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{{Short description|DC Comics character}}
⚫ {{refimprove|date=May 2010}}
{{Distinguish|Maxie Zeus}}
⚫ {{Superherobox| <!--This box is part of Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics. See that article for details-->
{{multiple issues|
image=
{{primary sources|date=April 2013}}
|caption=
⚫ {{more citations needed|date=May 2010}}
⚫ }}
⚫ {{Infobox comics character<!--This box is part of Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics. See that article for details-->
⚫ |image= Zeus Dc Comics.png
|caption=Zeus as he appeared in ] continuity. Art by Cliff Chiang
|character_name=Zeus |character_name=Zeus
|publisher=] |publisher=]
|debut=(current version) '']'' #1<br> (February 1987) |debut='']'' #28 (May 1944)
|creators=] (writer & artist) |creators=]<br>Ira Yarbrough
|alter_ego =Zeus |alter_ego =Zeus
|species = <!-- optional --> |species = <!-- optional -->
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|alliances=] |alliances=]
|partners = <!-- optional --> |partners = <!-- optional -->
|aliases =], ] |aliases =], Jove
|supports =<!--optional--> |supports =<!--optional-->
|powers=*Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, intelligence, and durability
|powers=Deity, vast supernatural abilities including size-changing, ], ], and command of storms and lightning
*Magic
⚫ |}}
*Size alteration

*Shapeshifting
⚫ '''Zeus''' is a ] in the ] ], an interpretation of ] from ]. His appearances are most significant in stories of ] (Princess Diana). With the 2011 relaunch of DC Comics dubbed '''The New 52''', Zeus has received a prominent role in the Wonder Woman mythos, as he is now the biological father of Wonder Woman through ].
*Cloning
*Energy manipulation
*Flight
*Lightning manipulation
*Storm manipulation
}}
⚫ '''Zeus''' is a ] in the ] ], an interpretation of ] from ]. His appearances are most significant in stories of ] (Princess Diana). With the 2011 relaunch of DC Comics dubbed ], Zeus has received a prominent role in the Wonder Woman mythos, as he is now the biological father of Wonder Woman through ].


==Fictional character biography== ==Fictional character biography==
Zeus' origins and early history mostly conform to the way they are presented in classical mythology. He is a child of the ] ] and ] and leader of the twelve ]. During a war between the Titans and Olympians, Zeus slays his father and assumes his place as King of the Gods, ruling from ] with his sister-wife ]. He is the father of numerous gods and heroes, the most famous being ]. Zeus' origins and early history mostly conform to the way they are presented in classical mythology. He is a child of the ] ] and ] and leader of the twelve ]. During a war between the Titans and Olympians, Zeus slays his father and assumes his place as King of the Gods, ruling from ] with his sister-wife ]. He is the father of numerous gods and heroes, the most famous being ].


In the DC Universe, the machinations of the alien god ] when he spreads tales of the Roman Gods cause the Olympians to split into multiple aspects, with the ] gods existing for a time as separate entities. Zeus' counterpart ] rules his own Olympus in a separate dimension following this. The two pantheons are merged into single entities again centuries later. In the DC Universe, the machinations of the alien god ] when he spreads tales of the Roman Gods cause the Olympians to split into multiple aspects, with the ] gods existing for a time as separate entities. Zeus' counterpart ] rules his own Olympus in a separate dimension following this. The two pantheons are merged into single entities again centuries later.


In present day, Zeus has been a benefactor of the ], the last remaining people that still worship the Olympians. However, his patriarchal attitudes, disregard for mortals, and unreasonable demands have sometimes led to conflict with his followers, particularly their champion Wonder Woman. In present day, Zeus is a benefactor of the ], the last remaining people who still worship the Olympians. However, his patriarchal attitudes, disregard for mortals, and unreasonable demands have sometimes led to conflict with his followers, particularly their champion Wonder Woman. Additionally, he is one of the seven deities who empower ].


