The New Gods #4 – Ram V, Writer; Evan Cagle, Bernard Chang, Artists; Francesco Segala, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: One of the most fascinating parts of this series has been how it turns the tables on the usual dynamic of Apokalips and New Genesis. Darkseid is seemingly dead, leaving Apokalips in limbo as it tries to pick a new leader. Meanwhile, New Genesis has always been under the steady hand of Highfather – but it might not be so steady anymore. We see a flashback involving Highfather’s interactions with his friend Himon, where his ambition and lack of caution are very clear. This makes his decision to target the all-powerful child on Earth look a lot less out of character – and it makes it all the more dramatic when he unleashes some of his most powerful forces on their enemies. New Genesis might typically be less warlike than Apokalips, but they might also be more powerful when it’s truly unleashed – and that makes a possibly mad Highfather one of the biggest threats we’ve ever seen.
On Earth, Big Barda and Mister Miracle have absconded with the mystery child and are seeking an escape, but their time has run out – literally. Orion gave them seven days, and in those seven days New Genesis has descended into war. Orion’s characterization here is very interesting – he’s been tasked with doing something that’s antithetical to his nature and beliefs, and while he’s deeply aggrieved that he has to do it, he will – because his loyalty to his adoptive father and his planet are just too strong. When he approaches Scott and Barda, he’s almost asking them to stop him – and they do their best. This is one of the most ambitious stories coming out of DC at the moment, and it manages to balance some truly epic and spectacular action with some surprisingly great character moments. Evan Cagle does space action like no one else in the business, and this book is quickly becoming one of DC’s best.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit <a href=”https://geekdad.com/category/columns/dc-this-week/“>DC This Week</a>.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
