10 Comics Secrets We Still Can't Explain
6. The Nature Of The Anti-Life Equation
Jack Kirby's move to DC Comics resulted in the creation of his Fourth World, and with it came something called the Anti-Life Equation. While it sounds like a mathematical proof that somehow kills anyone who reads it, its more of a formula that enables someone to take total control of the minds of all sentient beings.
The Anti-Life Equation was the principal desire of Darkseid, who sent his forces of Earth in an effort to find it. He did this due to a belief that all human beings held a portion of the Anti-Life Equation within their subconsciousness.
It's well-known what the Anti-Life Equation could do, but something that's never been revealed in the DC Universe is what it is exactly. It's believed by many to be a mathematical proof that somehow proves the futility of living, but this has never been confirmed in any comics despite the existence of the equation for decades.
Some writers have revealed their various interpretations of the equation with Grant Morrison going so far as to list it as the following:
"loneliness + alienation + fear + despair + self-worth ÷ mockery ÷ condemnation ÷ misunderstanding × guilt × shame × failure × judgment n=y where y=hope and n=folly, love=lies, life=death, self=dark side"
Despite this mathematical proof, it still remains loosely defined in the DC Universe's canon, and because it functions more as a McGuffin, it's unlikely it will ever be completely understood.