War has come to New Genesis’ front door! The Nyctari are making their impression felt in the void of Darkseid. Complicating matters more is a New God has appeared on Earth, Is Kamal a savior or destroyer? High-Father isn’t taking any chances.
He has dispatched Orion to dispose of the child. Mister Miracle and Big Barda are the only ones standing in Orion’s path. With two conflicts happening at once, there is plenty of drama to go around for Jack Kirby’s Fourth World characters.
The New Gods #5 by Ram V., Evan Cagle, Andrew MacLean, Francesco Segala & Tom Napolitano ramps up the danger with an all new chapter.
Let’s see how the latest installment plays out.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Ram V. takes this chapter into a dire direction. The opening follows Lightray as he poses a question about mortality. His inquiry covers many different answers. One theme is very clear. Even the most powerful do not understand Death. The writing plays this into a driving factor of the chapter. It is fitting with one God dying, a new one appears to take its place.
Once the story jump back into present time, it starts finding its path. The battle of New Genesis has a regal feel. Seeing Izaya take his attack to the Nyctari kickstarts a desperate effort. The result is one that shakes the foundation of the New Gods to its core. It upstages the fight between Orion and the Frees, which is very brief. Their faceoff teases more to come next issue with guests.
For this round, it belongs to a valiant sacrifice in vain. Readers watch as all roads start coming together with a philosophical question leading the way. Where this all leads is up in the air. In the meantime, the forthcoming reunion will be one not to miss.
MacLean opens the chapter with a distinct look at Lightray’s questioning. The reactions of each God is very telling. This ultimately leads into a conversation with someone who has the answer. A near half page image gives some clues. It also serves up a solid homage to Kirby’s vision before heading back to the present.
Once here, Cagle takes over. Izaya’s entrance is given an epic image. Napolitano’s lettering sells the scene as even greater than expected. This leads to a stoic reaction of Izaya striking one of his attackers. The powerful blow starts up a series of conflicts. The two page splash of Orion’s fight gives a solid break from the war on New Genesis. It is fleeting as attention goes back to Izaya.
The potential fatal blow is diverted in a strong half page image. Readers watch as the noble sacrifice proves to be a much needed wake-up call. It leads Izaya’s path back to Earth. Judging by who shows up the last page, the full image tips off there may not be a warm welcome. Great work as always.
OVERALL GRADE: 9.2
A simple question spawns a tragic loss for New Genesis. Ram V. puts deeper elements into the wartime battle with the writing. MacLean’s throwback pages add more momentum for Cagle and companies present day images. With all signs leading to Earth, the New Gods shouldn’t expect a warm welcome anytime soon.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on The New Gods #5. Thanks for reading!