DC Finest: Fourth World: When the Old Gods Die

by Jack Kirby

Before the Justice League, before the Multiverse--there was the Fourth World. Born from the mind of Jack Kirby, this cosmic saga pits the New Gods of New Genesis against the dark forces of Apokolips in a battle that spans galaxies and destinies. Witness the rise of Mister Miracle, Orion, and Darkseid in the mythic war that reshaped the DC Universe.
DC Finest: Fourth World - When the Old Gods Die collects the foundational chapters of Jack Kirby's legendary Fourth World saga, including Mister Miracle #1-4, The Forever People #1-5, The New Gods #1-4, Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133-141, and Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #115. These stories introduce readers to a bold new mythology of cosmic deities, super-science, and eternal conflict. From the escape artistry of Mister Miracle to the tyrannical rule of Darkseid, this volume captures the explosive imagination and revolutionary storytelling that defined Kirby's DC era.
Collects Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133-139, #141, The New Gods #1-4, Mister Miracle #1-4, The Forever People #1-5, Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #111, #115, and pages from #114

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics

560 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2026

About the author

Jack Kirby (born Jacob Kurtzberg) was one of the most influential, recognizable, and prolific artists in American comic books, and the co-creator of such enduring characters and popular culture icons as the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, the Hulk, Captain America, and hundreds of others stretching back to the earliest days of the medium. He was also a comic book writer and editor. His most common nickname is "The King."

Reviews

[Little Timmy]

Kirby's incredible imagination created these iconic DC characters. Always an interesting and enjoyable read when the Master of the genre goes to work. Recommended

[Steve Morris]

You’re not allowed to give a Jack Kirby comic one star, but what a complete slog this was. Ace issues of New Gods and Mister Miracle, but what was going on with his Jimmy Olsen run? Phew, those issues were a disaster

[Darik]

Big, dumb, fun spectacles of expertly-executed comic-book bombast! I can finally see why these characters have such a following, even though I would argue that no one else can really make them work. This are Kirby's creations, and his alone.

This volume is sprinkled throughout with hints of genuine social and psychological insight (Kirby seems to have a strong grasp of the psychological mechanics that foment fascism), and just as many moments of an old guy trying to seem hip (there are so many bizarre attempts at channeling hippie culture that just DO NOT work at all). But more than anything, it's telling a sweeping, ambitious story unlike anything anyone had ever tried at the time... you gotta admire the chutzpah.

I hope they release more volumes!

[Joseph Crook]

After reading so many books inspired by Jack Kirby (Tom Scioli being a highlight) I felt inspired to read the man himself.

The highs in this collection are extremely high. Kirby is a singular talent. His human faces, his machines, his architecture, his perspective, are like nothing else I have seen.

I also think the colouring is mostly fine to good, despite some of the criticisms of Vince Coletta.

The story arc highlights are mostly around the new gods and Miracle Man. But some of the other stories and characters are dull and kitsch. I found some of the characters insufferable, such as Don Rickles. Why on earth have a weird offensive real life comedian in a fantastic comic?? Maybe it made sense at the time. Most of the Jimmy Olsen stories didn’t land for me. And I didn’t care for the newsboy legion despite Kirby’s obvious fondness for them.

But hey, it’s an old comic book. And what still shines is his relentless creativity and joy in creating great comics.

[Matt Fuller]

Innovative for its time this multi comic series across the New Gods, Forever People, Mister Miracle, and Jimmy Olsen all created by Jack Kirby transformed the DC universe. Some out there stuff but worth getting into for sure. 1970-1971. 8/10

[Farhad Shawkat]

Fun read, even in 2026. I read about a lot of these characters - Mister Miracle, Big Barda, Oberon, Orion, Lightray, and of course, Darkseid, in the '80s, and it was great to see their creation. Hope DC continues to reprint these Kirby masterpieces in DC Finest format.