Orion

Current Events

Orion appears at the end of Wonder Woman #12 in the ongoing New 52 event. Orion and the New Gods of New Genesis have not yet appeared in this reinvented universe, although Darkseid and his fellow residents of Apokolips already have.

Orion has been dispatched by Highfather to Earth to find a neutralize the threat that would erase all of existence if let be. Highfather notes that Orion has a certain preference for Earth, indicating he spends time there. A remark that's confirmed later when Orion meets up with one of Zeus' offspring; Milan, who greets him like a friend. Orion's short temper is quickly put on display when Lennox and Wonder Woman seek out Milan for the same reason Orion did and a fight nearly erupts before Milan intervenes.

The Astro-Harness is later shown to be able to open boomtubes into the vicinity of anyone if it has something to follow, in this case a hair from Hera's head. Orion however also displays a more unappealing personality feature when he encourages Diana to go with War by slapping her rear and apparently caring nothing for Diana's reaction.

He has also appeared in conflict with Superman, the Man of Steel for similar reasons.

Creation

By the late 60's Jack Kirby, long-time top artist for Marvel Comics, grew dissatisfied with his treatment at Marvel so he left to work for rival publisher DC Comics. Immediately upon arriving at DC, he began creating a slew of titles under the editing skills of Carmine Infantino. This became know as Kirby's Fourth World saga, running through the pages of Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen, New Gods, Mister Miracle and The Forever People. Each of these titles was based in the Fourth World and featured the adventures of a race of super powered Gods. Orion, the second son of Apokolips' ruler and darkest god of all, Darkseid, was featured in the first issue of New Gods and was the series main protagonist.

Origin

On the far side of known existence there is a place known as the "Fourth World." It is there that two opposing planets exist; New Genesis, a place of beauty, splendor, light and happiness, and Apokolips, a place of hardship, squalor, filth and disease. It was in the dreary darkness of Apokolips that Orion was born the son of Tigra and Darkseid. After warring for countless ages the leaders of Apokolips and New Genesis finally managed to find a way broker peace, or at least delay the inevitable, when each side agreed to have the rulers of both planets give the other his son to raise, thus forming a peace treaty known as 'The Pact'. To this end, Darkseid received Highfather Izaya's son, Scott Free (aka Mr. Miracle), while Highfather accepted and raised Orion.This was a questionable choice for Darkseid because of a prophecy regarding Orion's future. It was foretold that Father and Son would meet for a final battle to decide the fate of Apokolips, and that Orion would defeat his father amid the fire-pits of Apokolips deciding the fate of the War between the twin worlds. An event Darkseid was sure would never pass, yet that he unwittingly set into motion.

On New Genesis, Orion's savage nature quickly made him stand out amidst the peaceful natives. The dark fury that boiled within him could barely be contained, and so Orion was given a Mother Box, a sentient computer, to calm his temper. Orion's Mother Box spends much of her time trying to calm the raging soul within Orion. Orion was also taught by the Highfather to respect the Source, a training that has given Orion something to meditate on to placate his anger. He has also made many friends on New Genesis, including Scott Free and Big Barda (both of whom have escaped from a life of cruelty on Apokolips). Most importantly, Orion was befriended by Lightray, the cheery, friendly "beam of light" of New Genesis. Despite the superficial and even temperamental differences, the two are best of friends. It is the teachings and friendships that has steeled Orion's conviction when he goes to defend New Genesis.

Character Evolution

Orion possesses strength, stamina and durability on the same level as Superman or Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, due to the evil of his father, Darkseid, Orion has an insatiable inner demon that fills Orion and enormous inborn fury which he constantly wrestles with. His physical power combined with this relentless fury has made him the fiercest warrior among all the New Gods. His ferocity in combat, which is legendary, is what has earned him the title "Dog of War".

Though always portrayed as a warrior, Orion has been softened by writers since his debut under the sometimes sledgehammer pen of Kirby. In the original New Gods series, Orion was portrayed in a way that was hard to like. His manner sat somewhere between arrogance and pretentious and it was down to support characters like Orions' long term best friend, Lightray to lighten proceedings somewhat. It was, perhaps this heavy handedness that lead to the original series cancellation, with DC not utilizing the characters again for another five years.

