Changes: Anti-Life Equation

Emotional turmoil breaks the dikes of the mind-- And releases the flood in which we must fish, Desaad! Perhaps in this very city is the mind which will yield the Anti-Life Equation! The ability to control all free will!

—Darkseid^src

The Anti-Life Equation was a transcendental mathematical formula originally said to allow those who knew it to dominate the will of any sentient race; this is the ultimate goal of Darkseid.

History

Originally, it was said to have existed in the mind of "Billion Dollar" Bates, who took it to his death. Darkseid continued to search for it, and recently obtained the full formula. It implants the mathematical certainty that all life is hopeless and that freedom and hope are futile concepts, dooming those who hear it to despair.

The first sign of the Equation came about 300 years ago, when Darkseid made contact with the Martians. When he learned that Martian philosophy was based on the "Life Equation"--which equals free will--he postulated that the opposite must also exist.^[1] Darkseid later focused his attentions on Earth when he discovered humanity possessed fragments of the opposing Equation in their subconscious and conducted experiments on humans over the centuries in an attempt to obtain the full formula.^[2]

The Anti-Life Equation has the power to dominate the will of any sentient race in addition to reality-altering powers that twist and distort freedom over life and death. It derives its name from the fact that "if someone possesses absolute control over you—you're not really alive."^[3] Though the full version of the Equation is barely known to any one person, it supposedly existed in the mind of the billionaire "Billion Dollar" Bates, though he took it to his death. The Anti-Life Equation was also found in the time-displaced Sonny Sumo, according to the Forever People's Mother Box.^{[citation needed]}

Later, Darkseid used clones of "Billion Dollar" Bates, made by Desaad, to access the Equation. Orion stopped the clones, gaining the full formula in the process, and wanted to use the Equation for good by enforcing goodwill among the populations of Apokolips and Earth, but realized that the very nature of the formula was against free will and, therefore, voluntary goodwill so he eventually forced himself to relinquish the Equation's power.

Mister Miracle knew the full formula but possessed the willpower to not use it. One member of Young Justice, the Empress, possesses pieces of the Equation, giving her limited mind control.^{[citation needed]} The Pied Piper also possesses the formula in his mind and has been using it unknowingly with his sonic energy.^[4] He eventually became a pawn of Desaad so that the New God could use the Equation to kill Brother Eye and Darkseid and rule Apokolips.

Death of the New Gods

Main article: Death of the New Gods

Increasingly unbalanced by the death of his wife, Big Barda, Mister Miracle decided to use the Equation. Subsequently, he became determined to hunt down the killer of the New Gods. He came face to face with the entity behind it all, the Source, and was killed himself. It was then revealed that the Anti-Life Equation is an entity that is the dark half of the Source, with which the Source was now finally reunited. When Darkseid became the last of the New Gods, he faced the Source in combat, wherein Darkseid revealed that he had created a serum that allowed him to draw power directly from the Anti-Life Entity/Equation. Despite this boost in power, in the end Darkseid was also killed.

Final Crisis

Main article: Final Crisis

Under the influence of the Equation, individuals are little more than extensions of Darkseid's will.

Due to Darkseid's knowledge of the full equation and his will to use it, he made sure he was spiritually reborn in the body of a human on Earth. He became "Boss Dark Side," but the human shell was not enough to fully contain him and he was eventually killed again. He then used the spoken word to be reborn again, this time fully, in the body of Dan "Terrible" Turpin. He also developed his base on Earth, warping it and turning the planet into a replica of Apokolips. Now seemingly in control of several billion people through a mass host consciousness, Darkseid used the Equation to turn heroes, civilians, and villains alike into mindless, slavish extensions of his will.

The Equation was ultimately broken when Wonder Woman, herself a slave of Anti-Life, was freed of the Equation and bound Darkseid with the Lasso of Truth, thus breaking the Anti-Life Equation's hold on the people of Earth.^[5]

The Equation was broken and its remnants remained on earth, spread across the internet as fragments of digital code. Calculator tried to retrieve the code to heal his comatose daughter and Oracle tried to collect them in an attempt to completely eliminate them from Earth.^[6] Calculator's fragments of the formula caused people to lose their entire immune system and to prevent this use of the Equation, Oracle nullified its effects and destroyed the fragments.^[7]

Post-Flashpoint

The New 52
The DC Universe heavily changed its continuity into the DCnU following the events of Flashpoint in 2011. This was part of an effort to make storylines more accessible to newer readers, beginning with the New 52. This new timeline combines elements from the DCU, Vertigo Universe and Wildstorm Universe while drastically changing the origins and histories of characters.

In the Prime Earth continuity, the Anti-Life Equation--much like the Life Equation opposite of it--functions very differently. Here, the Equation, rather than being simply a means of mass possessive control and multiversal reality disruption, is instead used by Yuga Khan as a means of resurrecting the Old Gods as well as himself in a host body. According to this host, with a small portion of the Anti-Life, he could feel all of the pain of the New Gods, a pain that only Yuga Khan could heal.^[8]

The Equation itself is the same as in New Earth, but has more varied applications. Speaking the Equation, Dreamer Beautiful was able to resurrect a dead Mark Moonrider and force the submission of the Femmes Fatales with a word, but it appears that the Equation is not as viral as it was on New Earth, and now it is required to be stated by select users, rather than being able to brainwash many.^[9]

Over time, the Anti-Life Equation is further expanded upon by its interactions with Darkseid's daughter, Grail, and the mysterious new Anti-Monitor.^[10] The Equation is revealed to be as much a sentient entity as it is a formula; one that hails from the Antimatter Universe.