After Wonder Woman's defeat of ], which caused the latter to go into self-exile, Zeus becomes interested in Diana and wants her ], offering to make her a goddess. Diana becomes the first woman ever to refuse his advances while professing love for him as god and father. As punishment, Zeus demands that Diana undertake the Challenge of the Gods, on which she defeats the evils that have been trapped under ], including a ] and the ]. She frees Heracles, who had been turned to stone and was supporting the Island.<ref>''Wonder Woman'' (vol. 2) #7-16</ref> After Wonder Woman's defeat of ], which causes the latter to go into self-exile, Zeus becomes interested in Diana and wants her ], offering to make her a goddess. Diana becomes the first woman ever to refuse his advances while professing love for him as god and father. Enraged at being rejected, Zeus threatens her, but is summoned back to Olympus by Hera at the urging at the Goddesses who created the Amazons and are incensed themselves at Zeus for trying to make Themyscira his personal brothel. As punishment, Zeus demands that Diana undertake the Challenge of the Gods, on which she defeats the evils that have been trapped under ], including a ] and the ]. She frees Heracles, who had been turned to stone and was supporting the Island.<ref>''Wonder Woman'' (vol. 2) #7-16 (August 1987 - May 1988)</ref>


During a ], Zeus leads the Olympians in a conflict with their Roman counterparts and other deities, until mortal heroes intervene to end the war. After Darkseid destroys the glory of ],<ref>'']'' #600</ref> Zeus convinces the other gods to abandon both it and Earth, and only ] refuses. The gods later return to Olympus but have occasionally been forced to defend or relocate it. During a '']'', Zeus leads the Olympians in a conflict with their Roman counterparts and other deities, until mortal heroes intervene to end the war. After Darkseid destroys the glory of ],<ref>'']'' #600 (May 1988)</ref> Zeus convinces the other gods to abandon both it and Earth, and only ] refuses. The gods later return to Olympus but have occasionally been forced to defend or relocate it.


As in classical myth, Zeus frequently cheats on his wife Hera and couples with mortals to produce ] offspring. Zeus has been revealed as the father of ] and shares a complicated relationship with his daughter, who resents his absence from most of her life. As in classical myth, Zeus frequently cheats on his wife Hera and couples with mortals to produce ] offspring. Zeus has been revealed as the father of ] and shares a complicated relationship with his daughter, who resents his absence from most of her life.


Zeus is briefly deposed as ruler of Olympus during a coup staged by his daughter ] with help from Ares. In the wake of this conflict, Athena becomes Queen of the Gods and Ares is appointed Lord of the ]. Shortly after this, the gods enter their second exile, following the Amazons into another dimension after the events of the ]. Their return to the Earth-realm is brought about by Darkseid, who captures the Olympians and tampers with their memories, seeking the secrets of their power. In '']'' Darkseid's ] pose as Olympians and manipulate their followers. Once freed from Darkseid, the old Olympian order is restored. Athena seemingly perishes from her sustained injuries and Zeus once again becomes King of the Gods, giving Mary Marvel her powers back after she frees the Gods from a chamber on Apokolips. Zeus is briefly deposed as ruler of Olympus during a coup staged by his daughter ] with help from Ares. In the wake of this conflict, Athena becomes Queen of the Gods and Ares is appointed Lord of the ]. Shortly after this, the gods enter their second exile, following the Amazons into another dimension following '']''. Their return to the Earth-realm is brought about by Darkseid, who captures the Olympians and tampers with their memories, seeking the secrets of their power. In '']'', Darkseid's ] pose as Olympians and manipulate their followers. ] later frees the gods from Apokolips, after which Zeus returns to the position of leader.


Zeus' manipulations of his followers finally come to a head with the creation of the ], a race of warriors intended as male counterparts of the Amazons. Zeus murders the ]an god ], a patron of Wonder Woman, and uses his heart to resurrect ], whom he appoints as leader of the Gargareans. Zeus also instates Achilles as the new ruler of ]. When Wonder Woman learns of this and of the murder of Kāne, she becomes enraged and physically assaults Zeus. This blasphemy shocks her mother ] and leads Diana to enter self-exile, forsaking her former gods. Zeus' manipulations of his followers finally come to a head with the creation of the ], a race of warriors intended as male counterparts of the Amazons. Zeus murders the ]an god ], a patron of Wonder Woman, and uses his heart to resurrect ], whom he appoints as leader of the Gargareans. Zeus also instates Achilles as the new ruler of ]. When Wonder Woman learns of this and of the murder of Kāne, she becomes enraged and physically assaults Zeus. This blasphemy shocks her mother ] and leads Diana to enter self-exile.


In '']'' reboot, Wonder Woman is the biological daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta, and was raised to believe that she was made from clay to protect her from Hera.<ref>''Wonder Woman'' (vol. 4) #3 (January 2012)</ref><ref>''Wonder Woman'' (vol. 4) #5 (March 2012)</ref> Zeus is later reborn as an infant and raised by ].<ref>''Wonder Woman'' (vol. 4) #35 (December 2014)</ref>
===== 2011 Relaunch =====


==Powers and abilities==
After the 2011 relaunch, Zeus is now the biological father of Wonder Woman through Hippolyta <ref>Wonder Woman Volume 4 Issue 3</ref>. He and Hippolyta engaged in combat, and their fight ended with the couple making love, and thus Diana was conceived. This encounter was hidden from Diana, who was raised to believe that she was born out of clay, in order to protect Diana from Hera (Zeus' wife). In Issue 5, Lennox, another illegitimate offspring of Zeus, commented that Zeus has been "scarpered off the immortal coil", hinting that he has apparently died <ref>Wonder Woman Vol 4 Issue 5</ref>.
As a god, Zeus possesses vast mystical abilities. He is immortal and can generate electricity, shapeshift, teleport, and travel between dimensions.


