In the earliest days of DC’s Fourth World,Darkseiddebuted an unbelievable anti-Supermanweapon that made an iconic ally the Man of Steel’s new foe. Fans today may not think much ofJimmy Olsenbeyond his beloved antics, but in 1970, he was a key player in Darkseid’s early rivalry with Superman.
Darkseid makes one of his earliest moves againstSupermanin 1970’sSuperman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen#135 by Jack Kirby, Vince Colletta, and John Costanza. Superman and his pal, Jimmy, have been learning more about a strange group of outcasts, the Hairies, and an early version of the organization that would become known asProject Cadmus, who have been experimenting with cloning - including clones of Jimmy.
Elsewhere,two of Darkseid’s cronies, Mokkari and Simyan, have taken advantage of Cadmus' work andtransformed one of their Jimmy clones into a Kryptonite-infused (and Hulk-like) monsterhell-bent on killing Superman.
Darkseid’s Minions Transformed a Jimmy Olsen Clone into the Perfect Weapon Against Superman
Darkseid’s First Unintentional Move Against Superman
Darkseid may believe that this Jimmy monster is uncontrollable - and he may be right - but when Superman meets this warped version of his best friend, he’s too shocked to fight back, making thisa key early blow in Darkseid’s war against the Man of Steel. ThoughDarkseid is now a major villain in DC’s massive multiverse, he in fact made his very minor debut in the previous issue ofJimmy Olsen, #134, making Jimmy’s role in this narrative - as both hero and enemy - far more significant than contemporary fans might believe.
Looking for more - and perhaps more contemporary - good ol' Jimmy Olsen antics? Check out the award-winning 2019 seriesSuperman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsenby Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber, available now both digitally and in a collected edition from DC Comics.
Actually, much of this seemingly inconsequential and under-discussed issue ofSuperman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsenlater becomes key to major moments in Superman history. Kirby’s introduction of cloning - and, at the very end of the issue, DNAliens -leads directly to the debut of the post-Crisis Superboy duringThe Death and Return of Superman,as well as the ongoing plot of Superboy’s original solo title, which includes a number of characters and elements first imagined by Kirby in his run onSuperman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen.
Darkseid Isn’t Jack Kirby’s Only Significant Contribution to DC Comics Lore
How Important Is Superman’s Fight Against a Jimmy Olsen Clone?
Though Kirby’s time onJimmy Olsenisn’t as typically lauded as his other original Fourth World titles likeThe New Gods,The Forever People, andMister Miracle,its oddities and plot beats have had an indelible impact on some of the most memorable modern and contemporary Superman stories of all time, fromDeath and Returnto more recent events, likethe introduction of the Chainedin Joshua Williamson and Gleb Melnikov’s 2023Supermanstory. Kirby is still King, and even his least notable DC stories - like Jimmy Olsen getting cloned and said clone fighting Superman - are essential reading.
Darkseid Is Dead, and His Death Is Ready to Reshape the DC Universe Says One Creator
After Darkseid’s death, one DC creator reveals how his demise redefines the Absolute Universe and continues to shape the main DCU in a major way.
With Darkseid back in DC’s spotlight, it’s more interesting than ever to return to his earliest appearances in the likes ofJimmy OlsenandThe New Gods.Though it’s not likely that fans will see Jimmy (nor any of his clones) playing a major part in DC’s All In era and Absolute Universe, they also can’t count him out completely. IfJimmy Olsenwas one ofDarkseid’searliest weapons against Superman, it’s always possible that evenSuperman’sbest pal could once again be used against him in their never-ending battle.
Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen#135is available now from DC Comics.
Darkseid
Darkseid is a tyrannical supervillain in DC Comics, ruling the hellish planet Apokolips. He seeks the Anti-Life Equation to control all sentient life and eliminate free will across the universe. With immense strength, energy manipulation, and Omega Beams that disintegrate targets, Darkseid is a relentless foe of Superman, the Justice League, New Gods, and free people everywhere.
Superman
The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.
