'Thor' #2 teases Darkseid as the one true end of Justice League as DC Universe falls to Black Winter
This article contains spoilers for 'Thor' #2 by Donny Cates, Nic Klein, Matt Wilson, and Joe Sabino
The Justice League has faced many enemies over the years and every time, they've found a way to come out on top. But not this time.
In the pages of 'Thor' #2, the DC Universe is destroyed by the Black Winter, a living cosmic disease that eats universes the way Galactus eats planets. Granted, the comic doesn't directly name the universe or its inhabitants but it's easy enough to see through the vague art and descriptions. But while the death of the Justice League (even if it's technically not an official end) is a big enough moment, what's really captured our attention about the sequence is the reference Cates makes to the Apokoliptian tyrant Darkseid.
First, a bit of context. In addition to consuming universes, the Black Winter has the strange ability to appear to anyone who gazes at it in the form of their one true doom. In other words, if you look at the Black Winter, you'll see the face of the person or thing that was originally destined to destroy you. Before the Winter came, that is.
And for the Justice League, the Black Winter takes the form of "their omega. The one who is", which can only be a reference to Darkseid himself. The cosmic dictator is infamous for using an energy-based attack called the Omega Sanction, which can be used for a number of different purposes, including disintegrating pretty much everything in its path.
The second part of the description seems to be a reference to the phrase "Darkseid is", which was prominently featured in Tom King and Mitch Gerads's award-winning 'Mister Miracle' series. Originating in Grant Morrison's 1997 'JLA' run, the phrase has gone on to become a very popular saying among comic book fans.
Back to 'Thor' #2, the issue was beautifully illustrated by Nic Klein and Matt Wilson, perfectly balancing sharp lines and blurs, darkness and light. Wilson's coloring is especially notable as every panel on every page truly pops out and grabs your attention. Combined with Cates' writing, the new 'Thor' series is quickly shaping up to be an epic tale that's as mythical as its protagonist.
'Thor' #3 is scheduled to be released on February 12 and will be featuring a no-holds-barred battle between Thor and his onetime ally Beta Ray Bill, so you know it's going to be worth it.