The Evolution of the Multiverse in Comics: From Metafiction to Metaphysics

The concept of multiple universes in which parallel versions of ourselves and our worlds exist is not a modern invention. From the terrestrial stories of Alice in Wonderland to the cosmological concepts in Norse mythology, the idea of the multiverse has found a place in human imagination for centuries. However, the artistic and scientific innovation that popularized the concept in modern pop culture can be traced back to some pivotal works in comic history.

Foundational Concepts in Human Thought

Dependent on the definition of the 'multiverse,' the idea of multiple worlds has been present throughout history in various cultural and religious contexts. For example, the Nine Realms of Norse mythology have served as a basis for the multiverses explored in contemporary mainstream media, such as Marvel's MCU.

One of the earliest mentions of the multiverse in fiction can be found in the short story The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges. This 1941 story introduced the idea that multiple versions of every possibility exist, each housed in a separate universe. The story's meta-narrative—a character's ancestor writing a book within the story—adds an extra layer of complexity, laying the groundwork for the vast tapestry of the multiverse.

The Early Comics Contributions

The publication of The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges does not, however, credit a specific comic artist for the concept. In fact, the first comic contributions to the multiverse theory can be found in early DC Comics work. Specifically, the 1953 issue Wonder Woman Vol. 1 #59 introduced the concept of alternate universes in the form of Diana meeting her counterpart, Tara Terruna, from another world. Though it may not be as widely recognized, this was a significant step in comic history.

One year later, in the iconic The Flash Vol. 1 #123 published in 1961, the concept of alternate universes became more entrenched in comic lore. The Flash, Barry Allen, meets his Golden Age counterpart, Jay Garrick, paving the way for the establishment of Earth 2. This crossover was originally conceived as a fun twist, blending the histories of different eras of the Flash—a narrative that resonated with both literary and comic audiences and set the stage for future multiversal storytelling.

Jack Kirby: The Maestro of Multiverses

Jack Kirby, born on August 28, 1917, is often credited with the creation of the multiverse in the comic industry. Although his first impactful work in this regard was in the 1960s, his earlier work in 1935, with The Fourth World concept, was groundbreaking. Kirby wanted to publish a series where heroes and villains from different comic universes interacted, a plan that was ahead of its time.

One of Kirby's most ambitious undertakings was the Fourth World series, which aimed to explore a universe where heroes and villains from various comics interacted seamlessly. In this concept, the line between storytelling and the audience would be blurred, with characters directly addressing readers and inviting them to participate in the narrative. Kirby's vision was so bold that it could be seen as a precursor to modern web-based interactive storytelling, where users have a direct impact on the narrative.

Jack Kirby's influence on the comic industry is immense. His death in 1994 may have ended his active participation in the field, but his legacy continues to shape the landscape of comics, particularly in the realms of fantasy and the multiverse. His contributions to the concept of alternate universes have made them a staple in many of today's comics and media franchises.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Multiverse Storytelling

The concept of the multiverse has evolved from philosophical and literary ideas to a central theme in modern comics and pop culture. From the early explorations in the works of Jorge Luis Borges and DC Comics to the visionary concepts of Jack Kirby, the multiverse continues to captivate audiences and inspire creators with its rich narrative potential. The ongoing evolution of multiversal storytelling will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of comics and popular media.