When Orion and the New Gods did reappear in Return Of The New Gods, Orion was changed considerably to fit more easily into the superhero mold. Gone were the helmet and the Astro-Harness and brought in were the spandex and the obligatory face mask. Although it featured the talents of creators like Denny O'Neil, Gerry Conway, Bob Mcleod and Don Newton, this new take on a classic idea did not take with the public's imagination and the series was cancelled the following year. Although appearing in a few issues of Justice League, this version of Orion was never seen again and the character himself would not again appear until Jack Kirby was given the chance to return to the characters he had created.

In 1984, Kirby was given the chance to finish the story he had begun 12 years previous when DC reprinted his New Gods series and allowed him to add an extra chapter on the end, which concluded with the apparent death of Orion himself. This lead to the Hunger Dogs graphic novel, one of the first of its kind and an epic and conclusive finish to Kirbys' epic story.

Orion would not appear again until following the DC retcon tale, Crisis On Infinite Earths and spent some time as a member of The Justice League, once under the Keith Giffen/J.M Dematteis creative run and once under Grant Morrisons talents. In 2000, Orion finally received his own title, written and drawn by Walt Simonson which ran for 25 issues.

Major Story Arcs

The Pact

"There came a time when the old gods died! The brave died with the cunning! The noble perished, locked in battle with unleashed evil! It was the last day for them! An ancient era was passing in fiery holocaust!"

And so began the epic tale of The New Gods. When Izaya, The Inheritors wife, Avia was murdered by the unruly henchmen of Darkseid, war erupted between the pure and good planet of New Genesis and its dark sibling, Apokolips. Consumed with revenge, Izaya pursued his war against Apokolips with the fervour of a madman, before realizing that the cost of war is too high. Horrified at what he has done, Izaya exiles himself and whilst in exile, forgoes the ways of war and discovers the omnipotent and mysterious power known only as, The Source. When he returns to his people, Izaya wears the clothes of peace and, befitting his new awareness, assumes the name of Highfather.

In order to broker peace, or at least delay the inevitable, each planet's ruler gave the other his son to raise forming a peace treaty known as 'The Pact'. So, Darkseid received Highfather Izaya's son, Scott Free (aka Mr. Miracle), while Highfather raised Orion.This was a questionable choice for Darkseid because of a prophecy regarding Orion's future. It was foretold that Father and Son would meet for a final battle to decide the fate of Apokolips, and that Orion would defeat his father amid the fire-pits of Apokolips deciding the fate of the War between the twin worlds. An event Darkseid was sure would never pass, yet that he unwittingly set into motion.

On New Genesis, Orion's savage nature quickly made him stand out amidst the peaceful natives. The dark fury that boiled within him could barely be contained, and so Orion was given a Mother Box, a sentient computer, to calm his temper. Orion's Mother Box spends much of her time trying to calm the raging soul within Orion. Orion was also taught by the Highfather to respect the Source, a training that has given Orion something to meditate on to placate his anger. He has also made many friends on New Genesis, including Scott Free and Big Barda (both of whom have escaped from a life of cruelty on Apokolips). Most importantly, Orion was befriended by Lightray, the cheery, friendly "beam of light" of New Genesis. Despite the superficial and even temperamental differences, the two are best of friends. It is the teachings and friendships that has steeled Orion's conviction when he goes to defend New Genesis.

Earth

During his travels Orion has proven himself a hero many times. His first encounter with Earth's heroes was through Superman. He was sent by Highfather to retrieve him for an audience. Having limited knowledge of the New Gods, Superman mistook him for a servant of Darkseid, and in typical fashion Orion attacked him. After a short battle he was able to subdue the young Kryptonian easily using his physical prowess and the Astro-Harness. Upon their arrival on New Genesis Orion awakened Superman, who was able to surprise him and overcome him. Orion then spent the rest of the day chasing him. He pursued Kal into the stratosphere where he used a burst of Heat Vision to blast him into the floating defenses of Supertown. Eventually with the help of Metron they were able to subdue him, and Orion brought him in chains to Highfather, who then admonished him reminding him that they were seeking the Kryptonian's assistance. The majority of their encounters would go this route. Orion and Ligthray later came to Earth to help in the battle against Darkseid, who was searching for the Anti-Life Equation. Both Orion and Lightray served with the Justice League Of America for a time. Orion frequently battles against his father, using his rage to defend the universe from Darkseid's tyranny.

