The continued emphasis on ensemble casts, specifically with characters I have little to no history with, is still hampering my general investment in this odyssey. But I also think that’s what makes it feel so fresh and exciting. It’s not often I find myself waist-deep in a series where it genuinely feels like anything can happen, and the density of the worldbuilding only reinforces how epic the scope of the whole thing is. I might not be resonating with the character-to-character dynamics the way I’d usually look for, but I am resonating with the grandiosity at play. Duggan takes the reins from Hickman without missing a beat, either. This “main” series gets off to a great start, keeps things exciting, establishes the status quo for this new team of heroes, and starts planting the seeds for what I assume will be the narrative undercurrent moving forward. It’s good stuff, and I’m eager to keep going, maybe more so than I was with Hickman’s stuff, which, as excellent as it is, could be difficult to parse through at times. 

Larraz’s artwork is perfect for the book, as well, capturing all the iconography and striking gravitas I want from my larger-than-life heroes. The stupendous coloring and inks elevate it further and give the pages a heft and vibrancy I’m very much vibing with.