When you think of your grandmother, what comes to mind? Maybe chocolate chip cookies toasting in the oven, knitted scarves wrapped around your neck, or forehead kisses and bedtime stories. Well in the DC Universe, they do grannies a little differently.
Granny Goodness, created by writer-artist Jack Kirby, made her debut appearance in Mister Miracle Vol. 1 #2 in 1971. The character was modeled after American actress and stand-up comedienne Phyllis Diller. As a child on Apokolips, Goodness was taken from her parents and trained to be one of Darkseid's “Hounds” – his elite soldiers. After graduating with honors, Darkseid placed Goodness in charge of the training facility for his elite soldiers. Despite her name, Goodness used brainwashing and torture to turn innocents into fanatical warriors. On Earth, she often ran orphanages in an effort to find new potential warriors for Darkseid. Her abilities include immortality, superhuman physical attributes, tactician skills, warrior skills, and the ability to use Apokoliptian technology without being consumed by it
In addition to running the Apokolips “orphanage,” Goodness is the chief of the Female Furies, a group of brutally trained female warriors. For a brief period, Goodness was posing as Athena to manipulate the Amazons into war, while also attempting to recruit new female fighters. During a heated battle, Goodness is seemingly killed by Infinity-Man. However, she is later reincarnated on Earth as a member of Boss Dark Side’s gang. Throughout this time, Goodness is involved in several battles with Hal Jordon’s Green Lantern. In a final exchange with the hero, Goodness is taken away to be “inspected.” Her fate, to this day, remains unknown.
At least in the comic universe. Granny Goodness has been seen on Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited, Legion of Super Heroes, Smallville, DC Super Hero Girls, and Justice League Action. In addition to the films, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse and Justice League: Gods and Monsters. It’s likely only a matter of time before this not-so lovable Granny returns. Heroes beware!
