Source (comics)

The Source is a metaphysical concept created by writer-artist Jack Kirby for his Fourth World series of comic books. It first appeared in New Gods #1 (February 1971).^[1]

History

The Source is a cosmic force and the source of everything that exists.^[2] It is protected by the Source Wall, a barrier containing statues of those who fail to pass it.^[3]

In Death of the New Gods, the Source orchestrates the eponymous event to build a new "Fifth World" and merges Apokolips and New Genesis into a single planet.^[4][5]

In The New 52, the emotional entities sacrifice themselves by entering the Source to replenish the emotional spectrum.^[6]

In DC Rebirth, Perpetua is sealed in the Source Wall billions of years prior before being freed when it is cracked in Dark Nights: Death Metal.^[7] Furthermore, John Stewart absorbs the Source's power and meets its physical form, which resembles Jack Kirby.^[8]

In other media

• The Force from Star Wars may be inspired by the Source.^[9][10]
• The Source Wall appears in the Justice League Unlimited episode "Destroyer".
• In Injustice: Gods Among Us, Brother Eye is equipped with Source energy scanners.