Summary

• Pre-Crisis Darkseid was defined by his pursuit of The Source, establishing him as a God-like threat.
• Post-Crisis Darkseid emphasized tactical genius and included powers like omega beams and superhuman strength.
• DC Rebirth Darkseid portrayed an unexpected twist with an infant version hinting at great future power potential.

Few villains within the vast DC Multiverse inspire as much fear and fascination as Darkseid does. Being one of the most iconic antagonists, this cosmic tyrant has seen many different forms throughout the various continuities, and each one is more terrifying than the last. From the earliest incarnations right up through the most recent appearances, Darkseid's power has evolved in ways that even the mightiest heroes are challenged to handle.

From transcending beyond the regular universe to going against the source, Darkseid has become a symbol of evil throughout the comic world. And, with the DC Comics ever-expanding, more powerful versions of this cosmic tyrant are bound to be created. Currently, these are the strongest versions of Darkseid, the one true leader of Apokolips.

8 Pre-Crisis Darkseid

The Original Version

• First Appearance: New Gods #1 (February 1971)

In February 1971, DC's Multiverse gained one of the most powerful supervillains when the genius of Jack Kirby gave birth to Darkseid, creating a character of pure malice. This Pre-Crisis version rarely engaged in hand-to-hand combat or even confrontations due to its cosmic significance and immense power.

Darkseid's first appearance was the beginning of an epic journey in which he pursued, with relentless vigor, the greatest prize in existence: The Source. This pursuit defined the nature of perhaps the most powerful being in DC Comics' history. With the combined power of the Anti-Life Equation, superhuman attributes, and immortality, Darkseid established himself as a God-like threat in the DC universe.

7 Darkseid: Post-Crisis

A Re-imagined Monstrosity

• First Appearance: Legends #1, 1986

Post-Crisis Darkseid's appearance in Legends #1 was a pivotal moment for DC Comics; it promised to lead a new generation of one of DC's most powerful foes. While still the cruel monarch of Apokolips, this take on Darkseid held a more thoughtful and tactical approach to his attempted conquest of Earth.

During the Legends Storyline, Darkseid displays his cunning tactics. Trying to undermine Earth’s mightiest heroes, he plans to tarnish their legacies and ruin their reputations. So, while being one of the strongest characters in DC, this arc emphasizes his tactical genius. On top of that, according to DC lore, Post-Crisis Darkseid's abilities included omega beams, superhuman strength, and near-invulnerability, making him one of the strongest versions of Darkseid to date.

6 DC Rebirth Darkseid

An Unexpected Turn

• First Appearance: DC Universe Rebirth #1, 2016

One of the most surprising versions of Darkseid was portrayed in the DC Rebirth Storyline. Darkseid, the powerful ruler of Apokolips, was depicted as a baby, cradled by his daughter Grail. After that unexpected twist, it opened a whole new future for the DC Multiverse and brought into the fray a very different Darkseid.

Holding tremendous potential, this version of Darkseid was in miniature form. This character drove home the concept of rebirth in the DC Comics Universe, showing how even the most powerful beings can be reimagined in unexpected ways. The storyline hinted at the great power this infant will possess in growth, making him one of the most intriguing versions of the character in the DC Multiverse.

5 Final Crisis Darkseid

The Fall Of The Dark God

• First Appearance: Final Crisis #1, 2008

In the major crossover event "Final Crisis," Darkseid reaches unimaginable new heights of power and nihilism. This version of the villainous ruler attempts to transform Earth into his own Fifth World: a twisted utopia under his iron fist.

But even the strongest can fall. In a pivotal moment, Batman shoots a radiation bullet into Darkseid, mortally wounding him and tearing apart the fabric of space and time. While he is eventually defeated, this version of Darkseid conquers Earth with the help of the anti-life equation and is a cosmic-level threat.

4 New 52 Darkseid

Darkseid Unleashed

• First Appearance: Justice League #1, 2011

The New 52 reboot brought along a terrifying version of Darkseid. This character was introduced as a major antagonist for the Justice League. Being a New God and the ruthless ruler of Apokolips, this version of Darkseid instilled fear in the hearts of heroes and villains alike.

In the New 52 Universe, he unleashed his full strength in the first attack on Earth. His presence warped the very fabrics of reality, and he was able to overpower the newly formed Justice League with ease. This powerful version of Darkseid also wielded his trademark Omega Beams, dissolving targets and exiling them through time and space.

3 Soulfire Darkseid

Powered By The Source

• First Appearance: Death Of The New Gods, 2007

Soulfire Darkseid stands as one of the strongest versions of Darkseid in the DC multiverse, despite not being considered canon by DC Comics. This powerful iteration of the iconic villain possesses the extraordinary ability to harness the power of dead souls. This unique trait essentially transforms him into Darkseid's true form but with a significant power boost that sets him apart from other incarnations.

In the DC multiverse, Soulfire Darkseid draws his incredible strength from the energy of masses of dead beings. This iteration of the character shows the pinnacle of Darkseid's potential. While overlooked for being not a proper canonical version, Soulfire Darkseid is an interesting view into what his ultimate form could be.

2 Darkseid From Justice League: Darkseid War

The Challenger To The Anti-Monitor

• First Appearance: Justice League #40, 2015

In Justice League #40, the DC multiverse trembles as one of the strongest versions of Darkseid emerges. This incarnation plays a pivotal role in The Darkseid War storyline, where a chilling prophecy intertwines the fates of Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor. As the narrative unfolds, readers witness the New God's daughter, Grail, revealed as the destroyer of the cosmic Mobius Chair, setting the stage for an epic confrontation.

This version of Darkseid is immensely powerful. With the Anti-Life Equation allowing him to bend the will of sentient beings to his will, Darkseid makes short work of the greatest heroes. And, using the Omega Beams, anyone who stands in his way gets disintegrated. The Darkseid War arc cemented Darkseid as one of the most menacing villains in the DC Multiverse.

1 True Form Darkseid

The Godhead Incarnate

• First Appearance: Death Of The New Gods, 2007

With so many iterations of Darkseid existing, True Form Darkseid is his most powerful version, wherein all his lesser forms from throughout the multiverse combine into one supreme being. Also referred to as "Godhead," this version of Darkseid is the epitome of evil.

As one of the most powerful versions of Darkseid, True Form Darkseid exists beyond the regular universe. This variant is unfathomably strong and possesses cosmic powers. In reality, his abilities are all but endless and can reshape reality over several dimensions. Being a multiversal threat, True Form Darkseid seals his position as one of the most fearsome villains in comic book history.