4 days ago
Review – The New Gods #8: The Gathering
The New Gods #8 cover, via DC Comics.
Ray: The first arc of this series was a no-holds-barred cosmic war, showing the New Gods in a battle for survival on both New Genesis and Apokalips like we rarely do. After Lightray fell i combat, the fallout forced both factions to decamp to a safe zone – Earth. There, they found refuge – the New Genesis refugees with the Justice League, and the Apokalips survivors with an opportunistic Maxwell Lord. It's clear that all the residents of New Genesis are grieving – but none more than Highfather, who viewed Lightray like a son. A flashback shows this isn't the only loss he's grieving, and that leads him to make a dramatic decision – he's stepping down as Highfather, and allowing someone else to lead New Genesis into its new era. Now named Izaya once again, he seeks quiet contemplation rather than leadership – and the most peaceful planet in the galaxy is suddenly thrown into flux. Love lost. Via DC Comics.
To calm nerves, Mister Miracle proposes a ceremonial feast traditional on New Genesis, and that gives us the opportunity to see these alien heroes in a very unusual setting – at peace, as well as bringing in some lesser-used Kirby creations. There are a lot of great character bits along the way, especially for Big Barda. But at the same time, the Justice League's representatives are investigating the other arrivals that have gone to ground – and Max Lord is becoming involved with them in a way I didn't expect. He's always the type to make deals with devils – but if the last panel of this segment is what it looks like, this may be a new low for him. This issue has plenty of suspense, but it definitely is the lowest-key issue of the run so far. I think that's something that works very well, as after the chaos of this first arc, pulling back on the impact of the war was essential. I think this run is going to become essential read for fans of the Fourth World.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
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