never stated explicitly in the New Gods series, the Source is implied to be some form of higher power (perhaps even God), making Izaya a spiritual as well as the political leader of his people. As ruler of New Genesis, he is kind, compassionate, and caring but ready to defend it from any threat. During the Genesis limited series, Highfather is slain in battle with the war god Ares. He is succeeded as leader of New Genesis by Takion, an Earthling hero who is a living conduit of the Source. Despite his death, Izaya's spirit has served as a member of The Quintessence, a council of powerful cosmic entities that observe events in the universe. He also Highfather later appears in Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle as the leader of the New Genesis survivors living as homeless people on Earth following the destruction of their world. However, much of the events of that miniseries prove to be a vision of possible events, leaving Highfather and New Genesis' current situation in doubt. However, he was shown in Final Crisis sketchbook, indicating that he will return. In Final Crisis #7, Highfather is depicted next to Barda and Mister Miracle in front of a reincarnated New Genesis. The New 52 In The New 52 (a reboot of the DC Comics universe), Highfather's history is rewritten. This new version is portrayed in a much more morally ambiguous or outright negative light, contrasting with the unambiguously good and kind figure he was previously. In The Multiversity Guidebook it is revealed that the New 52 version of Highfather, as well as of all the other New Gods, is actually just an emanation of the original. The original New Gods of New Genesis are recovering their strength on Earth-51 of the Multiverse following the events of Final Crisis, while their emanations take their place as "updated" versions for the new timeline. Mortal Life Before there was New Genesis, Apokolips, or New Gods, there were mudgrubbers (mortals). The Old Gods towered above them on the ancient world of Urgrund. Before his ascension, Izaya was a simple farmer who lived with his wife Avia. His younger brother, Uxas, grew resentful of the cruelty of the Old Gods they worshiped. Uxas then started a war between them. This war shattered their planet, destroyed most of the pantheon, and killed nearly every living thing. Izaya carried off his dying wife while Uxas