Ram V’s The New Gods series has been a fascinating journey, taking Jack Kirby’s grand cosmic characters and giving them a fresh, profound new spin. Issue #7 is a genuinely moving turning point in this series. After the devastating destruction of New Genesis in the previous issue, the New Gods are forced to flee to Earth. But they don’t arrive as powerful, conquering gods but as displaced beings seeking safety and a new home.
This issue goes beyond typical superhero stories. It’s a deeply emotional and incredibly relevant exploration of what it means to lose everything, to search for who you are, and to grapple with the human experience, even when you’re a god. It grounds these cosmic figures in struggles that feel very real and relatable.
The New Gods #7 is a powerful mirror to humanitarian crises in our world today. The New Genesians, now refugees, face off against the D.E.O., a bureaucratic system that seems more concerned with rules and paperwork than with helping those in desperate need. This instantly brings to mind the real struggles of people fleeing war or other terrible situations, trying to find refuge. Ram V expertly weaves these timely themes into the narrative, making you think about how society reacts to those seeking acceptance versus those it rejects.
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Ram V shows us the New Gods not as untouchable beings, but as hurting survivors. A significant part of the issue delves into their grief, especially Orion’s heartbreaking mourning for Lightray. This portrayal of grief is woven seamlessly into the story, showing Orion’s complete breakdown in a truly vivid and raw way; you can really feel his pain. These gods are forced to grieve, adapt to a new world, and try to find dignity in a place that neither understands nor respects them.
The involvement of the Justice League makes this the most superhero feeling issue yet, but it’s superheroism with a twist. Here, heroism isn’t just about having immense power; it’s about knowing what’s right and having the courage to act on it. John Stewart emerges as a standout character, rising above even Superman with his simple yet powerful declaration: “Refugees are welcome.” His actions, like building a shelter, emphasize the importance of empathy and truly moral leadership from the League.
Ram V excels at taking these massive cosmic stories and connecting them to human family dynamics. This issue really highlights the importance of family, with Orion, Barda, and Mr. Miracle working together to help their people. Themes of responsibility and humility are also explored through Kamal, a New God born on Earth, whose apology carries deep meaning for Orion.
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Evan Cagle’s artwork is truly impressive, offering a unique visual style that blends grand, sweeping, almost stained-glass-like visuals with a gritty, urban realism. His distinctive approach is a breath of fresh air, perfectly capturing the immense scale and grandeur of the New Gods while providing incredible detail in the smaller set pieces. Francesco Segala’s coloring complements Cagle’s art beautifully, creating interesting contrasts, especially against the often dark backgrounds.
The New Gods #7 is a testament to Ram V’s exceptional writing, perfectly balancing cosmic wonder with deeply human stories. Its bold themes, rich emotional depth, and quiet power truly resonate. The incredible teamwork between Cagle’s art and Segala’s colors creates a stunning and impactful experience. By reimagining the New Gods as refugees, Ram V transforms a classic saga into a modern allegory about displacement and compassion. This issue is a masterclass in recontextualizing Kirby’s iconic characters, presenting them as vulnerable survivors, and redefining their mythos while championing empathy and moral choices.
‘The New Gods’ #7 Ram V Grounds Cosmic Gods in Human Struggle
The New Gods #7 is a testament to Ram V’s exceptional writing, perfectly balancing cosmic wonder with deeply human stories. Its bold themes, rich emotional depth, and quiet power truly resonate. The incredible teamwork between Cagle’s art and Segala’s colors creates a stunning and impactful experience. This issue is a masterclass in recontextualizing Kirby’s iconic characters, presenting them as vulnerable survivors, and redefining their mythos while championing empathy and moral choices.
