Rai is smashing headfirst into New Japan with his team of hardened rebels including the Eternal Warrior and a giant X-O Manowar mech-armor that’s been dormant for centuries! But when Father transforms New Japan into an impenetrable space dragon as a defense of last resort, what hopes will the united heroes of 4001 A.D. have of freeing the citizens of New Japan from Father’s brutal reign? Will Rai have to destroy New Japan…to save it?

4001 A.D #2, to quote a famous fictional character, belongs in a museum art gallery. It is an absolutely visual treat with some of the best artwork you’re likely to see in a comic until the next issue.

But as great as this comic looks, I can’t help but feel that not much happened in it other than simply moving the audience from one locale to another. While that probably had to happen to move the story along to it’s conclusion in two issues time, this issue felt much more like a bridge than a solid chapter in the story. It is a bridge that needed to happen, however, and although if the lack of any massive story development may sound like a complaint, it isn’t. 4001 A.D. #2 strikes a balance between having just enough plot to carry the story and art work that you’re going to want to spend some time really taking in – especially the scenes that take place in the atmosphere.

Despite the story taking a second place to the art of Clayton Crain there are still a couple of poignant moments of characters interacting that balance the action scenes nicely.

Matt Kindt is also writing Valiant‘s other four issue mini series currently being published, Divinity II, and because of that I feel compelled to tip my hat to the man who has written two great comics in two weeks; while I personally prefer Divinity II‘s more self contained story, the expansive 4001 A.D. is a fantastic glimpse into the far future of the Valiant Universe.

They’re both great comics, and we’re in for one hell of a summer.

Story: Matt Kindt Artists: Clayton Crain
Story: 8.75 Art: 9.75 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review, but I purchased the print version.