Batman discovered that since the Antimatter Universe and Prime Earth are opposite counterparts, what is found at the center of both universes is also opposite. At the center of Prime Earth lies the White Lantern Entity, the living embodiment of free will, whereas, at the center of the Antimatter Universe, is the Anti-Life Equation, the antithesis of free will.^[10]

Mobius, a Qwardian scientist, was desperate to learn the secret that gave birth to his universe. Mobius' thirst for the knowledge of his universe's creation would be his downfall, as such knowledge was forbidden, thus when he laid his eyes upon it--the Anti-Life Equation--it forever cursed him, and he transformed into the "Anti-Monitor", the living embodiment of the Anti-Life Equation.^[10]

The Formula

loneliness + alienation + fear + despair + self-worth ÷ mockery ÷ condemnation ÷ misunderstanding x guilt x shame x failure x judgment n=y where y=hope and n=folly, love=lies, life=death, self=dark side

The full formula typically manifests itself physically as a series of fiery, inscrutable alien symbols and glyphs which form around the one who uses it, while incomplete fragments are projected as singular glyphs.^[2]^[11]

By speaking the Equation, Darkseid can insert the full formula into people's minds, giving them the mathematical certainty that life, hope, and freedom are all pointless.

Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman) was able to break free from this with the help of Metron, gaining immunity from the Equation in the process.

The only known antidote to the Equation are the concepts of Freedom and Hope; the New Genesis hieroglyph of Freedom, called the Metron Emblem, significantly wears down the formula's ability to dominate other wills, allowing the infected to fight against the Equation and win while exposed to the symbol. A Metron Emblem, if large enough, is able to massively disrupt the Anti-Life Equation's powers, as transmitted through various frequencies, and even wear down those wearing Justifier helmets if they are in the vicinity. Flash (Barry Allen), was also able to use the Speed Force to negate the effects of the Equation on a person under its influence.^[12]

Notes

In Jack Kirby's original comics, the Anti-Life Equation is said to give the being who learns it power to dominate the will of all sentient and sapient races. It is called the Anti-Life Equation because "if someone possesses absolute control over you—you're not really alive."^[3] Most stories featuring the Equation use this concept. A full version of the equation supposedly existed in the mind of the millionaire "Billion Dollar" Bates, but he took it to his death.
In Jim Starlin's miniseries Cosmic Odyssey (Volume 1), the Anti-Life Equation is revealed as a living entity, which even Darkseid cannot control, and is subsequently blocked from ever entering the Milky Way again by Doctor Fate. This version has not been referred to again.
The JLA (Volume 1) story "Rock of Ages" (1997), by Grant Morrison, includes a future in which Darkseid has learned the Anti-Life Equation, and taken control of both New Genesis and Earth. Earth's population is kept submissive by a constant broadcast of the Equation.
In JLA Annual #2, written by Ty Templeton, Felix Faust explains that an ancient sorcerer, maddened by his resurrection, plans a spell that will "remove the life frequency from the universe". Superman calls this the Anti-Life Equation.
During the "Emperor Joker" storyline, in Superman: Emperor Joker (2000), the Joker gains control of the power of Mister Mxyzptlk. Darkseid himself states about this that the Joker has stumbled onto the Anti-Life Equation, which might imply that the Anti-Life Equation may have something to do with the power wielded by the 5th-Dimensional imps such as Mxyzptlk and Bat-Mite, perhaps even that the imps are able to perform their reality-defying pranks simply because they know the Anti-Life Equation.
In Walt Simonson's Orion (Volume 1) (2001), it is revealed that Darkseid and Desaad have gained the Equation from clones of Billion Dollar Bates. In stopping them, Orion learns the Equation, and tries to use it to make people happy and good, but realizes that the suppression of free will is always a bad thing. It is later revealed that Mister Miracle knows the formula, but is one of the few people with the willpower not to use it.
John Ostrander's Martian Manhunter (Volume 2) series (2001) reveals that, long ago, Darkseid learned of the Martian philosophy that free will could be described by a "Life Equation". This led him to consider that there must be a negative corollary to this equation.
In the World's Funnest Elseworlds one-shot (2001), created by Evan Dorkin and a variety of artists, a conflict between Bat-Mite and Mister Mxyzptlk inadvertently destroys the DCU, (including many Pre-Crisis worlds). When they destroy Apokolips, the sole survivor is Darkseid, who is left floating in space with a piece of paper with the equation drawn on it; the paper has a diagram to the effect of "Mister Mxyzptlk + Bat-Mite = Anti-life". This causes Darkseid to laugh uncontrollably.
In Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle (2005), by Grant Morrison, Darkseid (or Dark Side, as he now calls himself) has gained full control of the Anti-Life Equation. By speaking, he can insert the full formula into people's minds, giving them the mathematical certainty that life, hope and freedom are all pointless. Shilo Norman (the current Mister Miracle) is able to break free from this with the help of Metron. However, it is implied that these events did not happen in the main reality, but in a tangent universe inside a black hole.
In the animated series Justice League Unlimited, during an assault on Earth by Darkseid and the armies of Apokolips, Lex Luthor is taken into The Source by Metron. Just as Darkseid is on the verge of killing Superman, Lex Luthor returns from The Source and reveals the Anti-Life Equation, shown as a glowing, swirling light in the palm of his hand, to Darkseid. Darkseid places a hand over the glow, Lex places a hand on Darkseid's hand, both agreeing that the equation "is beautiful", and they both disappear.
In the film, Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe, starring Jesse Ventura, the villain Secundus (Sven-Ole Thorsen) sought the use of the Anti-Life Equation (which apparently possessed the same significance as its DC counterpart). The film also featured an Answer Box, a device similar to a Mother Box.
In the Elseworlds story Superman: The Dark Side (1998) Darkseid raises Kal-El as his own (evil) son and later finds that Krypton had been in possession of the Anti-Life Equation before it was destroyed and Jor-El had sent it with his son so that he could use it to subjugate Earth and create a new Krypton. Darkseid finds it and builds a series of towers which broadcast "...the ANTI-LIFE EQUATION which obliterates free will and individual identity".

