Unraveling the Origins of the Multiverse: From Alice in Wonderland to DC and Marvel

The concept of the multiverse, a vast array of parallel universes, has captivated the imagination of readers and creators for decades. While modern cultural touchstones like DC and Marvel comics often claim ownership of the multiverse concept, the roots of this idea can be traced back much further. This article explores the origins of the multiverse, from early mythological and literary influences to the contributions of comic book creators.

Mythological and Literary Roots of the Multiverse

The idea of multiple worlds has been a part of human consciousness since ancient times. Norse mythology, for instance, presents the concept through its nine realms, a complex interweaving of different planes and dimensions. However, the more modern, recognizable multiverse concept can be attributed to literary figures and comic book creators.

The Mouse and His Grandfather

The Garden of Forking Paths by Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges is a seminal work in the development of the multiverse concept. Published in 1941, this short story introduces the idea that every possibility exists within its own alternate reality. It’s a meta narrative that features a book within a book, inspiring the concept of branching timelines and parallel universes.

Multiverse in Comics: The First Instances

While The Garden of Forking Paths lays the groundwork, the comic book world claims the first known explicit depiction of the multiverse. In 1953, during the Golden Age of superhero comics, the character of Wonder Woman met her counterpart, Tara Terruna, in Wonder Woman Vol. 1 #59. This was the first recorded instance of a character meeting a counterpart from another world, setting the stage for future multiverse phenomena.

However, the concept of parallel Earths and the multiverse as we know it today was cemented in 1961 when DC Comics published The Flash Vol. 1 #123. This issue, known as the "Flash of Two Worlds," introduced the Earth 2 timeline, where characters like Barry Allen and Jay Garrick met within a single comic book. Although the term "Earth 2" wasn't coined until later, this crossover set the stage for the multiverse, enriching storytelling and providing a canvas for future narratives.

Jack Kirby: The Creator of the Multiverse

The multiverse as we know it today owes a significant debt to Jack Kirby, a pioneer in the comic book industry. Jack Kirby, born in 1917, is credited with creating the multiverse concept in 1935, long before DC and Marvel made it a cornerstone of their universes. Kirby's vision was for a grand, interconnected universe where heroes and villains from different comic companies could interact. He envisioned a series of stories where characters tore down the fourth wall, addressing readers directly, inviting them to become part of the narrative.

Though Kirby's dream of a Fourth World series didn't materialize in his lifetime, his influence can be seen in the rich tapestry of alternate universes that have become a staple of contemporary comic book storytelling. Kirby's legacy lives on through the countless multiverse stories that continue to captivate both creators and readers.

Jack Kirby's contributions to the multiverse concept are celebrated through various tributes and fan communities, among them the "TOAA" (To All of America) fans, who honor his legacy every year on his birthday, August 28.

Conclusion

From the philosophical musings of Jorge Luis Borges to the groundbreaking works of Jack Kirby, the multiverse concept has evolved and thrived in both literature and comics. The history of the multiverse is a testament to the human desire to explore the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our own reality. Whether through the pages of a comic book or the realms of Alice in Wonderland, the multiverse has continually captured the imagination, inviting us to imagine new worlds and new stories.