Anti-Life Equation

Orion had a number of adventures of his own. During one of these Orion was able to partially obtain the Anti-Life Equation. This victory prompted him to return to Apokalips, and to confront his father about the truth of his birth. In the end he ends up challenging his father for the right to rule. Refusing to use the Anti-Life Equation, as a matter of pride, he fights with only his natural abilities and trusted Astro-Harness. Orion is able to defeat his father, gaining control over Apokalips. Using the Equation he went on to attempt to create Inter-Galactic peace. He began his efforts on Earth, a planet he had grown fond of. Orion was able to turn Earth into a Utopian paradise, but in the end found out it was disrupting the fabric of the Universe. Orion set things right, and it was later revealed that Darkseid, along with Metron, had only let Orion defeat him. He had wanted to know about and attempt to understand the potential of the Anti-Life Equation.

For messing with the Anti-Life Equation, one of the gods disguised as the Black Racer managed to work Orion into one of his furies, and led him into a Doom Tube. The Doom Tube is like a Boom Tube, except once you enter it, there is no way out. In this land, there was literally nothing, except for a giant tree in the middle of it. As it turned out, there where beings in this place known as Ecruos. These beings take the forms of humans and if they are killed, the human they conceal themselves as will die as well. Orion, thinking he's done enough damage, decides that slaughter won't matter. When he is through with them, he notices a throne engraved in the tree. He goes through an entrance in the tree and finds the ruler of the abandoned land, Clockwerx, whom was bound by chains. He informs Orion that the Ecruos plan on dismantling the tree, which is the tree of life, when it dies, so does the universe. After a long battle with the rest of the Ecruos, whom where in there monstrous form, Orion prevailed. Clockwerx, now unbound, uses his powers to send Orion to Earth.

On Earth, Orion is traumatized by what he has been through, and is taken in by a homeless man. It is there that Orion hears of Slig of the Deep Six's escape and that he's wreaking havoc on the Pacific Ocean. The new god eventually restores the peace. While thinking of what to do next, he is attacked by humans with Apokoliptian weapons. They put a crown-like device on his head and it destroyed Orion's eyes. With help from Lightray, he managed to escape his imprisonment. Orion was forced to deal with a few mobsters working for Arnicus Wolfram. Wolfram found a way of taking people and gods' life energies and using them to prolong his own life, which is why Orion was taken in the first place. Within a short period of time, Orion managed to outwit this man, as he has done to so many others. Orion referenced his experience of gaining the Anti-Life Equation to what Wolfram was doing to people and how he needed to be punished. He took Wolfram's eyes to replace his own.

Justice League

Orion has proudly served 2 terms with the League. The first time, he demanded to serve alongside his friend Lightray. The two were admitted into the Leagues ranks and they served until after the battle between the League and Evil Eye. When next Orion served it was under the orders of Takion, the new leader of New Genesis following High Father's death, alongside Big Barda. The two were to serve in preparation for the arrival of Meggadon. While preparing for this they took part in a number of memorable missions. Orion helped to defeat Starro after his actions had put nearly the entirety of North America to sleep. He also, aided by Green Lantern, Barda, Plastic Man, and Steel managed to capture a White Martian who had regained it's memories. On one occasion Steel was forced to steal Orion's motherbox and use it as a telepathic shield when an apparently insane Adam Strange kidnapped them in an attempt to defeat a Telepathic race. Orion was so enraged his Motherbox was almost useless, devoting to much energy to keep him calm than to do anything else. It took a blow from Wonder Woman to bring him to his senses. When Mageddon arrived Orion and Barda gave their all to help the League deal with the threat. After a few initial failures Orion decided to stop holding back. Giving his motherbox to Oracle to assist her coordination, he attacked the omnipotent being at full ferocity, managing to do more damage then any other member of the League. He was able to keep it busy until Superman absorbed the power of it's energy source. Then, the threat they had come to confront defeated Orion and Barda resigned.

