The idea of gods living among us isn’t a new concept but it seems like one that has found a new wave of popularity. New comics, books, and television shows seem to have multiplied in recent years and each takes on the concept in its own unique way. Ordinary Gods #1 kicks off the latest example of that delivering two worlds that feel like they’re on a crash course.

Kyle Higgins delivers an opening chapter with Ordinary Gods #1 that packs in a lot. Not only do we get the “here and now” but also the background of the story and characters. Some of the progression of each is a little odd but on the whole by the end of the first issue everything is clear and the story has been set.

Higgins allows us to get to know some of the characters a bit, mainly focusing on the center of it all. That results in a slight disconnect and almost Terminator “come with me if you want to live” aspect to the debut. Mix that with a fairytale recounting of an uprising and banishing and Ordinary Gods #1 feels like an interesting blend of genres.

As I said, it’s not all smooth. The issues jumps back and forth between the setup and the now. It makes for some awkward transitions and it might have been better to focus on the setup and then transition into the present like an almost dream. It’s not bad but makes for a slightly choppy reading at times.

Felipe Watanabe‘s art is fantastic. Along with Frank William on color and lettering by Clayton Cowles, Ordinary Gods #1 has the difficult task of taking three settings and making them all work together. There’s the fantasy setting of the gods with each region having its own distinct personality that still needs to feel like the same world. Then there’s some action elements that feel right out of John Wick. Finally, there’s the focus of a young boy and his family in suburbia. And, impressively, it all works together for a look that feels like one world.

Ordinary Gods #1 is a solid debut that has a bit of a Terminator quality about it. A mystery person shows up to protect an individual who’s needed to lead the rebellion. It’s a concept we’ve seen many times before but the settings and characters make it all feel new and unique. It’s a solid start for a potentially very intriguing series.

Story: Kyle Higgins Art: Felipe Watanabe
Color: Frank William Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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