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{DC Database:Item Template
 | Image                   = Norman & Antilife.jpg
 | OfficialName            = Anti-Life Equation
-| Aliases                 =
+| Aliases                 = The Undoing
 | Model                   =
 | Version                 =
-| Universe                = New Earth; Sphere of the Gods; Prime Earth
+| Universe                = Earth-One; New Earth; Sphere of the Gods; Prime Earth; DCeased; Future State; Arrowverse; DC Extended Universe
 | LeadDesigner            =
 | AdditionalDesigners     = [[Darkseid (New Earth)|Darkseid]], [[Desaad (New Earth)|Desaad]]
@@ Line 14: / Line 13: @@
 | Origin                  =
+| Quotation               = '''Emotional turmoil''' breaks the dikes of the '''mind'''-- And releases the '''flood''' in which we must '''fish''', [[Desaad (New Earth)|Desaad]]! Perhaps in [[Metropolis|this '''very''' city]] is the mind which will yield the '''Anti-Life Equation!''' The ability to control all '''free will!'''
-| Quotation               =
-| Speaker                 =
+| Speaker                 = [[Darkseid (New Earth)|Darkseid]]
-| QuoteSource             =
+| QuoteSource             = New Gods Vol 1 2
 | Dimensions              =
 | Weight                  =
 | Creators                = Jack Kirby
-| First                   = Forever People #5
+| First                   = Forever People Vol 1 5
+| Overview                = The '''Anti-Life Equation''' was a transcendental mathematical formula originally said to allow those who knew it to dominate the will of any sentient race; this is the ultimate goal of [[Darkseid (New Earth)|Darkseid]].
-| HistoryText             =
-The '''Anti-Life Equation''' was a transcendental mathematical formula originally said to allow those who knew it to dominate the will of any sentient race; this is the ultimate goal of [[Uxas (New Earth)|Darkseid]]. Originally, it was said to have existed in the mind of "Billion Dollar" Bates, who took it to his death. Darkseid continued to search for it, and recently obtained the full formula.  It implants the mathematical certainty that all life is hopeless and that freedom and hope are futile concepts, dooming those who hear it to despair.
+| HistoryText             = Originally, it was said to have existed in the mind of "Billion Dollar" Bates, who took it to his death. Darkseid continued to search for it, and recently obtained the full formula.  It implants the mathematical certainty that all life is hopeless and that freedom and hope are futile concepts, dooming those who hear it to despair.
-The first sign of the Equation came about 300 years ago, when Darkseid made contact with the [[Martians]]. When he learned that Martian philosophy was based on the "[[Life Equation]]"--which equals free will--he postulated that the opposite must also exist.<ref>{{c|Martian Manhunter Vol 2 33}}</ref> Darkseid later focused his attentions on Earth when he discovered humanity possessed fragments of the opposing Equation in their subconscious and conducted experiments on humans over the centuries in an attempt to obtain the full formula.<ref>{{c|Orion Vol 1 12}}</ref>
+The first sign of the Equation came about 300 years ago, when Darkseid made contact with the [[Martians]]. When he learned that Martian philosophy was based on the "[[Life Equation]]"--which equals free will--he postulated that the opposite must also exist.<ref>{{c|Martian Manhunter Vol 2 33}}</ref> Darkseid later focused his attentions on Earth when he discovered humanity possessed fragments of the opposing Equation in their subconscious and conducted experiments on humans over the centuries in an attempt to obtain the full formula.<ref name=O12>{{c|Orion Vol 1 12}}</ref>
-The Anti-Life Equation has the power to dominate the will of any sentient race in addition to reality-altering powers that twist and distort freedom over life and death. It derives it's name from the fact that "if someone possesses absolute control over you—you're not really alive."<ref>{{c|Forever People Vol 1 5}}</ref> Though the full version of the Equation is barely known to any one person, it supposedly existed in the mind of the billionaire "Billion Dollar" Bates, though he took it to his death. The Anti-Life Equation was also found in the time-displaced [[Sonny Sumo (New Earth)|Sonny Sumo]], according to the [[Forever People (New Earth)|Forever People]]'s [[Mother Box]].{{cn}}
+The Anti-Life Equation has the power to dominate the will of any sentient race in addition to reality-altering powers that twist and distort freedom over life and death. It derives its name from the fact that "if someone possesses absolute control over you—you're not really alive."<ref name=FP5>{{c|Forever People Vol 1 5}}</ref> Though the full version of the Equation is barely known to any one person, it supposedly existed in the mind of the billionaire "Billion Dollar" Bates, though he took it to his death. The Anti-Life Equation was also found in the time-displaced [[Sonny Sumo (New Earth)|Sonny Sumo]], according to the [[Forever People (New Earth)|Forever People]]'s [[Mother Box]].{{cn}}