Death of the New Gods

During the twilight of the New Gods, Orion was one of the first on New Genesis to discover what was happening. He had gone to what was to be a meeting between himself, Takion and Magnar to find the later dead. When Takion arrived with Himon in tow they feared that it was Orion who had done the terrible deed, and were even more disturbed as Orion described what had happened and the killer's ability to remain undetected. It was also Orion who realized that Takion had not been alerted to the death of a New God by the Source. Orion and his allies then set about investigating, and were staggered as the found to true number of New Gods either dead, or missing. Orion first blamed the Forever People, who had been spotted near many of the killings and were also missing in action having failed to respond to New Genesis distress beacon. After Takion and Himon debased that theory, he immediately rushed to blame his father Darkseid as responsible for their betrayal and the connected deaths. Though he wanted to take the fight to Apokolips, Takion reasoned with him why remaining on New Genesis until the threat was assessed was best. Matter's where soon exasperated by the arrival of Scott Free and Superman, with the news of Barda's death. As per many of their meetings, an extremely agitated Orion founds himself engrossed in yet another contest of strength with the Kryptonian though they were eventually interrupted by Metron.

Conversing with Metron, and learning that Darkseid may hold some of the information, Orion proposes again a confrontation with his father. He, along with Superman and Scott Free decide to confront him on Apokolips, but also that it must wait for the funeral of Barda. Before the funeral Orion confronts Scott about his knowledge of the Anti-Life Equation, and his desire to resurrect Barda. After being assured that he won't, Orion sets about convincing Scott of the possible necessity of using the Equation to stave off the extinction of the New Gods. A conversation overheard by Superman, revealing the secret to the Kryptonian. Orion and his allies then proceed to pay their respects to Barda. After the rights of the funeral Orion confronts Kal-El about what he has overheard. He explains to the Man of Steel that by knowing the secret he is also now a member of their conspiracy and responsible for the protection fo Scott Free. Orion and his allies then head to Apokolips.

Upon their arrival to Apokolips, Orion and the others are set upon by a swarm of Parademons. The Dog of War lets loose upon his foes. The minions of Darkseid prove no obstacle for Orion, who manages to fight on while also advising Superman not to hold back against their foes. He is forced to save a careless Free, admonishing him for his reckless behavior, before the fight is over. As they head for Darkseid's citadel, they are confronted by the sight of streets littered with the corpses of his followers. Orion and his allies are forced to re-evaluate their opinion of Darkseid's guilt. Arriving at the citadel they find the way barred by Darkseid's elite, none of whom feel the need to bar their passage feeling betrayed by their Lord's inaction. On their way deeper into the stronghold they witness even more dead New Gods. Finally they are assaulted by Shadow Demon's summoned by Darkseid himself, while Superman provides a distraction Orion and Mr. Miracle continue their journey to Darkseid's inner sanctum.

Upon their arrival, Darkseid immediately captures Orion and Miracle with his partial knowledge of the Equation. Mr. Miracle, with his control of the full Equation is able to free them. He then banishes all of the Shadow Demons and traps the Lord of Apokolips himself. Orion attempted to continue the battle, but was stopped by Scott. He then proceeds to help in the interrogation of his father, having a hard time believing that Darkseid has accepted defeat. When Darkseid proves able to resist the compulsions of the Equation, Orion attempts to convince Scott to kill him. When Scott refuses, they return to Superman and then New Genesis. Learning of Takion's death they prepare to elect a new leader for New Genesis. As they prepare he converses with Kal-El, explaining how he used to hide his true face from the people of New Genesis, but that they have come to accept him as he is and he hides no longer. After everyone assembles Orion leads the others in electing a new leader. It is through Orion's logic that Himon is chosen to lead the New Gods through these troubled times. After that issue is settled, they finally manage to locate the position of the Forever People. Heading to the coordinates indicated they find the teen aged group dead, having been so for a long while. Enraged Scott raises the corpses and attempts to interrogate them, ignoring the protests of Orion and Kal. When the corpses destroy themselves instead of reveal their killer they are forced to return to Supertown empty handed.

