The Origin of the Overlords
In the expansive universe of Marvel, while Thor stands as a predominant godly figure, there exists an echelon even beyond the Asgardians—Those Who Sit Above in Shadow. First introduced in the “X-Men/Alpha Flight #1” saga, crafted by the talented duo of Chris Claremont and Paul Smith, these deities stand as colossal figures, shadowy and draped in monochrome. With the audacious claim of having birthed the Asgardians themselves, they loom large, serving as omnipresent sentinels over their creation.
More Than Just Gods: The Cosmic Parasites
Their godlike facade, however, might be somewhat deceiving. Subsequent appearances, particularly in “Thor (vol. 2) #85”, shed light on their parasitic nature. Here, within the mythos woven by Michael Avon Oeming and Andrea DiVito, it’s unveiled that these entities greedily feed off the energy birthed from the cyclical Ragnarök—Marvel’s Norse apocalypse and rebirth. The Asgardians, stuck in this never-ending loop, inadvertently become sustenance for Those Who Sit Above in Shadow. Thor, in a valiant attempt, disrupts this cycle, aiming to obliterate these cosmic leeches by shattering the Norns’ Loom of Fate.
Resurrection and the Never-Ending Cycle
However, like many tales of gods and immortality, their demise was not so final. Making a formidable comeback in “Loki: Agent of Asgard #14-17″, these entities find a tether to existence as the impending Multiverse’s doom in “Secret Wars (2015)” resonates with the cyclical nature of Ragnarök. Interestingly, they draw their immortality from the Asgardians’ faith in them. And as theorized by Loki, the god of stories, the existence of Those Who Sit Above in Shadow is perhaps rooted in the Asgardians’ collective belief in an even higher deity.
The Return of the Overarching Deities?
Their tale doesn’t end in “Secret Wars”. There are hints dropped in “Immortal Thor #1”, penned by Al Ewing and vividly illustrated by Martin Coccolo, that signal their imminent return. Thor’s recollections of a voyage to “the Utgard-Lands”, a realm far removed, bearing semblance to the dominion of Those Who Sit Above, appears to be an overt nod to these superlative beings. Moreover, the introduction of ‘Utgard-Loki’, a primordial god tied to Thor’s lineage, and his strikingly similar speech pattern to Those Who Sit Above, further tantalizes readers with the prospect of their comeback.
Ewing, having dabbled with this character concept previously, seems poised to delve deeper. The intricate web he’s spinning, intertwining the Elder Gods or Utgard-Gods with Those Who Sit Above in Shadow, hints at an epic unraveling, delineating the intricate hierarchy of divinities in Thor’s multiverse.
Conclusion
The mythos of Those Who Sit Above in Shadow is a testament to Marvel’s penchant for layered storytelling. These super-gods, transcending even the Asgardians, remind readers of the infinite layers of power and narrative depth within the Marvel Universe. As they possibly brace for a return, fans can only wait with bated breath to witness how their story further intertwines with the fate of the Asgardians and the multiverse at large.
