The New Gods has been a corner of DC Comics that has always felt impenetrable until now. The New Gods #4 is out this week, continuing to unveil a world in disarray due to Darkseid seemingly dying. In the latest issue, war has come to the doorstep of Highfather and his gods. Mr. Miracle and Big Barda need to protect a god-child on Earth, and new details emerge about how New Genesis and Apokolips fit into things. It’s an action-heavy issue, and I’m here for it.
The New Gods #4 opens “in the beginning” when Highfather was younger and much more hopeful. We see he’s just named New Genesis, and by his side is Himon. Cities are being built, and Himon has uncovered a relic known as a Mother Box. Things are familiar to readers, but there’s just enough new detail to add new context to the origins of this world.
We then smash-cut to New Genesis under siege. Evan Cagle draws a heck of a war scene with tons of detail and lots of chaotic explosions. Shadowfall steals the show, however, with her weapon constructs looking futuristic and cool. She easily rains arrows on the enemy, and the god-like visuals are impressive. However, the number of enemies coming at her is impossibly large, and it’s not looking good for New Genesis.
Highfather is a young buck!
Credit: DC Comics
The B-plot in this issue involves Barda and Mister Miracle taking on some humans with guns. It doesn’t go well for them. The plot thickens when Orion shows up, and once again, Cagle draws him impressively. He’s statuesque and looks like an impossible force. When Barda wacks him, however, he is flung like a ragdoll. The battle that’ll continue in the next issue will be exciting to see.
The 20-page format of comics does make this issue suffer a bit, as all the fighting is cut short. The general message of doom hanging over New Genesis is strong with the issue, but aside from that assertion, this issue is mostly the start of battles rather than battles seen through. Still, it’s nice to get a full action issue since action was lacking in previous issues.
The New Gods #4 does an excellent job of building tension and expanding the mythology with standout visuals and an exciting setup for future battles. However, the short page count holds it back, making the issue feel more like a prelude to action rather than a fully realized conflict.
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