Back on New Genesis, Orion and Superman begin to form their own conclusions. The two both come to the conclusion that the Infinity Man must be the killer responsible. They search Supertown for him, not managing to find a trace. The two decide to keep their hunch from Scott, not being able to afford him running of half-cocked. After agreeing to deciding to keep looking for him, while also searching for other possibilities they prepare to depart. Before he leaves Orion points out that by staying Kal-El may share their fate, he then bids him farewell. He then flies off. While he was gone his fellow New Gods began to suspect him, leading to a confrontation between Orion and Scott that Superman had to diffuse. In the end Orion decides, true to form, to challenge the God Killer to one on one combat. Hoping to give his allies the opportunity to figure out his identity he prepares to sacrifice himself. Seeing the killer approach he rushes him on his Astro-Harness, leading to a cataclysmic explosion and his death. The explosion was so grand it blinded even Superman, reminding him why the denizens of the Fourth World profess divinity. Because of his Rage he is the only New God to return to the Source after his death, leaving behind only his helmet. His demise is sensed by his father, who looks towards the explosion, lamenting the ending of their joint story.

Death of Orion

Yet that wasn't the end of Orion. It is later discovered that the source was able to retrieve his soul. When Darkseid, using a potion giving him access to all the deceased New Gods power, challenges it; the Source calls upon Orion to defeat his father. Orion, returned by the source to an energy projection of his original body, then begins fighting his father. Orion is able to fight Darkseid on an even footing again even with his new augmentations, because as his son he is able to tap into the same power. Orion is able to hold his father off, and he later retreats as the Source moves to destroy Apokolips. As he flees Darkseid warns Orion that their battle has only been postponed.

When Darkseid heads to Earth, attempting to retrieve the entirety of the fallen Gods power from Jimmy Olsen, Orion follows him. Returned to his original body, Orion confronts his father for the final time. The two begin a fierce battle in the streets of Metropolis while the League looks on, kept out of it by Superman who explains some things are between Father's and sons. Orion is able to match his father blow for blow for a time, citing the prophecy. Darkseid then manages to gain the upper hand, stating that the destruction of Apokolips proves the negation of the prophecy. Fueled by his rage, and gathering his strength Orion is able to turn the tides back in his favor. He then proceeds to dominate the rest of the fight. In the end he rips his father's heart from his chest, citing it as fire-pit enough to fulfill the prophecy. Orion then, refusing any care or help, wanders off into the streets of Metropolis, the last of the New Gods.

An undisclosed amount of time later Orion is found dying in a pile of trash near the Docs of Metropolis by Dan Turpin. Turpin tries to rouse Orion, burning his hand against the skin of the New God. He is apparently dying of his wounds from the battle with his father. As the Black Racer looms over him, he gathers the last of his strength to stand to his feet. Describing the war in heaven, and how it left if cracked and broken he attempts to warn Turpin. Orion's apocalyptic words to Turpin "They did not die! He is in you all..." presumably referring to the survival of Darkseid and his elite (a fact later proven true).

Orion then died, yet as benefiting the Dog of War his final words to Humanity are to "fight". His death led to an investigation by the Guardians of the Universe's Green Lantern Corps and the Justice League of America, alerting them to Darkseid's presence and set in motion the events of Final Crisis. During this investigation it is found out that Darkseid was able to use Metron's moebius Chair to fire a Radion Bullet into the past and murder his son. Orion's death also had an affect on the superhero community, the death of the Warrior God causing a dulling of their own warrior spirit and dulling of their skills.

Hightfather and Darkseid were apparently right and Earth will be responsible for giving birth to the Fifth World. Darkseid and his Elite, by possessing human hosts, have been able to take control of Earth through the Anti-Life Equation and await the birth of the Fifth World. The New Gods are set to rise again, and Orion the Dog of War will be among them.

New 52

Orion appears at the end of Wonder Woman #12. He claws his way out of a grave and dons his helmet. He then transports himself through a boom tube to an undisclosed location.

Powers and Abilities

Because of Orion's location of creation which is in a realm called the Source, it seems as if using the energy from the Source Wall and using their own kind of technology has evolved the New Gods, including Orion, into something of a race of higher level, perfect superhumans. This means they have the same physical image as humans but are far smarter, stronger, faster, more durable, more agile and more flexible. Orion's strength is unmeasured but is said to be the equal of his father, Darkseid. He has been able to defeat Darkseid once in pitched battle and has been able to more than hold his own against such major league heavyweights as Superman and Wonder Woman. He is strong enough to be able to knock out his step-brother Kalibak with only one blow. He's durable enough to have part of a city dropped on him only to shrug it off without suffering any harm or damge. He is nearly impossible to stop on Earth as there is no earthly substance known to exist which can resist or affect his power, though beings of comparable or greater power and barriers gaining their power from the Source Wall have been known to stop him at some point. Because of his rage, Orion does not fatigue easily though he is not entirely tireless or unstoppable as he has shown fatigue when fighting against Darkseid. When injured, Orion's healing factor helps to quickly recover even healing him when multiple and/or severe injuries ever occur. With the more serious injuries, he can use the Mother Box to heal him while even supplying him with more energy to continue fighting, helping or living..

