Highfather (Izaya the Inheritor) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. An integral part of Jack Kirby's Fourth World mythos, Highfather is a New God, leader of the planet New Genesis and the positive counterpart to the evil Darkseid. Publication history Highfather was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in The New Gods #1 (March 1971). The character played a significant role in The Great Darkness Saga, a 1982 storyline in The Legion of Super-Heroes. His name is a phonetic variant of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. Highfather thematically resembles the Norse god Odin (who was known as the all-father). Fictional character history Izaya the Inheritor was originally a warrior and leader of New Genesis. In a key moment of his life, he unwillingly played an important role in the schemes of Darkseid, heir to the throne of Apokolips. Darkseid manipulated his own uncle Steppenwolf into raiding New Genesis and killing Izaya's wife, Avia. Darkseid then appeared to kill Izaya but intentionally left him alive, knowing Izaya would seek revenge on Steppenwolf. As per Darkseid's plan, these events resulted in a vast interstellar conflict between New Genesis and Apokolips. Izaya recovered and became a general in the ensuing war, eventually slaying Steppenwolf on the battlefield. After avenging his wife, Izaya grew sick of the wanton carnage of war and forsook his warrior ways. While wandering the ravaged lands of New Genesis looking for meaning, Izaya came across a mysterious wall where fiery messages appeared; messages from the Source, the mysterious benevolent force overseeing the universe. Izaya was linked to the Source, becoming a peacemaker and planetary leader under the title of Highfather. In making peace with Apokolips, Izaya and Darkseid made a pact to exchange their sons. Darkseid raised Scott Free while Izaya raised Orion. Izaya raised Orion as his own son and nurtured him in positive and pacifistic values to offset his evil heritage. Orion became one of the greatest warriors of New Genesis, fiercely devoted to the ideals of his adoptive home. Eventually, Scott Free escaped Apokolips (as planned by Darkseid), which broke the pact between the two powers. The conflict between the two planets would resume, this time with Orion as New Genesis' main champion. Izaya and Scott were eventually reunited, though relations between the two were not always easy. Highfather often consults the Source when making his decisions. Though