Jack Kirby's Fourth World #1

John Byrne takes the reins of Jack Kirby's cosmic mythology with this ambitious 1997 series launch, honoring the tagline "When the Old Gods Died — There Arose the Fourth World." Walt Simonson's cover art assembles the full sweep of New Genesis and Apokolips in one sweeping image: the brooding, red-eyed Darkseid looms large at upper left while the white-maned Highfather holds court at upper right, their massive fists gripping a staff between them — a visual tug-of-war that says everything about the eternal conflict at this saga's heart. Surrounding them is a vibrant crowd of New Gods including Orion, Mr. Miracle, Big Barda, Metron, and more, making this opener feel like a genuine celebration of Kirby's universe.