The New Gods #2 – Ram V, Writer; Evan Cagle, Jesse Lonergan, Artists; Francesco Segala, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: The Fourth World has been around for decades, of course, ever since comics genius Jack Kirby first brought it to life, but too often it’s been used as simply a generic cosmic punching bag for the heroes. But occasionally, we get something that truly captures the scope Kirby was going for – and Ram V and Evan Cagle’s ambitious epic feels like it’s teed up perfectly for that. They’re joined by Jesse Lonergan, one of the most creative sci-fi cartoonists in the industry for a prologue, introducing us to a new adversary lurking in the shadows as the jockeying for power in the aftermath of Darkseid’s death continues. But the funny thing is, Apokalips isn’t the real threat here. It’s actually Highfather on New Genesis, who has been driven to desperation by a prophecy and has done the unthinkable – ordering his adopted son Orion to travel to Earth and kill a child who could change everything.
Orion, of course, couldn’t abide by that and notified Scott Free of his quest so Scott could take the child and run. Scott in this book seems heavily influenced by the more vulnerable Mr. Miracle we saw in Tom King’s brilliant maxiseries years back, and his decision to try to disappear in the night to fulfill his mission is very in character – as is Barda’s decision to intercept him and join the mission with their daughter. These two remain one of the DCU’s best and most realistic depictions of a happily married couple. But it wouldn’t be a Ram V book without an eye on our world as well, and the decision to set part of the story in India where the remarkable child from the stars is being raised works brilliantly. It gives us a human element to the tale that grounds it, far away from the cosmic chess games that are unfolding. This feels like it’s building into something really special.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
