4001 A.D. #1 is the start of the crossover event in the Valiant universe pitting its greatest heroes against Father, the AI controlling New Japan. It opens up with Father notifying the public that he’s been infected with a virus by terrorists, and in order to keep vital functions running for New Japan it’s necessary for him to jettison entire sectors. So sectors like Hunting Sector 938 are being jettisoned to Earth below killing thousands of those people living in those areas. Lula is publicly identified by Father for her role in this situation and despite her personal guilt for her actions and not knowing how far Father would go for self-preservation, Father is still doing this against the pleas of the council. So even Lula’s parents are more concerned with her being viewed as a terrorist than they are in suspecting Father’s true actions. Meanwhile, Rai and Gilad can see pieces of New Japan falling off but have no idea what’s going on. Gilad maintains that it’s more important for them to reach this secret weapon that could help them defeat Father before heading back there. But can this weapon truly help them in their fight against Father or will it be too late?

It was good to see Lula’s story move forward the way it did. It wasn’t so much about the moment with her parents being touching as much as it was about them representing the populace at large not knowing the truth of what was going on and the impact of Father’s propaganda. And Lula’s full understanding of her actions made the gravity of the entire situation and Father’s reactions even greater because it was shocking. It gave a moment to pause and think about what Father’s actions created. This was a great touch because it put a face to the cataclysmic event. And Clayton Crain’s artwork was still magnificent, and I don’t want to call scenes of destruction beautiful so I’ll just state that he did a tremendous job in capturing these events.

SUMMARY

4001 A.D. is an exciting start to the series with Father becoming an even more terrifying threat in the face of the opposition. The start of this issue feels like it could be Rai #12 with the fall of New Japan and Lula’s interactions with her parents. It adds a personal touch in the midst of all the destruction, and shows Father’s influence on the populace. However it’s when Rai joins the fray that this issue starts to feel like the start of a massive event and gains the most momentum. And as a result I’m glad this series takes us to 4001 because it’s both horrifying and awesome. I can’t wait for the next episode.

Release Date: 5/4/16
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Clayton Crain, David Mack