==Powers== ==In other media==
===Television===
* Zeus appears in the '']'' episode "Battle of the Gods", voiced by ].
* Zeus appears in the '']'' "]" short "Wisdom", voiced by ].


===Film===
Depending on the writer, Zeus's powers requite either direct or indirect worship to sustain them. Without this worship his powers may fade over time allowing other gods to equal or surpass him.
* Zeus appears in '']'' (2009), voiced by ].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Zeus Voice - ''Wonder Woman'' (Movie) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Wonder-Woman/Zeus/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>
* Zeus appears in films set in the ] (DCEU).<ref>{{Cite web |last=McBeth |first=Susie |date=October 14, 2014 |title=''Batman vs Superman'': Wonder Woman's origin story revealed |url=https://metro.co.uk/2014/10/14/batman-vs-superman-wonder-womans-origin-revealed-for-dawn-of-justice-film-4905381/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |website=Metro |language=en}}</ref>
** First appearing in flashbacks depicted in '']'' (2017) via ], this version created the Amazons to protect and help mankind. However, his son ] revolted to corrupt mankind, killing his fellow Olympians in the process. Zeus defeated Ares and cast him from Mount Olympus, but suffered fatal wounds. Nevertheless, he created ] to protect the Amazons, cloaked it from the world gave them the "god-killer" sword, and conceived ] with ] to help them slay Ares should he return.
** Zeus appears in flashbacks depicted in '']'', portrayed by Sergi Constance.<ref>{{cite web |last=Weintraub |first=Steve |date=June 21, 2016 |title=''Justice League'': Over 60 Things to Know About the ''Batman v Superman'' Follow-Up |url=http://collider.com/justice-league-what-we-know-so-far/ |access-date=July 5, 2016 |website=Collider.com}}</ref> He leads the Olympians in fighting the forces of ].


===Video games===
In most stories Zeus is one of or the most powerful Olympian god. He has vast supernatural powers with a focus on weather control, but can accomplish nearly anything including shapeshifting, resurrecting the dead, to creating new life.
Zeus appears in '']''.


==References== ==References==
<references/> <references/>

==External links==
* at DC Comics Wiki


{{Wonder Woman}} {{Wonder Woman}}


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Latest revision as of 21:24, 10 January 2025

DC Comics character Not to be confused with Maxie Zeus.
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Comics character
Zeus
Zeus as he appeared in The New 52 continuity. Art by Cliff Chiang
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceSuperman #28 (May 1944)
Created byJerry Siegel
Ira Yarbrough
In-story information
Alter egoZeus
Place of originMount Olympus
Team affiliationsOlympian Gods
Notable aliasesJupiter, Jove
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, intelligence, and durability
  • Magic
  • Size alteration
  • Shapeshifting
  • Cloning
  • Energy manipulation
  • Flight
  • Lightning manipulation
  • Storm manipulation

Zeus is a fictional deity in the DC Comics universe, an interpretation of Zeus from Greek mythology. His appearances are most significant in stories of Wonder Woman (Princess Diana). With the 2011 relaunch of DC Comics dubbed The New 52, Zeus has received a prominent role in the Wonder Woman mythos, as he is now the biological father of Wonder Woman through Hippolyta.

Fictional character biography

Zeus' origins and early history mostly conform to the way they are presented in classical mythology. He is a child of the Titans Cronus and Rhea and leader of the twelve Olympian Gods. During a war between the Titans and Olympians, Zeus slays his father and assumes his place as King of the Gods, ruling from Mount Olympus with his sister-wife Hera. He is the father of numerous gods and heroes, the most famous being Hercules.

In the DC Universe, the machinations of the alien god Darkseid when he spreads tales of the Roman Gods cause the Olympians to split into multiple aspects, with the Roman gods existing for a time as separate entities. Zeus' counterpart Jupiter rules his own Olympus in a separate dimension following this. The two pantheons are merged into single entities again centuries later.

