The New Gods #5 – Ram V, Writer; Evan Cagle, Andrew MacLean, Artist; Francesco Segala, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: One of the most impressive things about this wildly ambitious run is how Ram V and Evan Cagle seem to have the number of just about every skilled indie artist out there to join Cagle on art duty for a few pages each issue. This month, it’s Andrew MacLean’s turn, as the iconic Head Lopper cartoonist brings his surrealist style to the world of the New Gods for a segment that examines how immortals view death. The youngest New God elite, Lightray, tries to puzzle through it as he visits one funeral after another over an eternity. Highfather, Metron, and Orion all have different perspectives – and then we’re back to the present day, as the new warrior of Apokalips who has risen to take Darkseid’s place makes his presence known. This brutal villain descends on the peaceful sanctuary of Highfather, and prepares to end the ancient leader’s legacy. This is a rare chance to see the old man in action not as a mentor, but as a warrior.
There’s always been a Shakespearean quality to the stories of the New Gods, and that’s very clear in the narrative involving Scott Free and his quest to protect the small boy targeted by Highfather’s forces. Over the years, the connection between Scott and Orion has gotten fascinating, as the two went from natural enemies to unconventional family. And now that’s all over, with them pitted on opposite sides – all because of a prophecy that neither of them want to see fulfilled. We also get to see the boy’s powers in action for the first time, and the brutal conclusion of the fight between Highfather and our new villain is telegraphed, but also executed brilliantly as a grim spectre falls over the New Gods. In only five issues, it feels like a whole world has happened, and it’s been decades since the New Gods were explored in a story that feels like it captures the scope of the world that Jack Kirby created.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
