- Highfather
Superherobox
caption=
character_name=Highfather
alter_ego=Izaya the Inheritor
publisher=DC Comics
debut="New Gods " #1 (Feb-Mar 1971)
creators=Jack Kirby
homeworld=New Genesis
species=New God
alliances= New Genesis
aliases=The All-Father,
powers=Immortality
Invulnerability
Omnipotence
Omniscience
OmniprsenceHighfather is a fictional
comic book character in theDC Comics universe. He is chief of theNew Gods ofNew Genesis inJack Kirby's Fourth World and ruled the fictional planet. Highfather first appeared in "New Gods" #1 (Feb-Mar 1971).Fictional character biography
Highfather is in reality Izaya, sometimes known as Izaya the Inheritor. The name is a phonetical version of the old testament prophet
Isaiah . Highfather thematically resembles the Greek godZeus and the Norse godOdin (who was known as the high-father).Darkseid uses Izaya in his scheme to seize control ofApokolips . During a raid by his uncle Steppenwolf, Darkseid appears to kill both Izaya and his wife. However, Darkseid intentionally only stuns Izaya, knowing he will seek revenge on Steppenwolf, which he does, killing him and paving the way for Darkseid's ascent to power.In making peace with Apokolips, Izaya and Darkseid make a pact to exchange their sons. Darkseid raises Scott Free, while Izaya raises Orion. Izaya manages to tame the savage Orion (to a point), and he becomes one of the greatest warriors of New Genesis. Eventually, Scott Free (Mr. Miracle) escapes Apokolips, as planned by Darkseid, which breaks the pact between New Genesis and Apokolips. Izaya and Scott are reunited, though relations between the two have not always been easy.
Highfather often consults the Source, a primal energy field represented by a mysterious wall upon which are written messages which may be of use in resolving crises. Though never stated outright in the "New Gods" series, the Source is implied to be some form of higher power (perhaps even God), making Izaya a spiritual as well as political leader of his people. As ruler of New Genesis, he is kind, compassionate and caring, but ready to defend it from any threat.
During the "Genesis" limited series, Highfather is slain in battle with the war god Ares. He is succeeded as leader of New Genesis by
Takion , an Earthling hero who is a living conduit of the Source. Since his death, Izaya's spirit has served as a member ofThe Quintessence , a council of powerful cosmic entities that observe events in the universe.Highfather later appears in "
Seven Soldiers :Mister Miracle " as the leader of the New Genesis survivors living as homeless people on Earth following the destruction of their world. However, much of the events of that miniseries prove to be a vision of possible events, leaving Highfather and New Genesis' current situation in doubt. However, he was shown in final crisis sketchbook, indicating that he will return.Other media
In the
DC Animated Universe , Highfather first appears on "" in the Season 2 episode , and the series finale episode . He does not have any lines in these appearances.The Highfather receives his first speaking role in "Twilight", a Season 2 episode of the "Justice League" animated series. He is voiced by
Mitchell Ryan .External links
* [http://www.batman-superman.com/superman/cmp/hfather.html WB official site]
* [http://www.dcuguide.com/chronology.php?name=highfather Highfather chronology]
* [http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/jl/bios/heroes/highfather/ Highfather bio @ toonzone]
* [http://wf.toonzone.net/WF/superman/bios/heroes/highfather/ A detailed article @ toonzone]
* [http://fastbak.tripod.com/izaya.htm A detailed article]
* [http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Maze/8681/highfath.html Another article on geocities]
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