The New Gods #5 Review- Gods May Die, But Hope Is Eternal
From DC Comics
Written by Ram V
Art by Evan Cagle & Andrew MacLean
In the weekly reading cycle of modern comic releases, it is easy to get lost in the sheer talent and vision of so many amazing creators each earnestly adding their capable commentary to this historic era of comic making most certainly characterized by evolution, diversity, and imagination. However, as is always the case for the dedicated fan, one title always arises from the mix and cements itself as the MOST important and alluring. Such is the case for The New Gods by visionary writer Ram V and the iconic Evan Cagle.
Which is why I found it increasingly difficult NOT to talk about this intrepid new series on a bi-weekly basis as the series mounted towards what is sure to be its first of many monumental climaxes, now revealed stunningly here in issue #5. It is not often that a single issue of a comic makes me audibly gasp and rise from my seat, but such is the impact of this ingenuitive title diving into the characterization, backstory, and future of Jack Kirby’s cosmic pantheon creation in the DC Comics universe.
Arguably the most impressive facet of this daring series is its approachability for new readers. In every issue thus far, V and Cagle have maintained a delicate balance of layering relevant character details and fostering poignant new territory for DC’s distant primordial forces to contend with. If you are unfamiliar with The New Gods, then rest assured after reading Issues 1–5 that you will be yearning to know more rather than feeling lost and disillusioned. Even for well initiated fans, this series is a bold, powerful, and unique narrative that feels like the definitive evolution of the DC universe decades in the making.
But perhaps you are wondering what exactly caused the inciting incident of The New Gods series and why you should care- in which case I will direct you to both of my reviews on recent titles from the DC All In Universe with all of the helpful exposition you need to feel better acquainted with the subject:
The New Gods #1 & DC All In Special.
Let’s talk more specifically about this groundbreaking series and issue #5 which means,
WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!
In issue #4, we witnessed the harrowing advance of the Nyctari fleet from the edges of the universe to the shores of the peaceful realm of the Gods at New Genesis, led by the young claimant to the throne of Darkseid, Karok Ator. In this issue, we were privileged to see the overwhelming might of some of the fringe characters in the New Gods ensemble, which still ultimately proved not enough against the onslaught of the imperious pirate fleet, resulting in a desperate decision from the Highfather himself to don his warrior’s armor once more and forsake his peaceful ways.
Resuming in Issue #5, we are first given a glimpse into the prior life of the New God, Lightray, as he wrestles with the fear of impending death ushered in by the only God faster and more indiscernible than himself, “The Black Racer.” Throughout time immemorial, we see Lightray question his mortality with various figures, wondering what the inevitable point of existence really is at the end. Finally, beside the deathbed of a fallen warrior, Lightray calmly addresses the smiling Black Racer, who challenges Lightray to a lofty race, promising that should he ever catch him, he will be rewarded the answer to his perturbing question. Cutting to the present, we see Akala and Lightray attempting to withdraw the remaining New Gods, clearing the way for the Highfather as he “unsheathes” the seed of creation and sends a shockwave throughout the cosmos.
The classic, almost storybook artstyle from guest artist Andrew Maclean depicting Lightray’s parable as he races death itself, is an inspired choice that gives character both to Lightray and this inventive series as a whole. In addition, the juxtaposition between the cartoonish renderings and the hyper-realistic display by Evan Cagle immediately following is a subtle reminder of the changing landscape of the comic book medium and the thematic content expected from it, as well as indicative of the centuries spanning life of a New God and the transformative flow of time.
As Izaya, the Inheritor strides across the battlefield, he calmly warns Karok and his army to leave his peaceful garden, but is rudely interrupted by the usurper who chastises the Highfather for his hubris. A pride that Karok deems reminiscent of Darkseid, who even after all of his boasting, was vanquished in the end. However, as Karok levels his sword and begins to outline his villainous terms, the Highfather merely raises his staff and in a bright flash of light reduces Karok’s entire Nyctari army to atoms. Yet, just as the Highfather turns his back on the grizzly scene, he is halted by the disembodied voice of Karok who has already begun reforming by some eldritch power as he explains that the “darkness that runs through my veins is far older than the power you wield.” (I can’t help but wonder if this power is related to the displaced, autonomous Omega energy causing havoc throughout the universe in Darkseid’s sudden absence and particularly within the pages of Challengers of the Unknown #5 by Christopher Cantwell that was also released this week.)
