Reviews»Comic Books»4001 A.D. #3
4001 A.D. #3
Kareem Ali 4.5

4001 A.D. #3

 

  • The good

    Great action sequences that move the series forward with the fight against Father. Leaves the door open for the next issue to explore the new status quo in the world of 4001 A.D.

  • The bad

    Gilad is still marginalized and Rai's growth during his time on Earth isn't apparent.

  • The ugly

    • 4001 A.D. #3 continues with Rai receiving unexpected help in his fight against father. It opens up with Rai, Gilad and Lemur fighting off the robotic dragons sent by Father so they’re not consumed just like the armor they used to enter New Japan. They’re fighting against staggering odds but they know there’s no turning back even if they wanted to do so. Meanwhile, Lula and Grace are zooming through New Japan on a cycle but they’re not heading right to Rai. Grace states that she recognizes Gilad because he’s been in her dreams and knows that somehow they share a mystical bond. Lula tells Grace that they can’t defeat all those dragons and that they will need more help. Lula recalls everything she knows about the maximum security prison on New Japan and how it houses the worst of those who opposed Father. Her plan is to free everyone in there so they can aid in the fight. But can recruit them to fight against Father, and even if she does, will they be able to make it in time to aid Rai?

    4001_003_005
    There have been a number of high points throughout this series but I’ve felt they’ve all been relatively safe high points in terms of not defining a greater world in 4001 A.D.  They’ve been great issues expanding the Rai mythology, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying them, but I’ve also felt that some opportunities to expand the world of 4001 A.D. have been squandered. This issue continues that pattern by providing an entertaining story that could just be another Rai story arc but doesn’t make the overall world more intriguing. So on one hand it’s engrossing but on the other there isn’t one story thread outside of the main focus that has been interesting or even hinted at to get the imagination going.

     

    I was excited when Lula and Grace decided to head to the max prison in order to recruit help in the battle against Father. First because Lula recognized Gilad from her dreams and I was excited about the prospect of the Eternal Warrior and the Geomancer working together. And second because I wondered who else might be in the max prison that could add greatly to that battle. However, it was just the general populace and no one stood out in that sequence even when they joined the battle. It was an entertaining battle and there was a true feeling of triumph at one point in the midst of this visual orgy of stunning artwork and vibrant colors. But just like Gilad’s reunion with the Geomancer felt nonexistent, this moment came and went too quickly.

    4001 A.D. #3
    If you’ve read the last few issues of Rai, which you should have because they’re great, you’ll see how well-developed the Rais have been in terms of defining their purpose and showing some growth. And their capabilities have varied greatly. And considering Rai was growing on Earth during his quest I was looking forward to the confrontation with Father to see Rai’s new tricks. I won’t give away any spoilers about this fight so I’ll just say my imagination got the best of me since not much changed. I do appreciate the fact that the story progressed but I admit an epic battle would have been wonderful. However, the conclusion this issue creates a lot of possibilities for the next issue. And maybe that will be the start of something even better.

     

    SUMMARY

     

    4001 A.D. #3 is a solid issue that moves the series forward with the rebellion’s climactic battle against Father. Lula comes into her own as a character in terms of representing New Japan as a hero but I was somewhat disappointed in Rai’s lack of development and not touching on Gilad’s reunion with the Geomancer. The artwork is captivating, as usual, and the fights and large scale battles look terrific. However, this issue still doesn’t reach that level to make this series feel like an epic event but it’s still a really good one.

     

    Release Date: 7/25/16
    Writer: Matt Kindt
    Artist: Clayton Crain

     

  • Rating ( 8.5 )
  • Total score 8.5

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