Orion also is able to harness an inter dimensional energy called the "Astro Force". Also known as the "wrath of the Source" it is an energy powerful enough to destroy planets, equaled only by the Omega Force under Darkseid's control. While Orion himself is a conduit for the Astro Force, he can use either the Astro Harness or his wristbands as a valve through which he can project this energy. He uses the Astro Force primarily as a weapon, but once he was shown to be able to use the Astro Force to create an energy shield powerful enough to deflect Darkseid's "Omega Effect". It should be noted that Darkseid wanted this to happen, so the end result might not be that accurate.

Even though a god, Orion still has weaknesses. One weakness is a substance called Radion. The average god cannot withstand its damage, though Orion who is more advanced, with armor and the Mother Box can take a couple hits and survive, though it probably puts Orion in a very weak state. Another weakness is the way he thinks and how he goes about doing things. He is a warrior of rage and will stop at nothing to defeat his enemy, even if it means destroying many innocent lives. For him to be restrained, he has to be constantly reminded and on one occasion, been punched to calm him down. Also, because of his warrior trait, he does not know the difference between weakness and defenselessness even though he is highly intelligent because of his race. Also it appears that despite his many godly attributes, he can still be affected by some forms of psionic manipulation such as his own Mother Box's calming influence and Raven's empathic powers.

Equipment

He uses a device called the Astro-Harness which he wears like a jet pack. It has many features including the ability to transport Orion around space, a powerful energy blast, an energy shield which absorbs attacks, a life support system and the Astro-Harness' ability to repair itself, as long as a part of it still exists. However, not everyone can use it, as only Orion's personality is fit for the Astro-Harness. Because of it's connection to the Source, only Orion, who is poised perfectly between the peaceful ways of New Genesis and the destructive fury of Apokalips, can properly control it. Anyone else using it may cause damage, as the ability to use the energy blast on it can cause a lot of damage - more damage then Orion could create. However, in time of extreme danger, it can be programmed so that another user can use it. This is a last resort as no other's are truly compatible enough to control it properly for long.

The Astro-Harness, like many of the technology of New Genesis, can repair itself. Orion's Mother Box can also attach to the harness, but this is an ability of the Mother Box, not the Astro-Harness.

Alternate Versions

IN 1996, DC and Marvel combined to create a series of comics under the Amalgam banner which combined one hero from each publisher into a joint character. Orion ws joined with the mythos of Marvels' Thor to create Thorion Of The New Asgods who debuted in his eponymous one shot.

Tangent Universe

In this universe Orion is a magical being who can transport others, objects, and himself anywhere on Earth. With the help of additional power sources (such as a green lantern ring) he can transport beings into other universes. Orion is currently helping the Superman of Earth 9.

Kingdom Come

Orion has overthrown Darkseid as leader of Apokolips. Superman tries to recruit Orion for his new Justice League, but changes his mind when he sees that Orion is a tyrant much like Darkseid was.

Characteristics

• Height- 6'1"
• Weight- 195lbs
• Eyes- Blue (his eyes glow red when angry)
• Hair- Red

Other Media

Television

DC Animated Universe:

1. Superman: Animated Series Episodes:

• Apokolips...Now! Part 1
• Apokolips...Now! Part 2

2. Justice League Episodes:

• Twilight Part 1
• Twilight Part 2

3. Justice League Unlimited Episodes:

• Flash and Substance

Smallville

Orion didn't appear in the episode called Prophecy, However, his name was mentioned by Kara who tells that Orion was the biological son of Darkseid. Oliver Queen was on the quest to steal the Bow of Orion which could ultimately remove the Omega symbol from his head and stop Darkseid for good. But Granny Goodness arrived in time and destroyed the Bow of Orion before Oliver could even use it.