 Later, Darkseid used clones of "Billion Dollar" Bates, made by [[Desaad (New Earth)|Desaad]], to access the Equation. [[Orion (New Earth)|Orion]] stopped the clones, gaining the full formula in the process, and wanted to use the Equation for good by enforcing goodwill among the populations of [[Apokolips]] and Earth, but realized that the very nature of the formula was against free will and, therefore, voluntary goodwill so he eventually forced himself to relinquish the Equation's power.
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 ===Death of the New Gods===
 {{Main|Death of the New Gods}}
-Increasingly unbalanced by the death of his wife, [[Big Barda (New Earth)|Big Barda]], [[Scott Free (New Earth)|Mister Miracle]] decided to use the Equation. Subsequently, he became determined to hunt down the killer of the [[New Gods]]. He came face to face with the entity behind it all, the [[Source]], and was killed himself. It was then revealed that the Anti-Life Equation is an entity that is the dark half of the Source, with which the Source was now finally reunited. When [[Uxas (New Earth)|Darkseid]] became the last of the New Gods, he faced the Source in combat, wherein Darkseid revealed that he had created a serum that allowed him to draw power directly from the Anti-Life Entity/Equation. Despite this boost in power, in the end Darkseid was also killed.
+Increasingly unbalanced by the death of his wife, [[Big Barda (New Earth)|Big Barda]], [[Scott Free (New Earth)|Mister Miracle]] decided to use the Equation. Subsequently, he became determined to hunt down the killer of the [[New Gods]]. He came face to face with the entity behind it all, the [[Source]], and was killed himself. It was then revealed that the Anti-Life Equation is an entity that is the dark half of the Source, with which the Source was now finally reunited. When [[Darkseid (New Earth)|Darkseid]] became the last of the New Gods, he faced the Source in combat, wherein Darkseid revealed that he had created a serum that allowed him to draw power directly from the Anti-Life Entity/Equation. Despite this boost in power, in the end Darkseid was also killed.
 ===Final Crisis===
 {{Main|Final Crisis}}
 [[Image:Anti-Life 02.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Under the influence of the Equation, individuals are little more than extensions of Darkseid's will.]]
-Due to [[Uxas (New Earth)|Darkseid]]'s knowledge of the full equation and his will to use it, he made sure he was spiritually reborn in the body of a human on Earth. He became "Boss Dark Side," but the human shell was not enough to fully contain him and he was eventually killed again. He then used the spoken word to be reborn again, this time fully, in the body of [[Daniel Turpin (New Earth)|Dan "Terrible" Turpin]]. He also developed his base on Earth, warping it and turning the planet into a replica of [[Apokolips]]. Now seemingly in control of several billion people through a mass host consciousness, Darkseid used the Equation to turn heroes, civilians, and villains alike into mindless, slavish extensions of his will.
+Due to [[Darkseid (New Earth)|Darkseid]]'s knowledge of the full equation and his will to use it, he made sure he was spiritually reborn in the body of a human on Earth. He became "Boss Dark Side," but the human shell was not enough to fully contain him and he was eventually killed again. He then used the spoken word to be reborn again, this time fully, in the body of [[Daniel Turpin (New Earth)|Dan "Terrible" Turpin]]. He also developed his base on Earth, warping it and turning the planet into a replica of [[Apokolips]]. Now seemingly in control of several billion people through a mass host consciousness, Darkseid used the Equation to turn heroes, civilians, and villains alike into mindless, slavish extensions of his will.
-The Equation was ultimately broken when [[Diana of Themyscira (New Earth)|Wonder Woman]], herself a slave of Anti-Life, was freed of the Equation and bound Darkseid with the [[Lasso of Truth]], thus breaking the Anti-Life Equation's hold on the people of Earth.<ref>{{c|Final Crisis #7}}</ref>
+The Equation was ultimately broken when [[Diana of Themyscira (New Earth)|Wonder Woman]], herself a slave of Anti-Life, was freed of the Equation and bound Darkseid with the [[Lasso of Truth]], thus breaking the Anti-Life Equation's hold on the people of Earth.<ref>{{c|Final Crisis Vol 1 7}}</ref>
-The Equation was broken and its remnants remained on earth, spread across the internet as fragments of digital code. [[Noah Kuttler (New Earth)|Calculator]] tried to retrieve the code to heal his [[Wendy White (New Earth)|comatose daughter]] and [[Barbara Gordon (New Earth)|Oracle]] tried to collect them in an attempt to completely eliminate them from Earth.<ref>{{c|Oracle: The Cure #1}}</ref> Calculator's fragments of the formula caused people to lose their entire immune system and to prevent this use of the Equation, Oracle nullified its effects and destroyed the fragments.<ref>{{c|Oracle: The Cure #3}}</ref>
