Darkseid has long been presented as the Alpha and Omega of evil in the DC Universe. Many stories in the DC All-In era have worked to establish just how powerful the New Gods tyrant truly is. The Flash #23 continues this trend, with a retcon tying Darkseid to the origins of another classic DC Comics villain.
Written by Simon Spurrier with art by Vasco Georgiev, The Flash #23 continues the Bad Moon Rising storyline. The issue finds Wally West and his son, Surge, confronting The Shade. The previous chapter explained how the immortal thief had come into the service of the cosmic villain Eclipso. It also explained how The Shadowlands, which are the source of Shade’s power, were created by Eclipso.
The Shade changes sides after Surge uses his powers to heal Shade’s wife, Hope O’Dare. Surge also determines that Hope’s mystery illness was due to Eclipso draining her life force. Enraged, The Shade agrees to help the heroes fight Eclipso and reveals what he learned of how Darkseid was connected to Eclipso.
How Eclipso came to serve Darkseid
Originally, the being that became known as Eclipso was the Angel of Vengeance, charged with punishing the wicked. However, this angel was too vicious and was cast out of Heaven. His fall gave rise to a realm of darkness and torment, which became known as The Shadowlands. That might have been the end of the angel had it not been for Darkseid.
Using a black diamond created on Apokolips, the New Gods tyrant bound the former Angel of Vengeance. He offered the being that became know as Eclipso power and purpose in exchange for service. Though bound by the whims of whoever held the black diamond, Eclipso would once again be free to avenge itself upon those sinners who abused his power.
Beyond further establishing the scope of Darkseid’s power, this retcon also explains how Eclipso acquired new power after his fall from grace. It also explains the rather erratic portrayal of Eclipso and why a being who was so powerful still seemed confined by rules. Ultimately, while still a being of chaos, Eclipso is also subservient to the will of Darkseid.
The Flash #23 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
