WARNING: May Contain Potential Spoilers for DC vs. Vampires: World War V #6!Darkseid has just itted that he sees one member of the Bat-Family as his equal. While it might seem obvious that Batman would be the one to earn the New Gods' respect, Darkseid is actually not referring to the Dark Knight. Furthermore, this revelation may unfold in an Elseworlds storyline, but its impact is just as significant as if it were part of mainstream continuity. After all, there’s only one Darkseid in the entire multiverse, meaning this acknowledgment of respect is coming directly from the main man himself.

Matthew Rosenberg and Otto Schmidt’s DC vs. Vampires saga continues with its thrilling sequel, World War V, which has just reached its climactic midpoint with the release of issue #6. In this issue, the vampire-human conflict reaches a boiling point as all-out war erupts on the battlefield between Oliver Queen’s human resistance and Vampire Queen Barbara Gordon’s vampire horde.

This series stands out as one of DC’s bloodiest Elseworlds tales, with a body count that may rival DCeased. Among the fallen are numerous Bat-Family , including Batman, Nightwing, Red Hood, Red Robin, Batwoman, and more. However, amid the chaos, Darkseid has just acknowledged that he views Batgirl as his equal.

Darkseid Just itted the Batgirl of Earth-63 Is His Equal

Comic Comes From DC vs. Vampires: World War V #6 (2025) – Art by Otto Schmidt

DC vs. Vampires: World War V #6 delivers a major twist at the end with the unexpected introduction of Darkseid into the narrative. As the bloody battle rages on between humans and vampires, Darkseid makes his grand entrance, approaching Batgirl, who stands beside Aquaman, observing the carnage from above. Without wasting a moment on pleasantries, Darkseid declares, “I am Darkseid, Ruler of Apokolips. I assume you are Gordon, Ruler of Earth?” While this might seem like a casual introduction at first, it quickly becomes a jaw-dropping revelation: Darkseid considers the Batgirl of Earth-63 his equal.

By referring to both himself and Batgirl as "Rulers of…" Darkseid is unmistakably acknowledging their parity. In this moment, Barbara is positioned as his Earth counterpart—a ruler of a planet, just as he is with Apokolips. The way he addresses her with what can only be described as respect further underscores this, signaling that he views her as an equal. Notably, he doesn’t even acknowledge Aquaman’s presence at the beginning of their interaction, which only serves to highlight the respect Batgirl has earned from the New God to be addressed directly and with such recognition.

Honestly, Darkseid SHOULD Respect Batgirl (& Here’s Why)

Comic Comes From DC vs. Vampires #12 (2022) – Art by Otto Schmidt

Although it’s surprising that Darkseid its to viewing the Batgirl of Earth-63 as his equal, it’s a recognition she fully deserves. The Batgirl of this universe has shown a ruthlessness and ambition that rival even the New God’s. The first indication of her potential came when she killed what most would consider her one true love, Nightwing. This shocking moment occurred at the end of DC vs. Vampires #12, revealing just how cold and calculating Barbara could be—and it only escalated from there.

After killing Dick, Barbara swiftly claimed his sovereignty as her own, demonstrating the kind of ruthlessness and ambition that would surely earn Darkseid’s approval. But she didn’t stop there. Batgirl wasn’t satisfied with merely being the Queen of the Vampires; she sought to become the undisputed ruler of Earth, a goal she achieved through brutal bloodshed—sacrificing friends, family, and allies alike. Batgirl accomplished what even Nightwing could not during his reign—total domination of the planet—driving most of Earth’s heroes into hiding or forcing them to make deals with her. Considering all that Batgirl has achieved in this universe, it’s no surprise that Darkseid views her with such respect.

Darkseid Just Killed Aquaman. How Will Batgirl Fair Against the New God?

Comic Comes From DC vs. Vampires: World War V #6 (2025) – Art by Otto Schmidt

While Darkseid may view Batgirl as an equal, that doesn’t mean she’s exempt from his wrath. As revealed in DC vs. Vampires: World War V #6, Darkseid has come to Earth-63 in search of his granddaughter. When Aquaman boasts about killing the infant, the New God wastes no time, crushing him in his fist and declaring that he will see Earth-63 burn. This sets the stage for what seems to be Darkseid preparing to raze Barbara’s kingdom to the ground. With only he and Batgirl standing atop the hill together, it will be fascinating to see how the two will collide, especially after Darkseid’s brutal execution of Aquaman.

DC vs. Vampires: World War V #6 is available now from DC Comics!