In present day, Zeus is a benefactor of the Amazons, the last remaining people who still worship the Olympians. However, his patriarchal attitudes, disregard for mortals, and unreasonable demands have sometimes led to conflict with his followers, particularly their champion Wonder Woman. Additionally, he is one of the seven deities who empower Captain Marvel / Shazam.

After Wonder Woman's defeat of Ares, which causes the latter to go into self-exile, Zeus becomes interested in Diana and wants her virginity, offering to make her a goddess. Diana becomes the first woman ever to refuse his advances while professing love for him as god and father. Enraged at being rejected, Zeus threatens her, but is summoned back to Olympus by Hera at the urging at the Goddesses who created the Amazons and are incensed themselves at Zeus for trying to make Themyscira his personal brothel. As punishment, Zeus demands that Diana undertake the Challenge of the Gods, on which she defeats the evils that have been trapped under Paradise Island, including a Hecatonshire and the Lernaean Hydra. She frees Heracles, who had been turned to stone and was supporting the Island.

During a War of the Gods, Zeus leads the Olympians in a conflict with their Roman counterparts and other deities, until mortal heroes intervene to end the war. After Darkseid destroys the glory of Olympus, Zeus convinces the other gods to abandon both it and Earth, and only Hermes refuses. The gods later return to Olympus but have occasionally been forced to defend or relocate it.

As in classical myth, Zeus frequently cheats on his wife Hera and couples with mortals to produce demi-god offspring. Zeus has been revealed as the father of Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark) and shares a complicated relationship with his daughter, who resents his absence from most of her life.

Zeus is briefly deposed as ruler of Olympus during a coup staged by his daughter Athena with help from Ares. In the wake of this conflict, Athena becomes Queen of the Gods and Ares is appointed Lord of the Underworld. Shortly after this, the gods enter their second exile, following the Amazons into another dimension following Infinite Crisis. Their return to the Earth-realm is brought about by Darkseid, who captures the Olympians and tampers with their memories, seeking the secrets of their power. In Countdown to Final Crisis, Darkseid's New Gods pose as Olympians and manipulate their followers. Mary Marvel later frees the gods from Apokolips, after which Zeus returns to the position of leader.

Zeus' manipulations of his followers finally come to a head with the creation of the Gargareans, a race of warriors intended as male counterparts of the Amazons. Zeus murders the Hawaiian god Kāne Milohaʻi, a patron of Wonder Woman, and uses his heart to resurrect Achilles Warkiller, whom he appoints as leader of the Gargareans. Zeus also instates Achilles as the new ruler of Themyscira. When Wonder Woman learns of this and of the murder of Kāne, she becomes enraged and physically assaults Zeus. This blasphemy shocks her mother Hippolyta and leads Diana to enter self-exile.

In The New 52 reboot, Wonder Woman is the biological daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta, and was raised to believe that she was made from clay to protect her from Hera. Zeus is later reborn as an infant and raised by Zola.

Powers and abilities

As a god, Zeus possesses vast mystical abilities. He is immortal and can generate electricity, shapeshift, teleport, and travel between dimensions.

In other media

Television

Film

  • Zeus appears in Wonder Woman (2009), voiced by David McCallum.
  • Zeus appears in films set in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
    • First appearing in flashbacks depicted in Wonder Woman (2017) via CGI, this version created the Amazons to protect and help mankind. However, his son Ares revolted to corrupt mankind, killing his fellow Olympians in the process. Zeus defeated Ares and cast him from Mount Olympus, but suffered fatal wounds. Nevertheless, he created Themyscira to protect the Amazons, cloaked it from the world gave them the "god-killer" sword, and conceived Diana with Hippolyta to help them slay Ares should he return.
    • Zeus appears in flashbacks depicted in Justice League, portrayed by Sergi Constance. He leads the Olympians in fighting the forces of Apokolips.

Video games

Zeus appears in DC Universe Online.

References

  1. Wonder Woman (vol. 2) #7-16 (August 1987 - May 1988)
  2. Action Comics #600 (May 1988)
  3. Wonder Woman (vol. 4) #3 (January 2012)
  4. Wonder Woman (vol. 4) #5 (March 2012)
  5. Wonder Woman (vol. 4) #35 (December 2014)
  6. "Zeus Voice - Wonder Woman (Movie)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 14, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  7. McBeth, Susie (October 14, 2014). "Batman vs Superman: Wonder Woman's origin story revealed". Metro. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  8. Weintraub, Steve (June 21, 2016). "Justice League: Over 60 Things to Know About the Batman v Superman Follow-Up". Collider.com. Retrieved July 5, 2016.

External links

  • Zeus at DC Comics Wiki
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