If you haven’t been heard about it,DC Comicsis quietly building its ownInfinity Gauntletsaga. There isn’t a Marvel fan alive who doesn’t know about the Mad Titan’s quest to collect the Infinity Gems (or Stones, I suppose) and the epic battle that ensued after.
But over the last several years, DC Comics has been laying the groundwork for a story that couldrivalThe Infinity Gauntlet. Granted it’s coming at a slower pace and you really have to be paying attention to certain books. But I’m telling you now, the DC Universe is on the precipice of its greatest cosmic saga in years.
The Infinity Gauntletand Its Impact in Comic Books
The Infinity Gauntletby Jim Starlin, George Pérez, and Ron Lim
I’ll go ahead and admit I’m not the biggest Marvel fan and as much as I love comic books, it took me watchingThe Avengersmovie back in 2012to help me discover Thanosand his infamous journey to collect six of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Universe. But I spent that summer reading The Infinity Gauntlet and was amazed at the size and scale of the story.Thanos was a brilliant villainand the Infinity Gems were a fascinating collection of relics.
…I couldn’t believe how much I had ignored of one of the most pivotal storylines in comic book history.
Over the next several years, I kept up with the movies as Thanos' shadow loomed over the MCU. But after learning more about the iconic villain, I turned to the comic book world andfinally realized just how influentialThe Infinity Gauntletreally was. I did research and saw how elements and plot points from the story were still being used decades later. Granted, I was always more of a DC stan, but I couldn’t believe how much I had ignored of one of the most pivotal storylines in comic book history.
So how doesThe Infinity Gauntletrelate to what I was discussing earlier? Well about two years ago,Action Comics #1043featured Superman discovering the story of Olgrun, the most powerful Old God who ever existed. 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 throughout the universe. A bunch of incredibly powerful objects kept apart from one anothersounds an awful like the Infinity Gems if you ask me.
Be sure to checkAction Comics'“The Warworld Saga” by Phillip 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 deal? Olgrun was one of the First Gods of the DC Universe and was fabled for his willpower and creative vision. He built the most beautiful worlds that even his fellow gods couldn’t match. Olgrun had family such as his brothers Byla and Bjoltr, not to mention Olgrun’s loving daughter Ajna. Though the Old Gods once lived in peace, darkness came when Bjoltr tricked Olgrun into killing his daughter. Olgrun was so overwhelmed with grief thathe gave into madness and tried to destroy the still-forming DC Universe.
Only two major DC heroes have heard Olgrun’s tale: Superman and Green Lantern John Stewart.
The Old Gods couldn’t kill Olgrun, but they did the next best thing by splitting his essence into the seven previously mentioned aspects and hiding them in across the cosmos. Unfortunately, thanks to a crew of wayward Maltusian explorers, Olgrun’s lingering spirit was able to breach the DC Universe by way of the Dark Star of the Fenn. Worse, what was left ofOlgrun sent out extensions of his power known as the Radiant Dead, an army of poisoned light that corrupted and assimilated anything it came into contact with.
Only two major DC heroes have heard Olgrun’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 Olgrun, and sealing the Dark Star of the Fenn to keep Olgrun at bay once more.
John still has the Willpower of Olgrun while Osul-Ra still has the Old God’s Fire.
Olgrun Could Be Coming Back Sooner Than We Think
Upcoming:Batman and Robin #14by 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 throughout the DC Universe. With all the Infinity Gems in the Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos gained complete mastery of the universe, but what actually happens if all seven aspects of Olgrun are assembled? According to Byla’s legend, a worth spirit with every aspect will be reborn as the hero they’re meant to be. But an unworthy soul who reassembles the aspectswould summon Olgrun 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.
That’s a terrifying prospect and honestly, I’m quite excited to see where things go next. But you have to remember, this storyline has been told solely by Phillip Kennedy Johnson acrossAction ComicsandGreen Lantern: War Journaland his time on both of those series is over. That being said, Johnson has a new project right around the corner for DC All In, taking over writing duties forBatman and Robin. If I had to put money on it, I’d saywe’ll be seeing the next development of Johnson’s Olgrun story inBatman and Robin.
PKJ’s time with the Dynamic Duo starts withBatman and Robin #14on October 9th!
This is all just speculation on my part, of course, but if there’s one thing I’ve taken away from Johnson’s writing, it’s that the return of Olgrun is his endgame. How is he going to take a relatively grounded story with Bruce Wayen 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’s been very methodical in building up his cosmic antagonist and I’m confident that at some point,Batman and Robin are going to discover a new aspect of Olgrun.
Have Patience, DC’s Cosmic Epic is Going to Be Worth It
Keep Following Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s Work
I have no doubt in my mind Phillip Kennedy Johnson has a hell of a story in mind with the Olgrun aspects. Unfortunately, unless we start seeing other writers incorporate Olgrun or the aspects into their work, we’re going to have to wait as Johnson continue slowly feeding us his epic. But it took time for the Infinity Gauntlet to pay off and the same is going to be true for Olgrun. Hopefully it won’t be long before we finally see the epic tale Johnson has in mind for theDC Universe’smost powerful Old God.
