In the late 30th century, the Legion of Super-Heroes members Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl gave birth to twin children. Following an epic event known as the Great Darkness Saga, the New God known as Darkseid kidnapped Garridan Ranzz at the instant of his birth. He then sent the newborn backwards in time ten years, cursed with a monstrous body and practically mindless. His child-like persona made Validus extremely susceptible to persuasion - a handicap that Fatal Five member Tharok took advantage of at every given opportunity. It was Darkseid's plan that the mutated child would one day grow up and kill his own parents.