Throughout the last few issues, Ram V has thrillingly and methodically built the stakes for this entire series one piece at a time, and it is this final piece that really sends shivers down the readers spine as we discover along with the Highfather that this evil cannot be stopped by any force currently at the New Gods disposal. It is a stunning crescendo brought to full effect by the careful plotting of Ram V as writer and brought to life by the grotesque yet beautiful, renaissance era tinged artwork from Evan Cagle.
Next we cut to Earth, where we find Orion continuing his assault on his brother Mister Miracle, who protects the newly born New God, Kamal from Orion’s murderous mission. As Mister Miracle characteristically dodges Orion’s blows, he attempts to make Orion see reason, reminding him that it was Orion who asked Scott to protect the New-New God from the Highfather’s order in the first place. As Orion fends off Big Barda, refusing to cease his fury, Kamal lets forth a blast of energy that sends the Warrior of the Gods flying through the air. Upon rising, Orion laughs and remarks that perhaps the Highfather was right to order Kamal’s destruction, because he is truly a “threat worthy of his talents.”
This portion of the plot is on one hand, wildly entertaining and revealing of each of these iconic DC characters under Ram V’s direction, but it is also evidence of the larger ethos to this iteration of The New Gods. It is not the moral conundrum of endless omnipotence or unlimited power that Ram V is choosing to explore with his Gods, but the all too relatable, enduring nature of fallibility and willful choice. Rather than allowing this series to become an unwieldy philosophical dive or a trite power-scaling installment as could be the case with such far-flung cosmic characters, Ram V has taken great pains to ground his ethereal mythology into a compelling, cinematic, episodic saga with Godly characters that are earnestly fighting for righteous causes, and make wrong decisions that could lead to their tragic demise at any given moment.
A sentiment which leads us back to New Genesis where the Highfather duels with Karok Ator, an ultimately futile gesture as Karok forces the Highfather to kneel before the new lord of New Genesis, a familiar placeholder king, Grayven the bastard son of Darkseid. As Izaya raises a repentant hand to Grayven, he lets loose an omega beam to kill his late father’s enemy, but it is deflected at the last moment by the eye beams of Lightray who has teleported to the scene. As Akala pulls the Highfather away, Lightray leaps into battle with Grayven and Karok Ator, attempting to buy time for his friend’s escape. In the end, Karok’s dark blade pierces Lightray’s body and the fleet-footed New God stares off at something imperceivable beyond him, perhaps at the face of the Black Racer, who at last caught up to him.
This scene is a poetic, yet distressing reminder of the fragility of life even for the New Gods, and feels like just the beginning of the unholy storm Karok and the Nyctari are about to unleash upon the universe. After all, if they can conquer Heaven with such ease, can anything stop them?
In our final pages, we find the Highfather convening with Metron and the survivors of the attack as he laments his words to Orion, which in turn leads us back to Earth where Orion stares down Mister Miracle and Big Barda once more. As Orion raises his fist, he cooly invokes the holy power of the Highfather and reminds his brother that if the child is going to survive he will surely need “a miracle” before launching forward with vicious intent. A comet-like punch that is intercepted, by the steady hands of the living miracle himself, Superman.
This final splash page image is enough to make the engaged reader leap from their seat with delight, with such a simple and effective display of what makes Superman such a compelling character to so many, his ability to embody and instill hope. A feeling that is certainly needed after reading this exhilarating yet defeating issue which seemingly ushered in the end of New Genesis.
Please support your local comic book stores and learn the fate of the New Gods in, The New Gods #5, on shelves now!
-Nicholas Aaron Hodge
