Tom Judge knows the world around him is not the world that should exist. He also knows that Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado is responsible for perverting the universe. Tom is determined to confront Jackie to set things right, but first he will need the Angelus to back him up.

While other’s shook up their universes and decided to jettison what’s come before, writer Ron Marz has figured out a way to do that and not piss on what’s come before. Through his post event storytelling in Artifacts, Marz has shown us this new world through the eyes on Tom Judge.

What’s great is that the fact that there was this world before is a key point to the series, it doesn’t make us waste the time we’ve spent investing in these chracters over the years. It’s a way for us to learn about the differences about what’s come before and what’s now the status quo.

This issue continues the tale of the new Angelus. Someone’s gunning for it, and it’s pretty clear this issue sets up the difference before and now. The Angelus isn’t quite as powerful as before and clearly not as organized and no where near the match of the Darkness. It looks like we know who is behind the attack, but maybe not.

Unlike a certain publisher Marz hasn’t decided to break up the great relationship that is Finch and Dani. We still get to cheer for this great couple.

Add in the amazing art from Stjepan Sejic. The art is fantastic, Sejic’s always is. If you want to see how to shake up a universe and not piss on your fans, Top Cow has pulled it off. Publishers should take note when considering doing the same. Hopefully they can luck out and get a masterful writer like Ron Marz.

Story: Ron Marz Art: Stjepan Sejic

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review