Rest Easy, Batman: The Worst Father in DC Lore Is Clear And They Have Nothing to Do With Robin

Plenty of superheroes have become parents, from vigilantes to New Gods, though they aren't all as great at raising their children as they are at combat. Batman, for instance, has earned a reputation as one of DC's less commendable father figures. However, one of the New Gods just dethroned him as the worst father in DC lore after mistreating his kids in ways that even Batman wouldn't.

In The New Gods #1 by Ram V and Evan Cagle, Highfather - the ruler of New Genesis - learns of a prophecy from Metron that signals the coming of Darkseid's replacement. According to Metron, this child could either become a force of good or great evil. To eliminate that possibility, Highfather tasks his son Orion with killing the child.

Highfather selecting Orion to fulfill this horrifying task proves how little he thinks of him, and this deed is only one of many mistakes he's made with his two children. Clearly, Highfather won't be receiving a "Father of the Year" mug from his sons any time soon.

Highfather Officially Takes Batman's Place as the Worst Father in DC Continuity

Mister Miracle and Orion's Father Makes Bruce Wayne Look Like a Saint

When Highfather meets with Metron to discuss the prophecy about the New God being born on Earth, he's plagued with dread about what could come of this mysterious being. Metron does indicate that the child could bring light to the Fourth World, but Highfather is much more focused on the potential for him to fill the void that Darkseid left upon his death. Rather than simply letting events play out, he opts to send one of his followers to dispose of the New God - who, as it turns out, is a young boy named Kamal - before a true successor to Darkseid emerges.

Highfather could appoint any of his followers to carry out this accursed duty, but he goes out of his way to summon Orion. Lightray even offers to do as he wishes, and his unyielding loyalty to New Genesis has shown that he would obey without question. Still, he isn't chosen, and Highfather's saddened expression as he refuses him hints at his understanding of how dark this mission is. The fact that Highfather would force his own son to murder a child rather than Lightray is a devastating testament to how little he thinks of Orion.

Upon accepting Highfather's request, Orion meets with Mister Miracle to inform him of what he must do. He tells Scott that Highfather chose him because "he knows the son of Darkseid will follow his command...even to terrible ends." Despite raising Orion as his own, Highfather still regards him as the spawn of Darkseid, hence why he treats him as his Dog of War rather than a true heir. Highfather's rejection of Orion isn't where his poor parenting ends, of course. In fact, it can be argued that his treatment of Mister Miracle, his birth son, is even harsher.

Mister Miracle's Terrifying Upbringing with Darkseid Is Highfather's Fault

Highfather Chooses New Genesis Over His Son in a Tragic Turn of Events

Mister Miracle was initially born to Highfather as the heir to New Genesis. However, his divine destiny was stripped away from him when a deal was forged between Darkseid and Highfather. To end the ceaseless war that had long brewed between Apokolips and New Genesis, the two leaders agreed to exchange their sons. Orion, the son of Darkseid, would be given to Highfather and raised among nobility in New Genesis; adversely, Scott would be handed over to Darkseid. Shockingly, Highfather agreed to these terms and subjected his son to the fires of Apokolips.

In the world of Darkseid, Mister Miracle was forced to endure torment from Granny Goodness rather than the idyllic upbringing he was warranted by birthright. Regardless of the circumstances, a parent willingly allowing their child to face such horrific conditions is inexcusable, solidifying Highfather's status as a lousy father. Ultimately, Scott escaped Apokolips and started a new life on Earth with Big Barda. The two now have a daughter named Liv Free, and Scott is ready to end Highfather's cycle of abandonment by being present for his baby. Unfortunately for him, fate has other plans for this New God.

Mister Miracle Is About to Repeat Highfather's Mistakes With His Own Child

Scott Free Must Make a Heartbreaking Decision, Mirroring His Father's

Right when Mister Miracle has decided to leave the Fourth World behind, Orion arrives with a plea for him. He doesn't want to harm Kamal, so he asks Scott to run away with Kamal so that he cannot complete his task for Highfather. Scott refuses on the grounds that he doesn't want to leave his daughter, but Orion insists that leaving a child to die would be a betrayal to his identity as a father. If Mister Miracle does go into hiding with the New God, he would be perpetuating Highfather's cycle and deserting Liv the same way he was deserted all those years ago.

The New Gods #1 is available now from DC Comics.