+The Equation was broken and its remnants remained on earth, spread across the internet as fragments of digital code. [[Noah Kuttler (New Earth)|Calculator]] tried to retrieve the code to heal his [[Wendy White (New Earth)|comatose daughter]] and [[Barbara Gordon (New Earth)|Oracle]] tried to collect them in an attempt to completely eliminate them from Earth.<ref>{{c|Oracle: The Cure Vol 1 1}}</ref> Calculator's fragments of the formula caused people to lose their entire immune system and to prevent this use of the Equation, Oracle nullified its effects and destroyed the fragments.<ref>{{c|Oracle: The Cure Vol 1 3}}</ref>
 ===Post-Flashpoint===
 {{Post-Flashpoint}}
+In the [[Prime Earth]] continuity, the Anti-Life Equation--much like the [[Life Equation]] opposite of it--functions very differently. Here, the Equation, rather than being simply a means of mass possessive control and multiversal reality disruption, is instead used by [[Zonuz (Prime Earth)|Yuga Khan]] as a means of resurrecting the [[Old Gods]] as well as himself in a host body. According to this host, with a small portion of the Anti-Life, he could feel all of the pain of the [[New Gods]], a pain that only Yuga Khan could heal.<ref>{{c|Infinity Man and the Forever People Vol 1 5}}</ref>
-In the [[Prime Earth]] continuity, the Anti-Life Equation--much like the [[Life Equation]] opposite of it--functions very differently. Here, the Equation, rather than being simply a means of mass possessive control and multiversal reality disruption, is instead used by [[Zonuz (Prime Earth)|Yuga Khan]] as a means of resurrecting the [[Old Gods]] as well as himself in a host body. According to this host, with a small portion of the Anti-Life, he could feel all of the pain of the [[New Gods]], a pain that only Yuga Khan could heal.<ref>{{c|Infinity Man and the Forever People #5}}</ref>
+The Equation itself is the same as in [[New Earth]], but has more varied applications. Speaking the Equation, [[Dreamer Beautiful (Prime Earth)|Dreamer Beautiful]] was able to resurrect a dead [[Mark Moonrider (Prime Earth)|Mark Moonrider]] and force the submission of the [[Femmes Fatales (Prime Earth)|Femmes Fatales]] with a word, but it appears that the Equation is not as viral as it was on New Earth, and now it is required to be stated by select users, rather than being able to brainwash many.<ref>{{c|Infinity Man and the Forever People Vol 1 8}}</ref>
+Over time, the Anti-Life Equation is further expanded upon by its interactions with Darkseid's daughter, [[Grail (Prime Earth)|Grail]], and the mysterious new [[Mobius (Sixth Dimension)|Anti-Monitor]].<ref name=JL44>{{c|Justice League Vol 2 44}}</ref> The Equation is revealed to be as much a sentient entity as it is a formula; one that hails from the [[Antimatter Universe]].
-The Equation itself is the same as in [[New Earth]], but has more varied applications. Speaking the Equation, [[Dreamer Beautiful (Prime Earth)|Dreamer Beautiful]] was able to resurrect a dead [[Mark Moonrider (Prime Earth)|Mark Moonrider]] and force the submission of the [[Femmes Fatales (Prime Earth)|Femmes Fatales]] with a word, but it appears that the Equation is not as viral as it was on New Earth, and now it is required to be stated by select users, rather than being able to brainwash many.<ref>{{c|Infinity Man and the Forever People #8}}</ref>
+[[Batman (Bruce Wayne)|Batman]] discovered that since the Antimatter Universe and [[Prime Earth]] are opposite counterparts, what is found at the center of both universes is also opposite. At the center of Prime Earth lies the [[Entity (New Earth)|White Lantern Entity]], the living embodiment of [[Life Equation|free will]], whereas, at the center of the Antimatter Universe, is the Anti-Life Equation, the antithesis of free will.<ref name=JL44/>
-Over time, the Anti-Life Equation is further expanded upon by its interactions with Darkseid's daughter, [[Grail (Prime Earth)|Grail]], and the mysterious new [[Mobius (Antimatter Universe)|Anti-Monitor]].<ref name=JL44>{{c|Justice League Vol 2 44}}</ref> The Equation is revealed to be as much a sentient entity as it is a formula; one that hails from the [[Antimatter Universe]].
+[[Mobius (Sixth Dimension)|Mobius]], a [[Qward|Qwardian]] scientist, was desperate to learn the secret that gave birth to [[Antimatter Universe|his universe]]. Mobius' thirst for the knowledge of his universe's creation would be his downfall, as such knowledge was forbidden, thus when he laid his eyes upon it--the Anti-Life Equation--it forever cursed him, and he transformed into the "Anti-Monitor", the living embodiment of the Anti-Life Equation.<ref name=JL44/>
