Warning: Spoilers for The New Gods #3Darkseidis no more, and the entire DC Universe is experiencing the ramifications of his groundbreaking death. In the wake of his demise, other evils have sprung up across the cosmos, all vying for the power that Darkseid has left up for grabs. The New Gods will soon face a new threat in the form of a villain whose design is as badass as Darkseid’s.
DC Comics' February solicitations feature a first look atThe New Gods#3 by Ram V and Evan Cagle, the latest installment in their reinvention of DC’s godly pantheon. As explained in the issue’s synopsis, this series is gearing up to introduce a new villain who intends to take Darkseid’s place.

February 19th, 2025
Variant Covers:
Mike Huddleston, Evan Cagle
Deep in the cosmos, an intergalactic inquisition descends upon Apokolips and New Genesis, carrying with it a sinister message: convert or be destroyed. Meanwhile on Earth, Mister Miracle and Big Barda, with their baby in tow, seek out the mysterious child spoken of in Metron’s prophecy, desperate to find him before Orion does. Could this child—this new god—be the universe’s savior? Or could he be the reincarnation of the universe’s greatest evil?
Nimit Malavia’s gorgeous cover art depicts an all-new character who boasts a striking design.This figure is slated to be the New Gods' upcoming adversary, and he has the potential to be every bit the villain that Darkseid was.

What Darkseid’s Terrifying Replacement Means for the DC Universe
According to apost fromThe New Godswriter Ram V on X, which includes an updated version of Malavia’s art, this character is called “the Scavenger.” This imposing title fits his design, considering the way his armor looks like it was meticulously scrapped together. His hulking appearance instills a sense of fear, as spikes shoot up over his broad shoulder. The sword he wields has a similar look to his armor, as does the eerie mask that conceals his face.The Scavenger, or Karok Ator, makes an immediate impressionwith this brutal design and is sure to spell trouble for New Genesis and Apokolips alike.
Darkseid’s New Evolution Makes Him More Powerful Than Ever, But I Just Spotted a Game-Changing Weakness
The massive DC All In Special features game-changer after game-changer - but Darkseid’s new status quo is the biggest development of them all.
The Scavenger’s sudden imposition upon the worlds of the New Gods coincides with thedeath of Darkseidin DC lore.Darkseid meets his end inDC All In Special#1by Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Daniel Sampere, Wes Craig, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, Alejandro Sánchez, and Steve Wands, and he has since gone on to create theAbsolute Universein his image. His absence in the main universe grants other foes who have been in hiding the courage to cease their waiting and commence their scheming at last. Without Darkseid, no one can stop the Scavenger.

Our Take on Darkseid Being Replaced in New Gods Lore
Will The Scavenger Live Up to Darkseid’s Iconic Legacy?
Darkseid’s death has left an enormous void in the DC Universe, and the Scavenger is attempting to fill that void by overtaking New Genesis and Apokolips with his inquisition. However, it won’t be easy for just any villain toreplace Darkseid. As one ofDC’s most powerful gods, Darkseid exists as the embodiment of evil itself, cementing him as a villain whose inner darkness trumps the rest. With that being said, the Scavenger’s intimidating design already affirms the threat he poses in his own right. The New Gods will have their work cut out for them as they contend withDarkseid’sreplacement.
Source:Ram V
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.
