The fourth installment of Secret Wars core story begins with a narrative by Sheriff Strange, informing the reader as well as the salvaged heroes and villains about the metaphysical nature of Battleworld. Sheriff Strange hints that Battleworld’s existence was born from uncertainty and as such it is a place of challenge and constant contest as “survival is its first and highest purpose” This identification of Battleworld had me wondering if the reality could have taken on other metaphysical properties if someone else had taken the power that Doom has usurped.  Doom has always taken measure of himself by challenging insurmountable odds, as well as cosmic magnitudes of power.  It is definitely telling that Battleworld appears to operate under that same ethos as well.

Upon further reflection, Battleworld follows in a long line of idyllic artificial realities/constructs gone awry. While reading issue four I couldn’t help but be reminded of 2005’s House of M, 2011’s Age of X, and in a sense Scott Summer’s Utopia. All established to solve some pressing conflict/circumstance.  All of these temporary solutions were fragile and suffered an early demise.  What Battleworld shares intimately with Age of X is that both of these realities reflect or project the inherent flaws of their respective creators. (David Haller aka Legion in the latter case) Perhaps this will be the key to Doom’s defeat.

In a previous review I pondered at the upper limits of Doom’s newfound Godhood. His apparent boredom and hesitation continues in this issue until he witnesses the arrival of his long-time nemesis Reed Richards. Doom’s disinterest melts away at this point and he joins the fray with a very spectacular entrance. Questions regarding Doom’s abilities are answered as he takes on a phoenix imbued Scott Summers and seemingly kills him. (but as we know with a Phoenix this is usually a Sisyphean task)  At this critical juncture Sheriff Strange makes a decisive play that answers any questions regarding his allegiance, but this has a fatal consequence for him.

I really loved this issue, call it morbid fascination, but for some reason I really enjoy watching yet another idyllic construct unravel, and I just find the inner psychology of Doom so fascinating. With each progressive issue he comes off as more rattled and insecure. We do not see him this way often. With the literal weight of the world on his shoulders and for all his power it is so interesting that one mortal (Reed Richards) can worry him so greatly. At this point I am not so burdened by the impending cosmic reset. When you think about it, paradigmatic shifts in the landscape are a staple Marvel’s event cycle as each event is bookended by them. What’s laudable about Secret Wars and Battleworld is that these changes are more ambitious affecting an entire universe rather than a political status quo, or a specific population. In this sense the arrival of Battleworld and the coming universe in its aftermath are a mix of traditional and uncharted territory, I can respect that.

Esad Ribic‘s art continues to dazzle me.  The panel where Doom goes to his watch room to observe the battle of our interloping heroes/villains were just breathtaking. I have been a critic of Ribic’s art in the past but this issue made me feel as though I am seeing his art in its full splendour for the first time. I wish he always drew this way.  After a cautious and curious exploration of this event, I can say I am really hooked….impatiently awaiting the next issue.

Story: Jonathan Hickman Art: Esad Ribic
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy!