The following article contains spoilers from Dark Knights of Steel: Tales of the Three Kingdoms #1, on sale now.
DC’s medieval world has set up unique and original takes on classic characters from their main comics. However, Dark Knights of Steel: Tales of the Three Kingdoms #1 (by Tom Taylor, Caspar Wijngaard, Wes Abbott, C.S. Pacat, Jay Kristoff, Sean Izaakse, Michele Bandini, Antonio Fabela, and Romulo Fajardo Jr.) heavily implies that this does not just extend to the people of Earth, but those outside the solar system. A chance stargazing meeting between Kal-El and a young Jimmy Olsen revealed that Earth has several constellations named after the New Gods of New Genesis.
This wasn’t even some misinterpretation of their names. Constellations like “Orion’s Belt” and “Highfather’s Boot” all imply that these powerful figures are known to this medieval world, perhaps even having visited it at one point, likely leading to their names being branded into the stars. It was a subtle moment to confirm their existence here too, but it could set up future stories that feature the New Gods.
The fact that these are established constellations for someone as young as Jimmy was to know them implies that these particular star formations have held those names for quite some time. As fans of the New Gods will note, they are effectively immortal. It’s plausible that at some point they visited Earth, perhaps granting great gifts to the planet’s native people, or more likely, they were defending Earth from an incursion made by the forces of Apokolips.
Either way, whatever impression the gods of New Genesis left upon Earth was so good that they named constellations after them, forever ensuring they would be remembered. However, Kal-El did not seem to recognize these names. This suggests that his family is unaware of the New Gods, for in all likelihood, had Jor-El known about such an advanced civilization on par with Krypton’s own technological development, he would likely have directed his family there instead.
There is also the greater realization that this means the New Gods are still out there, and may even have a role to play in the greater story unfolding in the main series. There has been a lot of talk about the prophecy of people from the sky, but that is a generalized title that has largely been attributed to the Kryptonians. It’s possible that the prophecy referred to other people from the sky: the New Gods. A potential invasion by an Apokaliptan army would certainly be a force strong enough to devastate the world. While Kryptonians are certainly strong enough to damage the planet, it’s hard to imagine anyone from the House of El being pushed far enough to use that kind of force, no matter how enraged they may be.
So, what if all this worrying over the prophecy has been about people who haven’t arrived yet? Darkseid and his forces rarely stay away from Earth for long. They’re like moths attracted to a flame, unable to stay away. Should they rear their heads in again, they would likely have an easier time conquering the Earth considering how divided the people are. Whatever path the story takes, it has confirmed that there are greater forces beyond the confines of Earth, and should they show their hand, it would change the delicate balance of power this alternate universe has established.
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