Orion #1

Orion #1 was published by DC Comics in February 2000, serving as the debut of a solo ongoing series centered on Jack Kirby’s iconic Fourth World character. The series was written and illustrated by Walter Simonson, a legendary creator known for his deep reverence for Kirby’s original mythology and his own distinct, kinetic visual style. Simonson’s objective was to expand upon the complex cosmic drama established in the 1970s, weaving modern narrative threads into the established tapestry of New Genesis and Apokolips.

The reception of the series was largely positive among critics and long-time fans, who praised Simonson’s ability to balance epic, high-stakes action with character-driven introspection. His work on this title is frequently cited as a definitive post-Kirby interpretation of the character, successfully capturing the internal conflict of the New God as he struggles with the duality of his heritage. The design of the debut issue itself adheres to the late-90s aesthetics of DC’s prestige-leaning monthly books, cementing its place as a significant entry in the broader Fourth World canon.