you pay. Darkseid: Unlikely. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Lex Luthor. |
| “ | Darkseid: I'm more powerful than I've ever been, and the last time we met, you barely managed to hold your own. Superman: Funny. That's not how I remember it. Darkseid: Allow me to refresh your memory. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid about to engage Superman. |
| “ | Don't leave us yet, Kal-El. I want you to see your adopted homeworld bow down before me. Only then will I allow you death's sweet release. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid picking up the unconscious Superman. |
| “ | Impressive. No one has ever avoided my Omega Beams. I wonder if the other one is as agile. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid after Batman avoided his Omega Beams and then tries to execute Lex Luthor. |
| “ | Your friends have abandoned you, or fallen before my might. Super or otherwise, you're merely a man. And I... am a god. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid. |
| “ | You still try to fight. Can't you see that it's hopeless? | „ |
| ~ Darkseid fighting Batman. |
| “ | It's called the Agony Matrix—direct neural stimulation of pain receptors. All of them. Imagine the worst pain you've ever felt in your life, times a thousand. Now imagine that pain continuing forever. Oh that's right—you don't have to imagine. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid torturing Superman with the Agony Matrix. |
| “ | Still alive. You impress me, Kryptonian. More... your valor has touched my heart. Oh yes, there is still some small part of me that knows mercy. I will end your pain with something special I've been saving for just this occasion. I'm going to carve out your heart and put it on a pike in my throne room. | „ |
| ~ Darkseid about to kill Superman using a Kryptonite knife. |
| “ | Lex Luthor: As much as I'd enjoy seeing that, first you got some business with me. Sorry it took me so long, I had to go get my power suit. Darkseid: You would dare challenge me? Insanity. Lex Luthor: Oh, I'm not here to challenge you, Darkseid. Quite the contrary. I've got something you want. The only thing you want. Darkseid: The Anti-Life Equation... Lex Luthor: My gift to you. |
„ |
| ~ Darkseid and Lex Luthor. |
| “ | It's beautiful, isn't it? | „ |
| ~ Darkseid's last words to Lex Luthor before vanishing into the Source Wall. |
Trivia[]
- Given his actions and the personal strife he has inflicted upon him, Darkseid is the only villain in the entire DC Animated Universe whom Superman is openly willing to kill, with the only other villains who had such distinction being Reverend Amos Howell and Mongul. It is also implied that he is the only being DCAU Superman used his full power on.
- Originally, Darkseid's Omega beams were projected as spurts or pulses of flame beams from his eyes. Later, upon his emergence with Brainiac, he shot more of laser-like beams, of which proved both devastating and chaotic. The properties of the Omega Beams changed according to Darkseid's needs. Sometimes, they took the form of concussive bolts of energy. Other times, they manifested as lethal disintegration rays.
- Although both Darkseid and Luthor's fate are left unexplained in the series, show's late writer Dwayne McDuffie explained in his own website that Darkseid and Luthor are now part of the Source Wall because they both solved the Anti-Life Equation.
External Links[]
- Darkseid on the Pure Evil Wiki
- Darkseid on the DC Wiki
- Darkseid on the DC Animated Universe Wiki
