Magog (comics)
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Magog is an antihero in the DC Comics Kingdom Come Elseworlds Universe. He first appeares in Kingdom Come #1. Within this possible future, he represents the violent, modern-style heroes who come into conflict with the classic, moralistic heroes of the past.
[edit] History
Magog, "The New Man of Tomorrow," is a hero with a rising career in the last days of Superman's declining popularity. His true origins are never revealed in the story. His most controversial act at the time was killing the Joker, who was already in custody. Further compounding the situation, the Joker's final rampage had resulted in the death of Lois Lane and others close to Superman. Magog avenges the Man of Steel's friends but in a way that goes completely against the elder hero's beliefs. He then surrenders to Superman and the authorities. When put on trial for murder, Magog is acquitted.
Superman, disgusted with this injustice, goes into self-imposed exile for ten years. In that time, a new generation of heroes following Magog's violent approach begin to arise. Magog himself begins operating with a team of heroes known as the Justice Battalion (a group composed of characters based on the heroes of Charlton Comics). During a battle with the villainous Parasite, Magog's teammate Captain Atom is critically injured, the result of which is his eventual explosion like an atomic bomb. This disaster leaves Kansas completely destroyed, and much of America's heartland covered in deadly radiation.
Magog and Alloy are the only survivors of the Kansas blast. This cataclysm is the event which finally draws Superman and many of the heroes of his generation out of retirement, thus leading to the story's inevitable conflict. Initially, Magog is considered the most wanted and dangerous criminal in the world and is hunted by Superman's new Justice League. When they at last confront him in the ruins of Kansas, Magog lashes out, though it soon becomes apparent that he was traumatized by his experience and seeks forgiveness.
He is taken into custody by the League and in the battle that follows, a remorseful and changed Magog attempts to save as many lives as he can. At the end of Kingdom Come, Magog retires to Paradise Island, where he is seen caring for the crippled Japanese superheroine Tokyo Rose.
[edit] Notes
- Kingdom Come is a graphic novel rife with biblical references. In addition to taking his name from the Old Testament, Magog represents the Golden Calf, that is, a false idol.
- Magog's character design was based on superhero design trends of the time, principally the Marvel Comics anti-hero character Cable. Alex Ross stated, "As I remember, Mark originally told me, 'Make him look like everything we hate in modern superhero design.'" [1]
- Magog's connection with the DC character Gog (from the Kingdom Come sequel, The Kingdom) is unclear, though it is theorized that Gog may in fact have become Magog.
- Gog and Magog are both biblical characters from the Book of Genesis, the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation.
