Review by Michael Smith

Writer: Glen Brunswick

Artist: Dan McDaid

Colourist Rachelle Rosenberg

Cover: Erik Larsen (Varient by Dan McDaid)

Published by Image Comics

This issue brings us to the close of the first story arc for Jersey Gods. I personally have been overwhelmed by the quality that this book has delivered month-in and month-out as we have come to this point in the story. I was excited before the book was first released but it honestly has exceeded my expectations by a mile.

The issue opens with the god world of Neboron facing certain doom with an asteroid closing in to wipe out the entire planet. The only thing standing between the asteroid and the planet are Fusion and Union. These two beings are ancient beings that we made of the collective populations of Walker City (the good gods) and Cumulus City (the bad guys). I found this to be an interesting dynamic of the interaction between the two beings that appear to have been around since the start of time. Things look bleak as the two opposing sides try to do what they can to save the planet. While their actions might be helpful in the short run, not everyone made it out safely and lives were lost.

Meanwhile, back on planet Earth, Zoe is still be held captive at the hands of Chairman Mao and his criminal mob that is responsible for selling illegal designer jeans. As things start to take a turn for the worse it looks like Chairman Mao has no choice but to kill superstar fashion designer Delia. In a last ditch effort we get to see the type of spirit and spunk that make up Zoe’s personality as she is not going to go down without a fight.

As the issue comes to a close we learn that Barock is no Superman, Zoe has great taste in movies, Barock likes to wear his gloves, Zoe needs to get her apartment painted, Rushmore is concerned with exercise and a good diet, and that Helius is in need of a full back-up story that just follows him around at the nightclub watching him in action.

I have to applaud Glen Brunswick and Dan McDaid for launching a new book the right way. The first five issues were all released on time and kept the momentum going strong. The writing held steadfast throughout and the art seemed to get better with each issue, if that is even possible. I sincerely believe that Image Comics has a legit epic title in the making with Jersey Gods. For those that might have missed it the first time around or were not sure they wanted to take a chance, the first trade is scheduled to release in July and I would implore everyone to run out and pick it up.

Rating: 8 out of 10 (On its way to Greatness)