WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1!Darkseid has officially returned to the DC Universe, now more powerful than ever. However, this power isn't solely his own—he’s stolen it from another DC being, revealing that there is one entity in the DCU whose power the New God respects beyond his own. While this power-grab has propelled Darkseid to his ultimate form, it's only a glimpse of the unstoppable force he’s destined to become—once he faces the one thing standing in his way: death itself.

As powerful as the Spectre-infused Darkseid was, it will seem insignificant compared to what he is destined to become.

DC’s ALL IN initiative kicks off with DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1 by Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Daniel Sampere, and Wes Craig, marking a pivotal new chapter for the publisher. This issue introduces lore-altering events, including the debut of Darkseid’s most powerful form yet.

It all begins in Absolute Power #4, when Barry Allen seals Prime Earth off from the Multiverse, causing Darkseid to experience an unprecedented surge of power that ignites a mysterious hunger within him–a "hunger to know." Driven by the need for answers, the New God embarks on a quest for truth—one he believes can only be uncovered with the powers of the Spectre.

Darkseid Needs the Spectre’s Power to Discover the Truth About Himself

Darkseid Builds a Miracle Machine to Bond With the Spectre

Darkseid’s belief that he must make the Spectre’s power his own to uncover the truth about his hunger reveals that there is a being in the DCU whose power he respects—outside of his own. Despite Jim "The Spectre" Corrigan being considered the literal embodiment of God's wrath and one of the most powerful entities in the DC Universe, Darkseid’s acknowledgment of this is still surprising. The New God has historically shown little regard for power beyond his own, making it clear just how formidable the Spectre truly is if even Darkseid, a being of immeasurable might, is envious of his strength.

This perceived necessity for the Spectre’s power drives Darkseid to formulate and execute a plan to bond with the other god. His scheme begins with the creation of a Miracle Machine, a process that demands the sacrifice of both his arm and his son, Kalibak, to fuel the machine. With the Miracle Machine now operational, Darkseid embarks on a relentless quest across the universe, ransacking both Heaven and Hell in search of the Spectre. Once he has the Spectre in his grasp, Darkseid uses the Miracle Machine to make his ultimate wish: to bond with the Spectre.

The Spectre’s Power Transforms Darkseid Into the DC Universe’s Grim Reaper

“Darkseid Has Gone From Ruler of Apokolips to Death Itself!” – Hal Jordan in DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1

Upon bonding with the Spectre, Darkseid demands that the being reveal the truth behind the surge of power he experienced. However, the Spectre resists, managing to transport them both to the newly debuted Watchtower, hoping that the Justice League can separate them before the bond is fully realized. This sets the stage for an epic battle between a Darkseid and the newly reunited Justice League. As the fight unfolds, Darkseid’s newfound might is on full display, with Green Lantern Hal Jordan remarking, “Darkseid has gone from ruler of Apokolips to Death itself,” underscoring just how powerful the New God has become.

The battle also showcases Darkseid’s new character design, where the arm he sacrificed to power the Miracle Machine has been replaced by a massive axe. With Hal’s comment about Darkseid being "Death itself," coupled with the black cloak and axe-arm, Darkseid now embodies the Grim Reaper of the DC Universe. This striking imagery and storytelling, brought to life by Daniel Sampere and Joshua Williamson, further highlights the monumental shift in Darkseid’s power. Hence, the debut of the Spectre-infused Darkseid marks the most powerful version of the New God that fans have yet seen in comics.

Darkseid’s Death & Rebirth Give Life to the ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE

“Darkseid Ends”: The Justice League Kills the New God

In the Justice League’s battle against Darkseid, the Trinity—Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman—take charge. While Bruce and Diana restrain the New God, Superman receives a magical boost from Zatanna that makes him invulnerable to the Spectre’s power. This upgrade also appears to give him the ability to cast spells, as he confronts Darkseid using Zatanna’s backward spellcasting, saying, “Free Him.” The spell rips the Spectre from Darkseid, ultimately killing the New God. However, Darkseid’s son Orion explains that Darkseid is a constant in the universe, and "the universe will create a new one."

Later, Darkseid’s narration reveals that he intentionally allowed the Spectre to be torn from him so he could die and "begin again." He dies with the knowledge of a new Earth, separate from the Multiverse—called the Elseworld—that is still forming and untouched by outside forces. Upon his rebirth, Darkseid tears open a doorway between Earth Prime and the Elseworld, imprinting his power on the new world and shaping it in his image. This world, now known as the Absolute Universe, will coexist with the DCU, creating a “Duoverse.” In short, Darkseid’s death and rebirth have created an entirely new world.

The Absolute Universe Will Unlock Darkseid’s Ultimate Self

“It Is Reality Where I Can Finally Become What I Was Meant To Be.” – Darkseid in DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1

With the Absolute Universe rooted in Darkseid's own energy and power, this new world allows the New God to reach unprecedented heights and unlock his full potential. As powerful as the Spectre-infused Darkseid was, it will seem insignificant compared to what he is destined to become. In his narration, Darkseid explains that the Absolute Universe is a reality where he can finally fulfill his ultimate purpose—where he will be unleashed, grow to a thousand feet tall, and possess a voice that will shake planets. “A reality where Darkseid will be.” This vivid description paints a terrifying picture of the unstoppable force he is set to become.

Darkseid also reveals his future plans. Despite now having an entire world molded in his image, he is far from satisfied. He intends to return to the DCU and "crush it" once he achieves his peak power. This means Darkseid is not just a problem for another world—while he is actively wrecking havoc on the Absolute Universe, he will remain a looming threat to Earth Prime. This sets up an exciting narrative for DC, that will likely involve the heroes in both the DCU and AU working to stop Darkseid from reaching his ultimate form.

DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1 is available now from DC Comics!