REVIEW: ‘The New Gods’ Issue #1

The New Gods #1 is published by DC Comics. Written by Ram V, art by Evan Cagle and Jorge Fornes, colors by Francesco Segala and letters by Tom Napolitano. After the death of Darkseid, a new prophecy signals a dark path for the ancient beings.

This first issue is an intriguing journey. It begins with the celestial, opening with the death of the Old Gods, the Birth of the New Gods, and the current situation on New Genesis. The New Gods #1 is contemplative, setting the scene for the universe after such a traumatic event. With Darkseid gone, there is a lack of universal balance, and the New Gods are more aware of that than the humans on Earth.

The first half of the comic is set entirely in space. Not only are the consequences of Darkseid’s demise revealed across the universe, but it also makes the issue as alien as possible. This is tempered with the introduction of Mister Miracle. The book is still celestial but takes place on Earth and is much more grounded. But even at this juncture, Ram V shows the more human of the New Gods fighting with destinies and prophecies. It sets up a terrific challenge with significant stakes.

The characters are expertly written. As the issue progresses methodically, the characters become more human. In New Genesis, figures rarely venture to Earth, so they haven’t picked up the colloquialisms or other human attributes. Metron and Highfather speak with the most grandiosity, blessed with the millennial of life. Yet they bicker and snarl at each other, with taunts being thrown that breach supposedly indestructible resolves. There are already seeds of discontent in Lightray, who seems desperate to win favor with his father. He’s confident and energetic. Instead, Highfather selects Orion as his champion.

Orion has spent time with the Justice League and is a recognizable and admired hero, but immensely loyal to his father. So when he receives his most troubling order yet, he goes to Scot Free, aka Mister Miracle. The constant step-downs between the levels make The New Gods #1 approachable and entertaining. The dialogue is a perfect mix of ancient wisdom and real grit. Orion is a noble warrior but talks like a god. Scot talks like an exhausted new dad.

The art gives each realm its own style and look, which is aided by the inclusion of two artists. Both do incredible jobs of showing the mind-boggling world of the New Gods. The introduction takes the reader to the Source Wall, the very edge of the Multiverse. It’s a mysterious phenomenon that is difficult to fathom. Then comes the reveal of New Genesis, the home of the New Gods. The city is stunning, the epitome of godlike excess.

The following location, one of Orion’s missions, is the opposite. It is a claustrophobic and industrious corner of the universe suffering from the ramifications of Darkseid’s death. The best representative of the contrast in The New Gods #1 is Mister Miracle and Orion sitting on a park bench on Earth. Orion is in his armor, bulky and out of place. Mister Miracle is slumped against the bench, looking as normal as a human can get. The conversation is beautifully drawn, with terrific facial expressions on both characters.

Both use the conversations as a moment of vulnerability, getting things off their chest. The movement and emotion on display are thrilling to see. They are expert displays of humanity, far from the regal thronerooms of New Genesis. Mister Miracle’s home makes the gods as domesticated as possible, with two exhausted parents in a Californian home.

The colors are thoughtful and compelling. In the New Genesis, everything is bright and serene, full of purity. Orion is sent into a location seeping with red, dangerous, and hostile. Then, on Earth, the colors are dark and shadowy, lacking in influence from the gods. Any shine in the last part of the book comes from the gods themselves, or at least what they leave behind. The lettering gives the cosmic comic a super flow, with some excellent sound effects during the more action-packed moments.

The New Gods #1 combines divinity with domesticity. The first issue’s journey is fascinating, going from the grand halls of the New Genesis to a regular American street. Other writers might reverse that movement, building up to godhood instead of descending from it. But V does it this way to make it known who will be the heart and soul of this series, finishing with the most important thing, which is to keep them fresh for the next chapter. The book moves from the oldest thing in the universe to the youngest.

The New Gods #1 is available where comics are sold.