-[[Bruce Wayne (Prime Earth)|Batman]] discovered that since the Antimatter Universe and [[Prime Earth]] are opposite counterparts, what is found at the center of both universes is also opposite. At the center of Prime Earth lies the [[Entity (New Earth)|White Lantern Entity]], the living embodiment of [[Life Equation|free will]], whereas, at the center of the Antimatter Universe, is the Anti-Life Equation, the antithesis of free will.<ref>Justice League Vol 2 44</ref>
-[[Mobius (Antimatter Universe)|Mobius]], a [[Qward|Qwardian]] scientist, was desperate to learn the secret that gave birth to [[Antimatter Universe|his universe]]. Mobius' thirst for the knowledge of his universe's creation would be his downfall, as such knowledge was forbidden, thus when he laid his eyes upon it--the Anti-Life Equation--it forever cursed him, and he transformed into the "Anti-Monitor", the living embodiment of the Anti-Life Equation.<ref>Justice League Vol 2 44</ref>
 ==The Formula==
-loneliness + alienation + fear + despair + self-worth ÷ mockery ÷ condemnation ÷ misunderstanding x guilt x shame x failure x judgment n=y where y=hope and n=folly, love=lies, life=death, self=dark side
+''loneliness + alienation + fear + despair + self-worth ÷ mockery ÷ condemnation ÷ misunderstanding x guilt x shame x failure x judgment n=y where y=hope and n=folly, love=lies, life=death, self=dark side''
-The full formula typically manifests itself physically as a series of fiery, inscrutable alien symbols and glyphs which form around the one who uses it, while incomplete fragments are projected as singular glyphs.<ref>{{c|Orion Vol 1 12}}</ref><ref>{{c|Death of the New Gods Vol 1 1}}</ref>
+The full formula typically manifests itself physically as a series of fiery, inscrutable alien symbols and glyphs which form around the one who uses it, while incomplete fragments are projected as singular glyphs.<ref name=O12/><ref>{{c|Death of the New Gods Vol 1 1}}</ref>
 By speaking the Equation, Darkseid can insert the full formula into people's minds, giving them the mathematical certainty that life, hope, and freedom are all pointless.
 [[Shilo Norman (New Earth)|Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman)]] was able to break free from this with the help of [[Metron (New Earth)|Metron]], gaining immunity from the Equation in the process.
-The only known antidote to the Equation are the concepts of Freedom and Hope; the New Genesis hieroglyph of Freedom, called the Metron Emblem, significantly wears down the formula's ability to dominate other wills, allowing the infected to fight against the Equation and win while exposed to the symbol. A Metron Emblem, if large enough, is able to massively disrupt the Anti-Life Equation's powers, as transmitted through various frequencies, and even wear down those wearing [[Justifier]] helmets if they are in the vicinity. [[Flash (Barry Allen)]], was also able to use the [[Speed Force]] to negate the effects of the Equation on a person under its influence.<ref>{{c|Final Crisis Vol 1  #4}}</ref>
+The only known antidote to the Equation are the concepts of Freedom and Hope; the New Genesis hieroglyph of Freedom, called the Metron Emblem, significantly wears down the formula's ability to dominate other wills, allowing the infected to fight against the Equation and win while exposed to the symbol. A Metron Emblem, if large enough, is able to massively disrupt the Anti-Life Equation's powers, as transmitted through various frequencies, and even wear down those wearing [[Justifier]] helmets if they are in the vicinity. [[Barry Allen (New Earth)|Flash (Barry Allen)]], was also able to use the [[Speed Force]] to negate the effects of the Equation on a person under its influence.<ref>{{c|Final Crisis Vol 1 4}}</ref>
-| CurrentOwner            = [[Zonuz (Prime Earth)|Yuga Khan]], [[Dreamer Beautiful (Prime Earth)|Dreamer Beautiful]], [[Grail (Prime Earth)|Grail]], [[Uxas (Prime Earth)|Uxas]],
+| CurrentOwner            = [[Zonuz (Prime Earth)|Yuga Khan]], [[Dreamer Beautiful (Prime Earth)|Dreamer Beautiful]], [[Grail (Prime Earth)|Grail]], [[Darkseid (Prime Earth)|Uxas]],
-| PreviousOwners          = The [[Source]], [[Uxas (New Earth)|Darkseid]], [[Hartley Rathaway (New Earth)|Pied Piper]], [[Anita Fite (New Earth)|Empress]] (partially), [[Scott Free (New Earth)|Mister Miracle]], [[Orion (New Earth)|Orion]], "Billion Dollar" Bates, [[Sonny Sumo]], [[Steven Trevor (Prime Earth)|Steve Trevor]], [[Mobius (Antimatter Universe)|Anti-Monitor]]
+| PreviousOwners          = The [[Source]], [[Darkseid (New Earth)|Darkseid]], [[Hartley Rathaway (New Earth)|Pied Piper]], [[Anita Fite (New Earth)|Empress]] (partially), [[Scott Free (New Earth)|Mister Miracle]], [[Orion (New Earth)|Orion]], "Billion Dollar" Bates, [[Sonny Sumo]], [[Steven Trevor (Prime Earth)|Steve Trevor]], [[Mobius (Sixth Dimension)|Anti-Monitor]]
 | Notes                   =
