Divinity #1 (Valiant)

CREDIT: Valiant

Rating: 4.5/5 – Time Is Not Absolute in Valiant’s New Sci-Fi Series.
by ComicSpectrum reviewer Amy Okamoto.

In the 1960s, Russian cosmonaut Abram Adams was sent on an extended secret mission to the far-flung reaches of space. Long thought dead, he has returned, and he’s not the man he was. He’s a god. Divinity is Valiant Entertainment’s newest prestige format limited series. This sci-fi storyline is a departure from their other offerings and features the first new character in the Valiant universe with no preexisting ties to other Valiant titles or characters.

There is much to enjoy about this book. Matt Kindt has written an interesting story that incorporates revisionist history, underlying biblical themes, and the science fiction staples of space and time travel. He even includes a nod to John Carter. Like most of Kindt’s work, he does not lead readers by the hand, letting us infer meaning, using allegory and juxtaposition to enrich the text. Abram’s history is established through a series of flashbacks. The narrator seems detached but omniscient, and as we are taken through time to our present day, even that feels like a flashback. By the end of the book we discover who the narrator is and why both past and present feel like memories.  For the narrator, time is not absolute. He skips through time revisiting events in the same way that we skip through pages of a book to favorite parts or to re-familiarize ourselves with what has passed. I suspect that this will play a prominent role in the continuation of the series.

Artist Trevor Hairsine is the penciller for the series. His gritty yet intricate line style has a unique energy that keeps the book grounded. I find this look preferable over a slick, futuristic look for this storyline. Inker Ryan Winn provides solid work enhancing Hairsine’s lines. Colorist David Baron does a good job of setting mood and providing contrasts between Abram’s strict, bland life in Russia compared to the brilliance of his adventures and the lush environment he creates. The color red seems to be relevant to the book, perhaps as a nod to the red state. The combined talents of these three make for an attractive and emotive book.

Divinity #1 provides plenty of history and sets up an intriguing new character within the current Valiant universe. The source of Abram’s new powers is likely only one of many revelations. With three books left in the series, we are left with many questions to be explored in what promises to be a highly entertaining series.

Reviewed by: Amy Okamoto
(amy@comicspectrum.com)
https://comicspectrum.com/ Covering the full spectrum of comics culture

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