The New Gods #1

by Ram V

The New Gods #1

Illustrated by: Jorge Fornés, Evan Cagle

Written by: Ram V.

Cover art by: Nimit Malavia

Release date: December 18th, 2024

DC Comics

*Spoilers..

An old god has died, and the reverberations of his passing are felt across the universe, setting forth the soldiers of an intergalactic army and awakening the latent powers of a mysterious child on Earth. But this has all been foreseen — prophesized by the Source and fed as enigmatic images to its agent, Metron. Now, as Metron brings word of this cosmos-shattering prediction to the residents of New Genesis and Apokolips, both worlds are thrown into chaos and conflict. On Earth, Scott Free and Barda find themselves unaware of this incoming chaos while consumed with their most daunting task yet: parenthood. Ram V and Evan Cagle bring the Fourth World to a whole new generation in this epic of cosmic proportions. An old god has died… the New Gods are born!

If you’re a fan of Jack Kirby’s New Gods, then the first issue of The New Gods by Ram V and illustrated by Jorge Fornés is something you don’t want to miss. Released on December 18th, this series captures everything that made the original stories so legendary while pushing it forward into a modern era with fresh ideas and a cosmic scope that feels as massive as the gods themselves.

The issue kicks off with the death of an old god, an event that sends ripples throughout the universe. A prophecy unfolds, relayed to Metron by the Source, leading to chaos on both New Genesis and Apokolips. On Earth, Scott Free and Barda are dealing with a much more personal conflict — parenthood. It’s a well-executed juxtaposition that grounds the story while still allowing the high-stakes cosmic drama to unfold around it.

One of the things that really struck me about this issue was how well Ram V. captures the essence of the characters. Every member of the New Gods is perfectly portrayed, their personalities and motives coming through clearly. Lightray’s optimism shines brightly, while Orion’s duty-driven rage is palpable. Scott Free’s compassion and Highfather’s unshakable wisdom both stand out as central themes, along with Metron’s curiosity, manipulation, and thirst for knowledge. It’s clear that V knows these characters inside and out, and it shows in how they interact with each other and their world.

The art, too, is absolutely stunning. Fornés brings the cosmic scale to life with vivid, expansive panels that feel as larger-than-life as the gods themselves. The opening sequence is a visual spectacle, full of energy and detail. There’s a particular page featuring Metron that stands out as one of the most striking pieces in the issue, thanks to Evan Cagle’s contributions. The artwork as a whole is breathtaking, with each page contributing to the overwhelming sense of scope and wonder that these stories are known for.

But perhaps the most exciting thing about this issue is that it feels like The New Gods have truly returned to their mythic roots. This isn’t just a comic about gods with superpowers — this is a tale of gods with complex personalities, motivations, and relationships. It’s a story about cosmic conflict, but also about what it means to be human — or, in the case of Scott and Barda, what it means to care for something beyond yourself. It feels like a worthy follow-up to the legendary work Jack Kirby started.

When I think back to the last time I really enjoyed a New Gods story, I’m reminded of 2007’s Death of the New Gods by Jim Starlin. While that series had its own impact, this latest iteration feels more aligned with the spirit of Kirby’s vision. There’s a sense that these characters and their world are being treated with the respect and grandeur they deserve. The fact that Ram V. and Fornés have managed to capture that feeling so effectively is nothing short of impressive.

I can only hope this series runs long enough for this creative team to deliver a full epic. The groundwork laid in The New Gods #1 is incredibly strong, and with artists like Fornés and Cagle on board, there’s no telling how high this story could fly. This is the kind of comic that could live up to the original stories and maybe even stand alongside them as an iconic chapter in the saga of the New Gods.

The New Gods #1 is available on our new comic book wall and can be placed on your pull list.