+* In [[Jack Kirby]]'s original comics, the Anti-Life Equation is said to give the being who learns it power to dominate the will of all sentient and sapient races. It is called the Anti-Life Equation because "if someone possesses absolute control over you—you're not really alive."<ref name=FP5/> Most stories featuring the Equation use this concept. A full version of the equation supposedly existed in the mind of the millionaire "Billion Dollar" Bates, but he took it to his death.
+* In [[Jim Starlin]]'s miniseries {{v|Cosmic Odyssey Vol 1}}, the Anti-Life Equation is revealed as a living entity, which even Darkseid cannot control, and is subsequently blocked from ever entering the Milky Way again by Doctor Fate. This version has not been referred to again.
-* In [[Jack Kirby]]'s original comics, the Anti-Life Equation is said to give the being who learns it power to dominate the will of all sentient and sapient races. It is called the Anti-Life Equation because "if someone possesses absolute control over you—you're not really alive."<ref>{{c|Forever People #5}}</ref> Most stories featuring the Equation use this concept. A full version of the equation supposedly existed in the mind of the millionaire "Billion Dollar" Bates, but he took it to his death.
+* The {{V|JLA Vol 1}} story "[[Rock of Ages]]" (1997), by [[Grant Morrison]], includes a future in which Darkseid has learned the Anti-Life Equation, and taken control of both New Genesis and Earth. Earth's population is kept submissive by a constant broadcast of the Equation.
-*In [[Jim Starlin]]'s miniseries {{v|Cosmic Odyssey Vol 1}}, the Anti-Life Equation is revealed as a living entity, which even Darkseid cannot control, and is subsequently blocked from ever entering the Milky Way again by Doctor Fate. This version has not been referred to again.
+* In {{c|JLA Annual Vol 1 2}}, written by [[Ty Templeton]], [[Felix Faust (New Earth)|Felix Faust]] explains that an ancient sorcerer, maddened by his resurrection, plans a spell that will "remove the life frequency from the universe". [[Kal-El (New Earth)|Superman]] calls this the Anti-Life Equation.
-*The {{V|JLA Vol 1}} story "[[Rock of Ages]]" (1997), by [[Grant Morrison]], includes a future in which Darkseid has learned the Anti-Life Equation, and taken control of both New Genesis and Earth. Earth's population is kept submissive by a constant broadcast of the Equation.
+* During the "[[Emperor Joker]]" storyline, in ''[[Superman: Emperor Joker]]'' (2000), the [[Joker (New Earth)|Joker]] gains control of the power of [[Mister Mxyzptlk (New Earth)|Mister Mxyzptlk]]. Darkseid himself states about this that the Joker has stumbled onto the Anti-Life Equation, which might imply that the Anti-Life Equation may have something to do with the power wielded by the 5th-Dimensional imps such as Mxyzptlk and [[Bat-Mite (New Earth)|Bat-Mite]], perhaps even that the imps are able to perform their reality-defying pranks simply because they know the Anti-Life Equation.
-*In {{c|JLA Annual #2}}, written by [[Ty Templeton]], [[Felix Faust (New Earth)|Felix Faust]] explains that an ancient sorcerer, maddened by his resurrection, plans a spell that will "remove the life frequency from the universe". [[Superman (Clark Kent)|Superman]] calls this the Anti-Life Equation.
+* In [[Walt Simonson]]'s {{V|Orion Vol 1}} (2001), it is revealed that Darkseid and Desaad have gained the Equation from clones of Billion Dollar Bates. In stopping them, Orion learns the Equation, and tries to use it to make people happy and good, but realizes that the suppression of free will is always a bad thing. It is later revealed that [[Mister Miracle]] knows the formula, but is one of the few people with the willpower not to use it.
-*During the "[[Emperor Joker]]" storyline, in ''[[Superman: Emperor Joker]]'' (2000), the [[Joker (New Earth)|Joker]] gains control of the power of [[Mister Mxyzptlk (New Earth)|Mister Mxyzptlk]]. Darkseid himself states about this that the Joker has stumbled onto the Anti-Life Equation, which might imply that the Anti-Life Equation may have something to do with the power wielded by the 5th-Dimensional imps such as Mxyzptlk and [[Bat-Mite (New Earth)|Bat-Mite]], perhaps even that the imps are able to perform their reality-defying pranks simply because they know the Anti-Life Equation.
+* [[John Ostrander]]'s {{V|Martian Manhunter Vol 2}} series (2001) reveals that, long ago, Darkseid learned of the Martian philosophy that free will could be described by a "Life Equation". This led him to consider that there must be a negative corollary to this equation.
-*In [[Walt Simonson]]'s {{V|Orion Vol 1}} (2001), it is revealed that Darkseid and Desaad have gained the Equation from clones of Billion Dollar Bates. In stopping them, Orion learns the Equation, and tries to use it to make people happy and good, but realizes that the suppression of free will is always a bad thing. It is later revealed that [[Mister Miracle]] knows the formula, but is one of the few people with the willpower not to use it.
