10 Things You Didn't Know About DC's New Gods
9. The Story Behind The New Genesis/Apokolips Conflict
For the longest time, New Genesis and Apokolips were at war after Steppenwolf (Darkseid's uncle) murdered Avia, Highfather Izaya's wife. The conflict was incredibly devastating for both worlds and, after much destruction, the two sides' leaders eventually decided to call for a truce.
The shaky peace between the Dark Lord of Apokolips and the New Genesis leader involved them exchanging their sons, Orion and Scott Free/Mister Miracle. The former was sent to the utopian world and the latter was sent to the nightmarish realm of Darkseid. Despite living in conditions vastly different from the ones he lived in at their birth, Scott grew up to become a pacifist and hero.
Orion also followed a more altruistic path, but not without great challenge. Being the son of Darkseid meant he had to fight off his more sadistic and violent tendencies with Highfather's help, with each violent episode unfortunately pushing him closer and closer to becoming like his father.