If you haven’t heard of it, DC Comics is quietly building his own Infinity Gauntlet Saga. There isn’t a Marvel fan who doesn’t know about the Mad Titan’s quest to collect the Infinity Gems (or stones, I guess) and the epic battle that ensued.
But over the past few years, DC Comics has laid the groundwork for a story that can rival it The Infinity Gauntlet. Granted that it comes at a slower pace and you really have to pay attention to certain books. But I’m telling you now, the DC Universe is on the precipice of its biggest cosmic saga in years.
The Infinity Gauntlet And its impact in comic books
The Infinity Gauntlet By Jim Starlin, George Pérez and Ron Lim
I’ll go ahead and admit that I’m not the biggest Marvel fan and as much as I love comic books, it took me watching The Avengers Movie back in 2012 to help me discover Thanos and his infamous journey to collect six of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Universe. But I spent the summer reading The Infinity Gauntlet and was amazed by the size and scale of the story. Thanos was a brilliant villain And the Infinity Gems were a fascinating collection of relics.
… I can’t believe how much I’ve been ignoring one of the most pivotal stories in comic book history.
Over the next several years, I kept up with the movies as Thanos’ shadow lowered over the MCU. But after learning more about the iconic villain, I turned to the comic book world and Finally realized just how influential The Infinity Gauntlet Really was. I went through and saw how elements and plot points of the story were still being used decades later. Granted, I’ve always been more of a DC stan, but I can’t believe how much I’ve ignored one of the most pivotal storylines in comic book history.
So like that The Infinity Gauntlet Relate to what I was discussing earlier? two years ago, Action Comics #1043 Featured Superman discovers the story of Olgrun, the most powerful old god to ever exist. However, Olgrun went mad and went on a rampage, forcing the other gods of the First World to break Olgrun down into seven ‘aspects’ and scatter him across the universe. A bunch of incredibly strong objects kept apart from one another Sounds an awful lot like the Infinity Gems if you ask me.
Be sure to check Action comics “The Warworld Saga” by Philip Kennedy Johnson, Daniel Sampere and Riccardo Federeci for a proper introduction to Olgrun!
Who is Olgrun and what kind of threat does he represent?
Olgrun, created by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Riccardo Federici and Will Conrad
Okay, okay, so what exactly is Olgrun’s business? Olgrun was one of the first gods of the DC Universe and was admired for his willpower and creative vision. He built the most beautiful worlds, which even his fellow gods could not compare. Olgrun has family such as his brothers Bayla and Bjoltr, not to mention Olgrun’s loving daughter Ajna. Although the Old Gods once lived in peace, darkness came when Bjoltr tricked Olgrun into killing his daughter. Olgrun was so overwhelmed with grief that He indulged in madness and tried to destroy the still-forming DC Universe.
Only two major DC heroes have heard Olgun’s tale: Superman and Green Lantern John Stewart.
The Old Gods could not kill Olgrun, but they did the next best thing by splitting his essence into the seven previously mentioned aspects and hiding them in the cosmos. Unfortunately, thanks to a crew of wayward Malthusian explorers, Olgrun’s lingering spirit is able to breach the DC Universe through the Dark Star of the Fenn. Even worse, what was left Olgrun sent out extensions of his power known as the Radiant DeadAn army of poisoned light that corrupted and assimilated everything it came in contact with.
Only two major DC heroes have heard Olgun’s tale: Superman and Green Lantern John Stewart. Clark searched for the fire of Olgrun to repair the Man of Steel’s waning strength, only to use it to save the life of Osul-Ra. Stewart was pursued by Olgrun’s Radiant Dead to turn the Emerald Knight into a vessel for Olgrun to inhabit. however, The Green Lantern turned things around by claiming the Dark Star Ring, aka the Willpower of OlgrunAnd sealing the Dark Star of the Fen to keep Olgrun at bay once more.
Olgrun may be coming back sooner than we think
Coming: Batman and Robin #14 By Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Javier Fernández
So two aspects of Olgrun have been found, his fire and willpower. But that still leaves five more somewhere across the DC Universe. With all the Infinity Gems in the Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos gains complete mastery of the universe, but what actually happens if all seven aspects of Olgrun are assembled? According to Beyla’s legend, a worthy spirit with every aspect will be reborn as the hero they are meant to be. But an unworthy soul that gathers the parties again would challenge Olgun to return the DC Universe”To the darkness from which it was born“.
… I don’t think Johnson is the type to waste an opportunity.
It’s a terrifying prospect and honestly, I’m quite excited to see where things go next. But you have to remember, the storyline was told only by Phillip Kennedy Johnson across Action comics And Green Lantern: War Journal And his time on both of these series is over. That said, Johnson has a new project right around the corner for DC All In, taking over writing duties for Batman and Robin. If I had to put money on it, I would say We will see the further development of Johnson’s Olgrun story in Batman and Robin.
PKJ’s time with the dynamic duo starts with Batman and Robin #14 The 9th of October!
This is obviously just speculation on my part, but if there’s one thing I took away from Johnson’s writing, it’s that Olgrun’s return is his endgame. How will he take a relatively grounded story with Bruce Wayne and his son and bring a mad god into it? I have no earthly idea. But I don’t think Johnson is the type to waste an opportunity. He was very methodical in building his cosmic antagonist and I’m sure that at some point, Batman and Robin will discover a new aspect of Olgrun.
Be patient, DC’s cosmic epic will be worth it
Keep following the work of Phillip Kennedy Johnson
I have no doubt in my mind, Philip Kennedy Johnson has one hell of a story in mind with the Olgrun aspects. Unfortunately, unless we start seeing other writers incorporate Olgrun or these aspects into their work, we’ll have to wait as Johnson continues to slowly feed us his epic. But it took time for the Infinity Gauntlet to pay off and the same will be true for Olgrun. Hopefully it won’t be long until we finally see the epic tale Johnson has in mind for these DC Universe Most powerful old god.