Highfather

Highfather
File:Highfather by Breyfogle.jpg
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	New Gods #1
Created by	Jack Kirby
In-story information
Alter ego	Izaya the Inheritor
Place of origin	New Genesis
Team affiliations	New Gods of New Genesis Quintessence
Abilities	Superhuman strength, durability and speed, Energy projection, telepathy, ability to commune with The Source, Immortality

Highfather is a comic book character. He is chief of the New Gods of New Genesis in Jack Kirby's Fourth World and ruled the fictional planet.

Character History

Highfather was 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 god Zeus and the Norse god Odin (who was known as the high-father).

Darkseid used Izaya in his scheme to seize control of Apokolips. During a raid by his uncle Steppenwolf, Darkseid appeared to kill both Izaya and his wife. However, Darkseid intentionally only stunned Izaya, knowing he would seek revenge on Steppenwolf, which he did, killing him and paving the way for Darkseid's ascent to power.

In making peace with Apokolips, Izaya and Darkseid made a pact to exchange their sons. Darkseid would raise Scott Free, while Izaya would raise Orion. Izaya managed to tame the savage Orion (to a point), and he became one of the greatest warriors of New Genesis. Eventually, Scott Free (Mr. Miracle) escaped Apokolips, as planned by Darkseid, which broke the pact between New Genesis and Apokolips. Izaya and Scott were reunited, though relations between the two have not always been easy.

Highfather often consulted 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 was 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 was kind, compassionate and caring, but ready to defend it from any threat.

During the Genesis limited series, Highfather was slain in battle with the war god Ares. He was 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 of The Quintessence, a council of powerful cosmic entities that observe events in the universe.

Highfather later appeared 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 proved to be a vision of possible events, leaving Highfather and New Genesis' current situation in doubt.

Other Media

Highfather first appearred in the DC Animated Universe on Superman: The Animated Series in the Season 2 episode Apokolips ... NOW! part II. The Highfather would later appear in the series finale episodes Legacy. The character would receive his first speaking role in the Season 2 episode Twilight in Justice League voiced by Mitchell Ryan.

External links

• WB official site
• Highfather chronology
• Highfather bio @ toonzone
• A detailed article @ toonzone
• A detailed article
• Another article on geocities