In the world of comics, some stories transcend time, and The New Gods is one of them. Originally crafted by the legendary Jack Kirby, it’s a cosmic epic of power, family, and existentialism.
Now, with Ram V at the helm (alongside artist Evan Cagle), The New Gods is reimagined, bringing new depth and emotion to the iconic mythos. As a father, a writer, and a storyteller drawn to themes of legacy and humanity, Ram V infuses fresh perspective into this story of gods and mortals. In this exclusive conversation, he opens up about the varied themes driving his vision, from the nuances of fatherhood to the allure of myth and cosmic scale.
Courtesy of DC Comics.
For one, returning to The New Gods is deeply personal for Ram V.
“The story of The New Gods was always about fatherhood and raising the next generation,” he begins, reflecting on the journey of parenting through the lens of Kirby’s characters.
He added, “As a relatively new father myself, it sharpens the focus on my own concerns — how good a father I’ll be, what I’ll pass down, and what kind of world I’m leaving behind.”
These questions, he notes, are embedded in the very DNA of The New Gods, which explores the classic theme of nature versus nurture through characters like Orion and Mister Miracle, both of whom are raised by opposing sides of a cosmic war. Ram V sees this timeless narrative as a mirror for today’s readers, who wrestle with similar questions of identity, purpose, and influence.
Beyond these grand themes of legacy, the team also emphasizes the small, intimate moments across The New Gods.
“Yes, it starts on a cosmic scale — old gods die, new gods are born, and universes hang in the balance,” said Ram V. “But at the heart, it’s about two siblings on a park bench, struggling with what they need to do and who they need to be.”
This moment, he reveals, is central to his approach: the universe may be vast, but readers are pulled in by the real and relatable moments between characters, and the human conflicts at the heart of the cosmic drama.
“When people connect to these stories, they care about those small moments,” he said.“Like getting your brother to take that next step forward.”
Ram V’s storytelling is rich in inspiration, with influences as varied as the genre epics of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones to the supernatural anime Bleach. These stories, he mentioned, “influence the way I think about narrative structure and world-building, where multiple threads weave together into one grand story.”
But Ram’s passion isn’t just about scale; he wants the world of The New Gods to feel as personal as it is vast, where every god’s powers reflect their personality and struggle.
“Kirby’s work was visionary, but I wanted each god to have their own distinct, meaningful abilities,” he explained, hinting that we’ll see the gods’ powers evolve across the series.
Even the design of the world itself requires careful reimagining. Ram V and his artistic partner, Cagle, have taken Kirby’s surreal world and made it their own.
“Kirby’s designs were both awe-inspiring and quirky,” said Ram V. “There’s a spaceship that’s literally a brick in space! I wanted to keep that sense of fun while making it feel contemporary and relatable.”
In addition, Ram V has developed an entire alphabet for The New Gods, lending a deeper mystique to their language.
“The New Gods shouldn’t be speaking English,” he said “Creating their language adds mystery. You only understand a portion of what they’re saying, which makes them feel, well, godlike.”
Writing The New Gods has also given Ram V a chance to explore Metron, a god of mystery and mischief. For Ram, Metron’s omniscient viewpoint mirrors his own experience as a writer, seeing the end from the start and guiding characters toward it.
“In some ways, Metron is a reflection of my own journey, knowing the end before anyone else and figuring out how to get my characters there,” he said. Yet, he as he further noted with a smile, even a god like Metron can be surprised — a delightful reminder that even the cosmic can be unpredictable.
As the series progresses, Ram V hopes readers will feel a deep connection to each character, godly or not.
“I want readers to care for these characters, to feel something real,” he said. “For me, success isn’t about hitting big narrative beats but about telling an honest story.” He also wants the impact of each issue to come naturally, and never forced, allowing readers to discover the emotional power of the story.
To make The New Gods more approachable, Ram V explores the universal nature of gods, drawing from Hindu mythology and stories where gods encounter human problems.
“Mythology always made gods relatable to me,” he said. “In Hindu myths, gods make mistakes, feel regret, and learn just like us. The stakes may be cosmic, but the stories are human.” In Ram’s hands, even the most powerful beings have struggles that feel relatable—the desire to be good, to belong, to leave a legacy worth having.
Ram V’s unique approach to The New Gods invites readers to journey with these characters, not just as larger-than-life gods but as beings navigating choices, relationships, and meaning. For fans awaiting this new vision of The New Gods, Ram V’s work promises an epic that captures the vastness of myth while remaining deeply, unwaveringly human.
The New Gods #1 is due out December 18. (FOC is Monday, November 18.)
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