Written by: Ram V
Art by: Evan Cagle, Bernard Chang
Colors by: Francesco Segala
Letters by: Tom Napolitano
Cover art by: Nimit Malavia
Cover price: $3.99
Release date: March 19, 2025
The New Gods #4, by DC Comics on 3/19/25, brings war to New Genesis when Karak the Scavenger's forces invade. Meanwhile, Scott and Barda save an important child from capture.
Is The New Gods #4 Good?
Recap
When we last left the DC gods of old in The New Gods #3, we learned a piece of consciousness called Paeter came to Earth long ago. Paeter lived among the evolving humans in peace for eons, but Paeter eventually became bored with existence and decided to give death a try. Fearing the humans couldn't fend for themselves after Paeter's departure, Paeter created an adaptable weapon in the form of a child. The child slept for thousands of years more, only to awaken when great darkness threatened the Earth. That child is the one Scott Free now seeks.
Plot Synopsis
In The New Gods #4, we begin with a brief prologue showing Highfather and Himon coordinating the formation of New Genesis and the gigantic mother box at the heart of the city. In the present, New Genesis endures a mass invasion from Karak The Scavenger's army, who intends to wipe out anyone who would presume to be called a god. Highfather relies on Shadowfall, the mystical archer, to hold the line, but Karak's numbers are too great. Before New Genesis falls, Highfather decides to armor up.
On Earth, Barda and Scott intercept the mercenaries chasing the boy and his adoptive parents. When Barda deals with the mercenaries, Scott introduces himself to the boy to let him know he's here to help. Suddenly, Orion arrives to follow Highfather's orders and kill the boy because 7 days in the 4th World is much shorter than 7 days on Earth.
First Impressions
On the whole, The New Gods #4 is the most cohesive and straightforward issue in Ram V's latest take on DC's highbrow mythology. It isn't a great story, but at least it's easier to read and enjoy.
How’s the Art?
Evan Cagle and Bernard Chang's art is an absolute highlight of this issue. When Karak's forces invade New Genesis, you get epic scenes of battle on a planetary scale. The costume designs look amazing, and the action is riveting.
What’s great about The New Gods #4?
Cohesion and clarity are paramount in a story spanning galaxies and eons. In Ram V's latest entry in the series, the narrative is clear and directed, the fate of New Genesis rests on a grand conflict, and the smaller scene on Earth keeps readers on their toes when Orion's pledge turns out different than anyone expected.
What’s not great about The New Gods #4?
Highbrow mythology and spectacular art can't cover for the fact that after four issues Ram V is still missing the basic foundations of a story. For example...
What is Karak's motivation in attacking Apokalips and New Genesis? For their hubris? Because he's offended their inhabitants call themselves gods? Because he wants to be the only god? If so, why?
Why did Highfather order Orion to kill the child above and beyond a response to some vague prophecy about a catastrophe? If the child was that dangerous, wouldn't it make more sense for Highfather to bring the child to New Genesis as a ward under his control and guidance?
If Highfather is callous enough to order the murder of a child, why should readers care about what happens to New Genesis? What are the consequences if Karak succeeds? What are the stakes of the story as a whole?
In effect, Ram V has yet to set up clear motivations and stakes to give the readers a reason to care about the story. If readers don't have a reason to care, they won't keep reading.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Final Thoughts
The New Gods #4 is the clearest and most cohesive issue in the series when Karak the Scavenger invades New Genesis. Ram V and the art team deliver riveting scenes of planet-wide battles, and the forward movement of the story is taking shape. That said, Ram V's rich meanderings are no substitute for basic storytelling elements missing from the story, such as motivations and stakes.
6.3/10
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