+* In the ''[[Superman and Batman: World's Funnest|World's Funnest]]'' [[Elseworlds]] one-shot (2001), created by [[Evan Dorkin]] and a variety of artists, a conflict between Bat-Mite and Mister Mxyzptlk inadvertently destroys the [[DC Universe|DCU]], (including many [[Pre-Crisis]] worlds). When they destroy Apokolips, the sole survivor is Darkseid, who is left floating in space with a piece of paper with the equation drawn on it; the paper has a diagram to the effect of "''Mister Mxyzptlk + Bat-Mite = Anti-life''". This causes Darkseid to laugh uncontrollably.
-*[[John Ostrander]]'s {{V|Martian Manhunter Vol 2}} series (2001) reveals that, long ago, Darkseid learned of the Martian philosophy that free will could be described by a "Life Equation". This led him to consider that there must be a negative corollary to this equation.
+* In ''[[Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle]]'' (2005), by [[Grant Morrison]], Darkseid (or Dark Side, as he now calls himself) has gained full control of the Anti-Life Equation. By speaking, he can insert the full formula into people's minds, giving them the mathematical certainty that life, hope and freedom are all pointless. Shilo Norman (the current Mister Miracle) is able to break free from this with the help of [[Metron]]. However, it is implied that these events did not happen in the main reality, but in a tangent universe inside a black hole.
-*In the ''[[Superman and Batman: World's Funnest|World's Funnest]]'' [[Elseworlds]] one-shot (2001), created by [[Evan Dorkin]] and a variety of artists, a conflict between Bat-Mite and Mister Mxyzptlk inadvertently destroys the [[DC Universe|DCU]], (including many [[Pre-Crisis]] worlds). When they destroy Apokolips, the sole survivor is Darkseid, who is left floating in space with a piece of paper with the equation drawn on it; the paper has a diagram to the effect of "''Mister Mxyzptlk + Bat-Mite = Anti-life''". This causes Darkseid to laugh uncontrollably.
+* In the animated series ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', during an assault on Earth by Darkseid and the armies of [[Apokolips]], [[Lex Luthor]] is taken into The Source by Metron.  Just as Darkseid is on the verge of killing Superman, Lex Luthor returns from The Source and reveals the Anti-Life Equation, shown as a glowing, swirling light in the palm of his hand, to Darkseid.  Darkseid places a hand over the glow, Lex places a hand on Darkseid's hand, both agreeing that the equation "is beautiful", and they both disappear.
+* In the film, Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe, starring Jesse Ventura, the villain Secundus (Sven-Ole Thorsen) sought the use of the Anti-Life Equation (which apparently possessed the same significance as its DC counterpart). The film also featured an Answer Box, a device similar to a [[Mother Box]].
-*In ''[[Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle]]'' (2005), by [[Grant Morrison]], Darkseid (or Dark Side, as he now calls himself) has gained full control of the Anti-Life Equation. By speaking, he can insert the full formula into people's minds, giving them the mathematical certainty that life, hope and freedom are all pointless. Shilo Norman (the current Mister Miracle) is able to break free from this with the help of [[Metron]]. However, it is implied that these events did not happen in the main reality, but in a tangent universe inside a black hole.
-*In the animated series ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', during an assault on Earth by Darkseid and the armies of [[Apokolips]], [[Lex Luthor]] is taken into The Source by Metron.  Just as Darkseid is on the verge of killing Superman, Lex Luthor returns from The Source and reveals the Anti-Life Equation, shown as a glowing, swirling light in the palm of his hand, to Darkseid.  Darkseid places a hand over the glow, Lex places a hand on Darkseid's hand, both agreeing that the equation "is beautiful", and they both disappear.
-*In the film, Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe, starring Jesse Ventura, the villain Secundus (Sven-Ole Thorsen) sought the use of the Anti-Life Equation (which apparently possessed the same significance as its DC counterpart). The film also featured an Answer Box, a device similar to a [[Mother Box]].
 * In the [[Elseworlds]] story ''[[Superman: The Dark Side]]'' (1998) [[Darkseid (Earth-1198)|Darkseid]] raises [[Kal-El (Earth-1198)|Kal-El]] as his own (evil) son and later finds that [[Krypton]] had been in possession of the Anti-Life Equation before it was destroyed and [[Jor-El]] had sent it with his son so that he could use it to subjugate Earth and create a new Krypton. Darkseid finds it and builds a series of towers which broadcast "...the ANTI-LIFE EQUATION which obliterates free will and individual identity".
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 [[Category:Earth 3]]
 [[Category:Antimatter Universe]]
+[[Category:DCeased]]

Changes: Anti-Life Equation

Revision as of 03:42, 13 April 2021

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