Can the Marvel Comics The-One-Above-All Be Considered a Good God?
Can the Marvel Comics 'The-One-Above-All' Be Considered a Good God?
Confusion and Misconceptions Surrounding 'The-One-Above-All'
Stop with the persistent misconception of 'The-One-Above-All' being a supreme being of unparalleled power. According to Marvel Comics, no such entity exists outside of the Celestial of the same name.
It's a common but incorrect assumption that the title 'The-One-Above-All' refers to a higher power than the Living Tribunal. This erroneous belief stems from a specific issue of Guardians of the Galaxy, where the character known as 'The Prodigy' attempted to duplicate the most powerful force in the universe, which he titled 'The-One-Above-All'. In his quest, he inadvertently duplicated the Living Tribunal, but the narrative left it ambiguous whether he was successful in creating an actual being.
The Evolution and Misinterpretation of 'The-One-Above-All'
The confusion stems from a cryptic statement made by the Living Tribunal during the Infinity War storyline. He briefly mentioned that he reports to someone, which led some readers to believe that the Living Tribunal had a superior being as its superior. This misinterpretation has persisted and permeated popular discourse, leading to widespread belief that the One Above All is a divine figure.
The Nature of Evil in Marvel Comics
The concept of evil in Marvel Comics is not static; it is fluid and multifaceted. Evil does not exist as a stand-alone entity. Instead, it is either an absence of something positive, or a corruption of a positive attribute. In many Marvel stories, characters and forces embody these intricate layers of good and evil. This complexity often challenges simplistic notions of moral superiority or a single supreme being representing absolute good.
Jack Kirby and 'The-One-Above-All'
For those who venerate the artistry and vision of Jack Kirby, characters in his creations often manifest as reflections of his personal beliefs and ideals. When the Fantastic Four encountered Kirby, he chose to appear as 'The-One-Above-All.' However, this appearance does not necessarily equate to the idea that he is a god or supreme being in the traditional sense. Kepler mainly existed as a perspective character, representing Kirby's cosmic vision and ideals, but not a literal supreme being.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
It's crucial to avoid simplifying the complex nature of the Marvel universe. Concepts like 'The-One-Above-All' should be understood within the context of their specific appearances and storylines. The true richness of Marvel Comics lies in its exploration of various beings and concepts, each with their own unique roles and attributes. While 'The-One-Above-All' might hold a special place in Kirby's legacy, it does not inherently embody the concept of a supreme good deity in the Marvel setting.