Review – Ordinary Gods #1
Review – Ordinary Gods #1
Written by Kyle Higgins
Art by Felipe Watanabe
Published by Image Comics
Available 23rd June 2021
Synopsis
For fans of THE OLD GUARD and GOD COUNTRY comes the extra-length first issue of a centuries-spanning action epic from writer KYLE HIGGINS (RADIANT BLACK) and artist FELIPE WATANABE (The Flash)!
The Luminary. The Prodigy. The Brute. The Trickster. The Innovator. Five gods from a realm beyond our own, leaders in the “War of Immortals.”
At least, they were—before they were trapped, sent to a planet made into a prison, forced into an endless cycle of human death and reincarnation.
Christopher is 22. He’s got two loving parents and a 12-year-old sister. He works at a paint store. He’s in therapy. He’s one of the Five.
This means, in order to save everyone he cares about, Christopher will have to reconnect with his past lives and do the unthinkable: become a god again.
Written by Kyle Higgins
Higgins introduces to a world of immortal gods who retain their memories every time they reincarnate, linked with a mysterious religion and another world where each kingdom is ruled by one emotion or state. Does it work? Nope.
The book starts in Japan with a battle between the Yakuza and a mysterious assailant, the Yakuza are hiding a boss but he’s killed (as seen above) and the reincarnation flashback of the history of Earth and the Gods that made it is shown. In a land of 13 kingdoms, 13 gods rule over their subjects each using a separate emotion such as savagery or regret. Meanwhile, Christopher is receiving counselling after his sister attacked him and killed their family.
In the past, we find out that after thousands of years of rebellions and wars five gods rebel against the One True King and attempt to create a prison to stop him from regenerating. They are betrayed and trapped by their own prison on a new planet called Earth.
It’s all a bit familiar, with hints of Scientology, Doctor Who, Lord of The Rings, Highlander as well as the atrocious Infinite that was just released starring Mark Wahlberg.
Art by Felipe Watanabe
Watanabe’s artwork is stunning with amazing panels highlighting the action. On page 2 there’s a stunning white panel with all background removed and the focus on the Yakuza shooting through the table. The issue is split between modern America and the other realm which is all myth and magic. The balance is clear and I have a feeling Felipe enjoyed drawing the other realm more than the modern artwork as they are much more intricate and detailed.
Overall Thoughts
Taking Scientology and mixing with Highlander doesn’t work on paper and it doesn’t work in this issue. It’s taking too many genres and trying to squeeze them together. I really like Higgin’s other title Radiant Black but I’m not sure I’ll be back for more from these very Ordinary Gods.
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