4001 A.D. #1
Story By: Matt Kindt
Art By: Clayton Cain & David Mack
Release Date: May 4th
Valiant Entertainment is starting an ambitious crossover title with 4001 A.D. #1. Like the title says it takes place far into the future. New Japan is the only superpower left in the world, in fact New Japan orbits the planet with billions of inhabitants. Rai, the main protagonist of the story is the forsaken son of the Father, an ultra powerful sentient computer demigod, that rules New Japan. Rai’s help, 16-year-old Lula is on the run for introducing a viral-bomb into the Father’s heart.
4001 A.D. #1, is a neon noir fantasy that left me with a lot of questions. These questions are what I wanted though. They fill me with wonder about the world of Rai and New Japan. It had me digging up articles on the internet, trying to scrum up whatever I could learn about the characters and their respective histories. Questions in a story aren’t always a bad thing, as long as they’re not about gaps in the story. Whenever you can drive a family sedan through a plot hole, your story is in trouble. I get it though, some of our biggest characters have been around for almost 80 years. How many times can you tell a story about an established character? I know that every story has been told, that there isn’t anything new under the sun. Don’t think that Rai is some rehash of another character, that’s not my point. What I want to say though, is that Rai feels fresh. This story reminds me of the story of Uranus and Cronus.
Rai is worth reading mostly due to Matt Kindt’s writing. He’s made 4001 A.D. #1 a compelling read. The two main characters, Lula and Rai have struck my curiosity. Lula is your guide throughout New Japan. You see the orbiting megalopolis through her eyes. Kindt gives you a character easy to emphasize with. Rai is the prodigal son, looking to make his way back to his home. Although unlike the prodigal son in the Bible, Rai is looking to protect the country from his father. Rai’s journey is full action. Matt’s pacing in the story keeps your imagination rolling, and keeps your interest going. I like the direction he’s moving the story in. Kindt gives a neatly packed first issue that stands on its own merit; it certainly leaves you eager for more.
The two artist credited, Clayton Crain and David Mack did a superb job. 4001 A.D. #1 has that cyberpunk feel to it, that’s the closest label I could think of. They made the giant floating country feel suffocating. This made the giant labyrinth of steel and circuitry pulse with life. Every panel had a digital paint feel to it. The characters looked great, the show stopper was Rai. Rai looks rad. They made a really cool looking character and put him in a really cool story, I call that a twofer.
All in all we have a great comic book. This is great jumping in point for Valiant Comics. Get in this story while it’s still fresh. Valiant Entertainment has a great roster of writers and artist, see my review of Faith #4. It’s been written a million times on the internet about how Valiant Entertainment are the comeback kids, but it’s true and it’s worth mentioning.
4001 A.D. #1
- Story - 8/108/10
- Art - 8.5/108.5/10
Summary
All in all we have a great comic book. This is great jumping in point for Valiant Comics. Get in this story while it’s still fresh.