Highfather
Fictional character
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Highfather (Izaya) 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, the leader of the planet New Genesis, and the good counterpart of Darkseid.[1][2]
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| Highfather | |
|---|---|
Highfather as depicted in Who's Who in the DC Universe #10 (December 1985). Art by Jack Kirby and Mike Royer. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | The New Gods #1 (February/March 1971) |
| Created by | Jack Kirby |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Izaya the Inheritor |
| Species | New God |
| Place of origin | New Genesis |
| Team affiliations | New Gods |
| Notable aliases | The All-Father Lightseid God of Good Master of Light Light God Ixaya |
| Abilities |
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Highfather has been adapted into various media outside comics, primarily in association with the New Gods. Mitchell Ryan, Mark Rolston, and Richard Chamberlain have voiced the character in animation.
Publication history
Highfather was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in The New Gods #1 (March 1971).[3]
The character played a significant role in The Great Darkness Saga, a 1982 Legion of Super-Heroes storyline. In the story, he is reborn in the 31st century and helps the Legion battle Darkseid.[4]
Fictional character history
Izaya is the warrior ruler of New Genesis. After Steppenwolf murders his wife Avia, Izaya conducts a centuries-long war with Apokolips before enacting a peace treaty with them. To this end, he trades his son Scott Free to Apokolips and adopts Darkseid's son Orion.[5][6] The truce is broken when Scott escapes from Apokolips, but Izaya welcomes his son back and even officiates his marriage to Big Barda.
Highfather often consults the Source when making his decisions. Though never stated explicitly in the New Gods series, the Source is implied to be a higher power (perhaps even God), making Izaya a spiritual as well as the political leader of his people. He is depicted as a kind and compassionate ruler but still strong and capable of defending it from any threat.
During the events of Genesis, Highfather is slain in battle with Ares, with Takion succeeding him.[7] His spirit joins the Quintessence, a council of cosmic entities.
In The New 52 continuity reboot, Izaya is resurrected and depicted as the founder of New Genesis. As part of The New 52 updates to characters, Highfather's backstory was changed to say that he and Darkseid (then called Uxas) were brothers who united to overthrow their father Yuga Khan, King of the Old Gods, only to become sworn enemies when Uxas becomes Darkseid and murders Highfather's wife.[8] Highfather is reframed as a morally ambiguous wartime leader rather than an embodiment of good. Infinity Man, previously depicted as Darkseid's all-benevolent brother from New Genesis, is shown to be the physical embodiment of Highfather's conscience.[1][9]
In New Gods (vol. 5), Highfather is anxious over a prophecy from Metron about a child who will either bring peace, or war to New Genesis. He sends Orion to kill said child to prevent the prophecy from coming to pass.
Powers and abilities
As a New God, Highfather is nigh-immortal and possesses superhuman physical abilities. He can channel the Source via his staff and once wielded the Life Equation, which enabled him to manipulate reality.
Other versions
An alternate universe variant of Highfather appears in JLA: The Nail.
In other media
Television
- Highfather appears in series set in the DC Animated Universe (DCAU). Following non-speaking cameo appearances in Superman: The Animated Series, he appears in the Justice League episode "Twilight", voiced by Mitchell Ryan.[10]
- Highfather appears in the fourth season of Young Justice, voiced by Mark Rolston.[10] This version is named Iyaza and his wife Avia is still alive.
Film
An alternate universe variant of Highfather appears in Justice League: Gods and Monsters, voiced by Richard Chamberlain.[10] This version wed Bekka to Orion to bring Apokolips and New Genesis together, subsequently betraying Darkseid and killing him and his elite, including Orion. This action causes Bekka to leave for Earth.
Video games
Highfather appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[11]
Miscellaneous
Highfather appears in the Injustice: Gods Among Us prequel comic.