Darkseid no longer presides over Apokolips. In his void comes a hostile takeover. New Genesis is dealing with its own crisis as well. Highfather has given a direct order to Orion. It is one that weighs heavy on the soul.
The burden requires assistance to lift. Mr. Miracle and Big Barda now are thrown into the mix with one goal. They need to protect a child who’s powers mean a New God has been unleashed onto the universe!
The New Gods #3 by Ram V., Evan Cagle, Riccardo Federici, Francesco Segala & Tom Napolitano takes a trip through the cosmos past to find its’ future.
Let’s take a closer look at how this chapter plays out.
The New Gods #3 by Ram V., Evan Cagle, Riccardo Federici, Francesco Segala & Tom Napolitano (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
In dealing with the New Gods, readers know there are many layers to sift through. Ram V detours from the overall plot to showcase a bit of history. The saga of Arbor Struta, Parzurem and Nyctar gives some insight onto recent events. Readers watch as their saga plays out tragically until it switches directions. The result ties into the recent era and the trouble it brings.
Once back in the present, Ram V takes readers into a more light-hearted area. The dynamic between Oberon and the Frees provides great one-liners. This balances out the drama of the child. It also gives a detour to Karok Ator. That portion teases more than anything. Once in the final moments, the Gods depart in a surprising note. It makes its mark but leaves the audience wanting more of what’s to come.
Art duties are spilt between Cagle (Present time) and Federici (Chronicler past). Cagle hits readers with an intense two page splash of Ator’s takeover. Pacing slows down from this open to focus on Metron and Chronicler. Their journey into the past floods panels with gorgeous visuals. It carries a unique sense to them. Readers get lost in the eternal plot before being thrusted into the present.
Cagle constructs a very grounded approach to the Free’s plans. Oberon and Barta’s mannerisms jump off panels. It is a welcomed detour from all the chaos playing out. that is saved for Apokolips. Ator’s time is sparce in this chapter. The art makes the most of those portions. It does get overshadowed by the Free’s actions. The closing page leaves readers with a loud statement of what’s to come. Cagle leaves no doubt it will be a long wait until next issue.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.6
The latest installment of Fourth World drama steers into the past for its drive. Ram V directs traffic into a multi-stationed tale. The art team brings high skill to this area while grounding events back in the present. With many moving parts, delaying to jump on board is simply not an option.
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