After the reveal of the Destiny Man’s relationship with Daniel and Charlotte, Undiscovered Country: Destiny Man Special dives deep into the villain’s past and why his ultimate destiny is to rule New America. Snyder and Soule open with Daniel and the Destiny Man in a tense exchange, as Daniel learns the truth about his long-lost brother, Alex. And more importantly, how Alex’s role for New America was designed since his birth.
Undiscovered Country: Destiny Man Special quickly reveals that Alex’s entry into the world was a fallback plan. A plan that his parents, David and Elena, were willing to follow if it meant protecting their other two children. Over the next few pages, it’s clear that the Destiny Man’s childhood was one filled with preparation; access to the greatest minds in American science and resources beyond imagination.
Along with his upbringing, Aurora played an influence over Alex. An influence that puts emphasis on the necessity of rules, and what happens to those who disobey said rules. Snyder and Soule make the connection clear, showing Alex as a pawn for Aurora, willing to potentially put the lives of his parents in danger.
Undiscovered Country: Destiny Man Special also spends time revealing the shaping of the Destiny Man’s power, his passion to rule the zone Destiny, and all the rest of America. Multiple panels show a young Alex surviving in the harsh landscape, forced to learn the ins and outs of the dangerous world around him. However, he is quickly shaped as the cruel Destiny Man we know in the Undiscovered Country series, dominating all creatures and creating his society of followers.
The contextual information behind the Destiny Man’s origins is appreciated here, as Snyder and Soule present the harsh realities of a New America. Camuncoli and Grassi’s art continues to complement the brutal landscape with vivid expressions and gruesome exchanges. Wilson’s colors also continue to capture the bright fauna and flora, particularly of the Destiny zone, but also the warm pinks, oranges and yellows that represent the peak of the Destiny Man’s rule. And the lettering from Crank! also captures the duality of Alex’s personality, a harsh recount of his past contrasted against the desperate rule of the Destiny Man.
The Destiny Man: Special presents an origin story that gives more personality to the mysterious villain. Although it doesn’t move the plot forward in big leaps, it’s a welcoming break in the series, taking time to build on the character of the Destiny Man — a character that’s sure to play another pivotal role in the series once it resumes in July 2022 with a new story arc. Fans who continue to follow the series will appreciate its character development, while those who have yet to experience the series may find a compelling reason to follow the journey of the dark god of the plains.
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