Jersey Gods Vol. 3: Thunder Road (Image)

Jersey Gods Vol. 3: Thunder Road

Image

Written by Glen Brunswick; art by Dan McDaid

Sep 02, 2010 Web Exclusive By Jeremy Nisen

Ever wonder what happens when space gods meet future, Earth-based in-laws? Jersey Gods features characters highly reminiscent of Jack Kirby's New Gods, but, at least in the case of Barock, the main protagonist, they are mired in slightly more mundane situations. Imagine Kirby's Orion with a bit more depth and personality, and you're on the right track. Now picture him falling head over heads for a princess of a Jersey girl named Zoe, and you've got most of the story.

Dan McDaid's art is better than serviceable, honoring Kirby with dynamism while throwing in some of his own cartooning sensibilities. It's not going to knock your socks off, but it's quite good. The story by Glen Brunswick has been building since volume one, and proves alternately funny, touching, and slam-banging. I wasn't crazy about the backup stories, unfortunately (some by the regular team, but one by Mark Waid, who is usually one of my favorites).

The series has been halted for now, at least according to the afterward, and it's a real shame. This is a gem of a book that is definitely being overlooked in this oversaturated, overpriced market. I must confess I enjoyed volumes one and two more, but volume three wraps it up (for now) in an interesting manner. Jersey Gods is all about the interesting interpersonal relationships, with just enough melodrama that the truly touching stuff stands out. I'd recommend volume one, and continuing with two and three should that be to your taste. On its own, a reader loses the emotional attachment to the back-story. (www.imagecomics.com)

Author rating: 6/10

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Average reader rating: 8/10