Warning: Spoilers for The New Gods #3Darkseid is no more, and the entire DC Universe is experiencing the ramifications of his groundbreaking death. After his death, other evils arose across the cosmos, all vying for the power Darkseid left at his disposal. The New Gods will soon face a new threat in the form of a villain whose design is as badass as Darkseid’s.
DC Comics’ February solicitations feature a first look at The New Gods #3 by Ram V and Evan Cagle, the latest chapter in the reinvention of DC’s divine pantheon. As explained in the edition’s synopsis, this series is preparing to introduce a new villain who intends to take Darkseid’s place.
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THE NEW GODS #3 (2025) |
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Release date: |
February 19, 2025 |
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Writer: |
Ram V |
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Artist: |
Evan Cagle |
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Cover artist: |
Nimit Malavia |
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Variant covers: |
Mike Huddleston, Evan Cagle |
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Deep in the cosmos, an intergalactic inquisition descends upon Apokolips and New Genesis, bringing with it a sinister message: convert or be destroyed. Meanwhile, on Earth, Mister Miracle and Big Barda, with their baby in tow, search for the mysterious child mentioned in Metron’s prophecy, desperate to find him before Orion does. Could this child – this new god – be the savior of the universe? Or could he be the reincarnation of the greatest evil in the universe? |
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The beautiful cover art by Nimit Malavia depicts an all-new character who has a striking design. This figure is slated to be the New Gods’ next adversaryand he has the potential to be the villain that Darkseid was.
What Darkseid’s Awful Replacement Means for the DC Universe
With Darkseid dead, the scavenger rises to take his place
According to a post from The New Gods Ram V writer on Xwhich includes an updated version of Malavia’s art, this character is called “the Scavenger”. This imposing title fits his design, considering the way his armor appears to have been meticulously disassembled. His burly appearance inspires a sense of fear, while thorns rise over his broad shoulder. The sword he wields has a similar appearance to his armor, as does the mysterious mask that hides his face. The Scavenger, or Karok Ator, makes an immediate impression with this brutal design and will certainly cause problems for both New Genesis and Apokolips.
The Scavenger’s sudden imposition on the New Gods’ worlds coincides with the death of Darkseid in DC lore. Darkseid meets his end in DC everything special #1 by Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Daniel Sampere, Wes Craig, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, Alejandro Sánchez and Steve Wands, and since then he has created the Absolute Universe in his image. His absence from the main universe grants other enemies who have been in hiding the courage to cease waiting and finally begin their plots. Without Darkseid, no one can stop the Scavenger.
Our Take on Darkseid Being Replaced in New Gods Lore
Will The Scavenger live up to Darkseid’s iconic legacy?
Darkseid’s death left a huge void in the DC Universe, and Scavenger is trying to fill that void by overtaking New Genesis and Apokolips with his inquisition. However, it won’t be easy for any villain to replace Darkseid. As one of DC’s most powerful gods, Darkseid exists as the embodiment of evil itself, cementing him as a villain whose inner darkness outweighs the rest. With that said, the Scavenger’s intimidating design already states the threat it poses in itself. The New Gods will have their work cut out for them as they fight Darkseid replacement.
The New Gods #3 is available February 19, 2025 from DC Comics.
Source: Ram V