Warning: Spoilers follow for The New Gods #1! After an extended hiatus, the legendary figures from the Fourth World Saga make their triumphant return in The New Gods. Created by the iconic Jack Kirby, this high-concept narrative is poised to play a crucial role in DC Comics’ All In initiative.
Jack Kirby revolutionized the DC Universe when he introduced the Fourth World Saga, bringing forth powerful characters like Darkseid. His innovative storytelling not only enriched the cosmos of the DC Universe but also serves as a lasting source of inspiration for contemporary comic creators. With the New Gods making their comeback, we’re witnessing a pivotal chapter in DC Comics’ narrative that echoes Kirby’s audacity.
The New Gods #1: An Epic Combined with Human Depth
An Epic in Every Sense of the Word
In The New Gods #1, crafted by Ram V, Evan Cagle, Jorge Fornés, Francesco Segala, and Tom Napolitano, the aftermath of Darkseid’s demise continues to resonate across the cosmos. Metron stands at the edge of reality near the Source Wall, where he uncovers a prophecy heralding a reckoning and signaling an end to the age of the gods. Upon his return to New Genesis, Metron advises Highfather of a looming threat: a child on Earth has the potential to awaken as a New God, potentially ushering in an era of chaos.
Highfather summons Orion, who is currently engaged in vanquishing the surviving remnants of Darkseid’s forces. After relaying the grave responsibility placed upon him, Orion ventures to Earth to consult Scott Free, better known as Mister Miracle. However, Scott is preoccupied with the challenges of fatherhood, attempting to manage his infant daughter. Once he manages to soothe the baby, Scott meets Orion, who reveals that Highfather has tasked him with eliminating the New God upon their arrival on Earth.
Despite Orion’s resolve, he does not wish to carry out the task himself. He urges Mister Miracle to locate the New God before Orion implements his hunt, granting him seven days to do so. Meanwhile, a couple in India escapes from armed soldiers, inadvertently drawing the attention of dark forces. When the commotion escalates, their young son, Kamal, glows a vivid blue, marking his transformation into a New God as he dispenses justice against the soldiers.
The New Gods’ Place in a Post-Absolute Power DC Universe
Darkseid’s Demise and Its Influence on DC All In
Though the narratives of the New Gods have evolved since Kirby’s era, recent developments have significantly reshaped the landscape of DC Comics. Following Amanda Waller’s schemes in Absolute Power, the multiverse was sealed, driving Darkseid towards madness. Desperate for release, Darkseid attempted to merge with the Spectre, leading to a catastrophic clash with the Justice League, during which his physical form was destroyed.
This was not the end for Darkseid; his essence broke through a dimensional rift, creating the Absolute Universe—an alternate realm inhabited by DC’s iconic heroes but lacking the comforts of their primary universe. This new landscape is central to the ongoing narrative of the DC All In initiative, with comic creators acknowledging its pivotal role.
Ram V:. .. I would say it kind of makes New Gods very much a part of what is happening in the DCU. And then, as a sort of look into things to come, I would like to say that New Gods are uniquely positioned as being the connective tissue between the All In and the Absolute Universes. They’re the only characters who sit outside of the duality conflux point, even if they don’t know it, they’re the only ones who have access to both the universes.
Ram V confirmed that Darkseid’s death serves as the impetus for the storyline, and although the project was initially envisioned years ago, it has been refined to align with the overarching All In narrative. Ram V noted that the New Gods uniquely exist outside both the Prime and Absolute Universes, allowing for their role as a bridge connecting these realms.
The New Gods #1: A Bold Opening Chapter
Embracing Kirby’s Legacy While Carving a New Journey
As the first New Gods title since the mid-’90s, anticipation surged when DC revealed it during this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. Despite the immense pressure surrounding it, The New Gods #1 manages to surpass expectations, delivering one of the most compelling reads from DC Comics this year. Ram V weaves an epic narrative that resonates with Shakespearean grandeur, reminiscent of Kirby’s original Fourth World Saga, while imbueing the tale with relatable human elements.
The creative pairing of Ram V and Evan Cagle is steering the New Gods toward a thrilling new horizon. With Cagle’s artistry enhancing every pivotal moment—be it Orion battling Darkseid’s remnants or Kamal awakening as a New God—the visual storytelling deeply complements the narrative. Even nuanced gestures, such as Mister Miracle’s smirk during one of Orion’s dramatic speeches, lend depth to the characters. Fornés’ artwork during the prophecy segments adds an important cultural weight to the storyline.
DC Comics continues to demonstrate exceptional creativity, exemplified by The New Gods #1. This isn’t merely a reaction to Darkseid’s fate; instead, it’s a thoughtfully ambitious work that aims to build upon the profound legacy Kirby established. Rather than rehashing past stories, Ram V and Evan Cagle are propelling the New Gods into an exhilarating and unprecedented future.
Don’t Miss The New Gods #1
A Must-Read in the DC All In Era
Within the vibrant landscape of the DC All In initiative, marked by successful releases like Absolute Wonder Woman and Justice League Unlimited, The New Gods #1 stands out. While the future of DC Comics remains uncertain, this title is primed to become a cornerstone of the All In narrative.
The highly anticipated The New Gods #1 is now available through DC Comics.
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