IDW Publishing 2017
Written by Ron Marz
Illustrated by Tom Raney
Coloured by Nanjan Jamberi
Lettered by A Larger World Studios’ Troy Peteri
In a post-apocalyptic landscape, the population plugs into a daily entertainment by the Prometheus conglomerate, featuring god-like heroes led by Zeus and Hera. In the bucolic world of the gods, Zeus is troubled by the strange dreams of drowning. The gods battle and slay a hydra sent by Hades, whose long-simmering feud with Zeus is about to boil over. Back in the wasteland, a wheel-chair-bound man named Carver comes to believe the gods are in danger and need help.
Well first off I like the fact that this seems to get more interesting, gel a little more (story wise) than the rather interesting and eye catching first issue. Considering what i’m used to from Ron that’s pretty freakin amazing. I mean I was captivated with the sheer idea being presented to us in the first issue and then to expand that with this one well it’s why he’s one of those writers who are more underrated than he should be. His ability to structure a story, create an ebb & flow between intrigue and action really is something special.
This issue the boys bring us the revelation behind these so called gods. It’s something that needed addressing after their introduction though to be perfectly honest I hadn’t expected it to be so soon. The fact that the pacing here seems to be awfully fast is not a detractor but instead its a great bonus. The feeling that the pacing here gives us is one that really is exciting and fresh look at how to tell a story. I mean it too because this flow of information is incredibly good and solid.
Tom works well with Ron and he too is a totally underrated artist. That he is able to bring this vision to life so well is why his storytelling ability, see eye, is one that should be sought after. The way pages are laid out through their angles and perspective are extremely nice to see. The use of backgrounds here that I find so important to the storytelling bring a depth and mystery to where we see them. The attention to detail throughout is fantastic! Also there’s a difference in how we see the Prometheus employees versus the Gods and it’s kind of subtle but it’s there in feeling so you kind of “get” what is happening where. You have to admire the creativity and imagination on display here.
The introduction of Prometheus himself was something of a shocker. While there’s more here than meets the eye regarding him and his intentions we do get a kind of sneak peek at it and it leaves us wondering even more what the heck is really going on. Well that and how on Earth is what he’s doing managing to prolong/extend his existence while whatever that thing is which infects him. I have to admit to being more than mildly intrigued by this turn of events and does indeed make me want to read more.
The mix of futuristic world, technology and devastation blended with hope and the desire to be more than one is is represented so nicely here. Yes while the world is a mess and the people hook themselves up to these machines to interact with the Gods there is still hope among these less fortunate souls. Of which Carver, the young invalid in the homemade rad wheelchair is the one whose spotlight here is why he’s among the main cast of characters. I love that he’s an enigma among people who live in this world and that he’s friendly, capable and smart, not to mention freaky good with electronics and mechanics. This allows him to pretty much befriend anyone he wishes to.
There’s an incredibly strong story being told here. While it feels like it’s still in the setup stage there’s so much here to try and grasp in your mind. The ideas that are being presented to us range from aww moments to seriously how the hell is that possible mixed with oh my lurrrd moments just for good measure. While there may not be a love story per se at least right now it pretty much has elements of everything else and Ron is a master storyteller and is able to weave them throughout giving each it’s moment to shine and take over the book.
So did God make man or did man make the Gods? Its an age old question really and then of course you think were the Gods just people who were able to do feats that normal people couldn’t hence elevating them to God status? Well that kind of philosophy isn’t going to be answered here but some surprising variation on that might just be. I love being entertained and made to think at the same time. So kudos to the guys for this one!