The New Gods Captures One of the Superman Movie’s Most Important Themes

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As a passionate movie buff, I adore James Gunn’s take on Superman because it’s more than just an entertaining film – it’s a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of a classic Superman tale. It brilliantly portrays Superman as a shining beacon of hope and kindness amidst a world shrouded in cynicism and mired in complex turmoil. If you’re yearning for another story that poignantly illustrates the triumph of light over darkness, I wholeheartedly recommend Ram V. and Evan Cagle’s New Gods. These characters are refugees from their decimated homeland, and it seems as though doom is inevitable. Yet, amidst the despair, the narrative underscores the transformative power of hope found in those around us – a force that proves to be incredibly potent indeed.

The Reckoning of All Has Come

The equilibrium between light and darkness has been disrupted significantly, tilting towards a growing darkness. It was believed that Darkseid, personification of evil and an eternal adversary to hope, had perished, but instead he transcended into one with the Infinite Universe. Now, he is amassing his forces for a decisive attack against all things virtuous, aiming to eradicate everything simultaneously. The true intentions of Darkseid remain unknown, as many assume he truly died after joining with The Spectre, leaving behind a void in cosmic functions. A new menace named Karok Ator has surfaced from the expanding darkness, his objective being the annihilation of the New Gods. He destroyed Apokalips and then targeted New Genesis, proving to be indomitable as he breached their defenses effortlessly, even overcoming Highfather’s power to manipulate reality. He orchestrated the execution of Lightray, the New God of Light and Hope, forcing the deities to abandon their realm.

Simultaneously, a young boy on Earth, unknowingly the final New God, has been adopted by an ordinary human family, drawing attention from many. Metron persuaded Maxwell Lord to embrace Darkseid’s Omega ideology and collaborated with survivors of Apokalips in their pursuit of the child, while Orion was ordered by Highfather to eliminate him cruelly. Metron appears to be neutral, harboring a secret agenda beyond everyone’s comprehension. However, the New Gods find themselves in dire straits. Worn down, injured, and grieving their losses, they fled to Earth seeking refuge. The governments of Earth were resistant and even hostile towards accommodating the New Gods, and Highfather himself has lost his belief. He relinquished his title, reverting to simply Izaya, and submitted to introspection, but not all hope is extinguished yet. The flicker of optimism remains.

The Deeper the Darkness, the Brighter the Hope

Orion, loyal to his father’s wishes, found himself in a situation where he didn’t want to harm a child. So, he appealed to Mister Miracle for assistance instead. It’s worth noting that Mister Miracle, who has lived longer on Earth than any other New God, considers it his home, shared with his wife Big Barda and their daughter Olivia.

As events took a turn for the worse, thanks to Metron’s efforts, he observed that amidst all this darkness, miracles could emerge. Despite the risks, Mister Miracle and Big Barda bravely decided to save the child, whom they named Kamal. They were resolute in their determination not to give up.

The arrival of other New Gods on Earth was met with assistance from the Justice League at every turn. Green Lantern John Stewart utilized his ring to construct a dwelling for them and even their ship. The League stood firm against the governments, acknowledging that while they were uncertain about the New Gods staying permanently, they couldn’t ignore those in need of help.

As a movie-goer, I found myself drawn into an extraordinary gathering hosted by The New Gods, celebrating their new abode while also honoring their fallen comrades. Invited was the Justice League, and amidst their conversations and shared camaraderie, the weight of grief seemed to ease slightly for everyone present. However, my own melancholy thoughts consumed me, questioning if there was any reason left to persevere. That is until Mister Miracle and Big Barda escorted a radiant figure – Olivia – to meet her grandfather for the first time. In a heartwarming scene devoid of dialogue, I held my granddaughter, and the world around us transformed from somber blues into vibrant pinks, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow.

The New Deities find themselves in a challenging predicament, with circumstances appearing to worsen due to adversaries working against them. Yet, they are not beyond redemption. Despite the loss and devastation they’ve endured, there remains reason for optimism. Earth’s champions stand united with them, sharing their burdens, and even a child’s gentle smile hints at an infinite sea of fresh, wondrous opportunities. It’s simple to succumb to despair, but this book serves as a reminder that no matter how grim the situation, there are motives to carry on, and treasures worth cherishing. Hope never dies, and this comic brilliantly demonstrates its strength. I wholeheartedly recommend it for those yearning to witness hope’s majesty in its purest form.

New Gods #8 is on sale now!

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2025-07-23 06:40