DC; April 1976
Cover by Dick Giordano

Title: “Lest Night Fall – Forever!”
Synopsis: Orion battles Kalibak in an effort to stop Darkseid – an effort that might destroy the Earth!

Writer (plot): Gerry Conway
Writer (dialogue): Denny O’Neil
Penciler: Mike Vosburg
Inker: Vosburg

Review: Less than four years after pulling the plug on Jack Kirby’s Fourth World flagship, DC decided to bring back the New Gods – sans Kirby. The result is a sad affair by comparison. Everything about Kirby’s run was writ large. Here, Gerry Conway and Denny O’Neil reduce the title down to a spacey superhero book: lots of big punching, none of the epic grandeur. Mike Vosburg’s art doesn’t help, either; it’s not bad, but pales in comparison to Kirby. On its own, 1st Issue Special #13 isn’t terrible – but you’ve got to come stronger than this to follow the King.

Grade: B-

Cool factor: As sad as it is to see the New Gods back without Kirby, it is nice to see them back.
Not-so-cool factor: Orion’s new costume, with a big “O” on his chest. Subtle!

Notable: Includes a one-page public service ad, featuring art by Neal Adams. … Also includes a one-page text feature titled “The Story Behind the Story” (which, sadly, doesn’t bother to mention Jack Kirby!)

Character quotable: “I glory in warrior’s work – in violence and destruction!” – Orion (God bless those internal monologues!)

Copyright ©2016 Off the Wahl Productions, all rights reserved. Each week, T. Andrew Wahl takes a look at a Bronze Age Fantastic First. For more reviews like this one, check out Wahl’s website, SequentialReaction.com.