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A review by jayspa65
Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus, Vol. 2 by Mark Evanier, Jack Kirby, Mike Royer, Vin Colletta, Walt Simonson
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This is some of Kirby's finest work. Has anyone created more epic characters than Jack? Nope. It's a great visual feast. The New Gods, The Forever People, and Mister Miracle continue the brisk narrative that characterizes Kirby's work. His artwork continues to be bold and spectacular.
Lightray joins Orion in his struggles against the forces of Apokalips here on earth, Sonny Sumo, possessor of the secrets of anti-life that Darkseid wants so much, joined the Forever People, and an interesting, sensual warrior from Apokalips, Big Barda joins Mister Miracle. These new characters add tension and energy to the story line of New Genesis against Apolkalips. Kirby shows no problem here in handling with adroitness a great number of characters at once. I thought, however, that the five issues of Jimmy Olsen slightly weakened as Kirby had Jimmy Olsen and Superman in one story, while the Newsboy Legion and the Guardian were onto something different. The narrative pace slowed down a little. Kirby also added elements of popular culture, Dracula (Count Dragora) and the Loch Ness Monster, perhaps to give life to a story that seems to be waning down.
Highlights for me include the visionary, hyper-intense 'The Glory Boat', fusing a tale of father/son conflict with Kirby-powered technological transcendence and 'Funky Flashman'which is a must for anyone curious to see Kirby's caustic satirical take on his former collaborator Smilin' Stan Lee. It was fun to read these stories. I highly recommend it to comic book readers or fans of graphic novels.
Lightray joins Orion in his struggles against the forces of Apokalips here on earth, Sonny Sumo, possessor of the secrets of anti-life that Darkseid wants so much, joined the Forever People, and an interesting, sensual warrior from Apokalips, Big Barda joins Mister Miracle. These new characters add tension and energy to the story line of New Genesis against Apolkalips. Kirby shows no problem here in handling with adroitness a great number of characters at once. I thought, however, that the five issues of Jimmy Olsen slightly weakened as Kirby had Jimmy Olsen and Superman in one story, while the Newsboy Legion and the Guardian were onto something different. The narrative pace slowed down a little. Kirby also added elements of popular culture, Dracula (Count Dragora) and the Loch Ness Monster, perhaps to give life to a story that seems to be waning down.
Highlights for me include the visionary, hyper-intense 'The Glory Boat', fusing a tale of father/son conflict with Kirby-powered technological transcendence and 'Funky Flashman'which is a must for anyone curious to see Kirby's caustic satirical take on his former collaborator Smilin' Stan Lee. It was fun to read these stories. I highly recommend it to comic book readers or fans of graphic novels.