Ram V, Evan Cagle and Riccardo Fedirici develop some much-needed backstory in New Gods #3, which lays the groundwork for so much of what’s seemingly to come. Furthermore, they continue a project DC Comics has been engaging in recently through Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s work on Action Comics and Green Lantern: War Journal, which is developing the other “worlds” which predated the Fourth World. This issue solidifies the expansiveness of this project within itself and for the DC Universe as a whole.
In contrast to the series’ first two issues, Fedirici carries the majority of the weight artistically in issue #3. He and V work together on a flashback sequence that dominates the issue and tells the story of the gods of the Second World, Arbor Struta, Parzurem and Nyctar. There’s two elements of this story which make it really successful. First, Fedirici’s art and design effectively sell the otherworldliness and mythic nature of these gods. Second, V’s script makes their legend feel as if it could encompass all of human history, from early human migration, to colonization and industrialization.
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This flashback additionally offers some necessary backstory for Karok Deen and his army, which gives further context for their history and motivations. It also elevates the perceived threat they seem to pose to the New Gods as we learn that they have been around longer than previously suspected.
By the end, V and Fedirici have set the stage for readers’ next interaction with the newest New God, and provided some clues for what their role in this conflict might be. This provides the reason to get hyped about this new character which might previously have been missing from this story.
On the other hand, V and Cagle make small bits of progress in the other main narratives of the series so far, such as Karok Deen’s war on Apokolips and Mister Miracle and Big Barda’s search for the newest New God. Even in these brief bits of narrative the dynamic animation of Cagle’s art really stands out, and one can’t help but appreciate his range. Whether it’s epic war shots or the cartoonish introduction of Oberon, Cagle’s always hitting the exact right note for the exact right moment.
This issue feels to be the point where this book is really emerging as a work of these particular creators. Rather than playing in a sandbox that had been prearranged for them they are radically recreating the world around these characters in a way which is breathtakingly fresh, yet never abrasive. This is a clear next evolution in one of the greatest comic book properties ever created.
With this level of ownership that the creators are establishing comes a palpable feeling that nothing is safe. While these are beloved characters and a beloved world, V appears to have been let loose without guardrails in a way that no creator has been with New Gods since Morrison. This possibility of discovering something new every issue will drive me back to this series over and over again as long as this creative team is on it.
