The world has gone red, and now the epic final confrontation begins as Divinity, Ninjak, Shadowman, Komandar Bloodshot, X-O Manowar, and the Red Brigade all choose their side on the lines of the coming battle… Wait, you think we’ll tell you how this one ends? Nyet, comrade! The universe as we know it hinges on this, so make sure you read this one first, Valianteers!

If you’re reading this review to decide whether it’s worth picking this story up in trade when it’s released, but haven’t yet read any of the three previous issues, then your answer is yes. Yes, this is absolutely worth picking up in trade, because Divinity III: Stalinverse  #4 is an incredibly strong conclusion to an already fantastic story.

Skip down to the ratings if you want to, because there will be minor spoilers for the story from here on out.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects to Abram Adams, the original Divinity, is that he’s more interested in solving problems without using his godlike powers – although that preference did result in him losing his head last issue – which gives Divinity  a recurring thread that’s quite unlike many other publisher’s major crossover stories of late; that sometimes violence doesn’t solve everything.

That’s not to say that there isn’t a climactic battle this issue, but rather that’s not where the comic’s focus is – this is a story about Divinity, and not just another typical superhero fighting miniseries. There’s a spectacular sequence where two characters are having a verbal meeting of the minds, a meeting that’s a fantastic read, but it’s the mind bendingly beautiful artwork of Trevor Hairsine and the rest of the artistic team that elevate the sequence to the next level. If you want an example to show to your friends of a story that exemplifies, and indeed transcends, the comic book medium, then look no further than Valiant‘s Divinity.

The overarching Divinity story is the rare story that explores the nature of power and responsibility on a grand scale, while bringing the internal conflict of the three godlike cosmonauts down to a very human level in such a way that enables you to actually empathize with gods.

Divinity III: Stalinverse #4 is so much better than I expected it to be – rarely have I read a story that concludes as strongly as this did.

Story: Matt Kindt Art: Trevor Hairsine
Inkers: Ryan Winn with Alisson Rodrigues
Colourists: David Baron with Allen Passalaqua
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.75 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review, but as with previous issues, I’ll be buying this myself.