Writers: Claudio Sanchez & Peter David
Artist: Aaron Kuder
Colorist: Zac Atkinson
Letterer: Johnny Lowe
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Release Date: March 30th, 2011
Returned from the dead, Wilhelm Ryan makes his move to back up his claims that he is God, or at least a reasonable facsimile.
Last issue, the main event was Inferno’s execution of Ryan and the general declaration across Heaven’s Fence of good times to be had by all. While most feel quite sure that this is the end of Ryan’s evil, others have their doubts and rightfully so. Shortly after his execution, Ryan’s followers resurrect him from the grave in a new (albeit aged and decrepit body to match his destroyed one) body.
In the current issue, Wilhelm surprises the worlds of Heaven’s Fence with a live broadcast announcing not only his return, but his intention of destroying any who do not acknowledge his divinity. Inferno wants desperately to believe that this a trick, some message recorded prior to his death, but he knows in his heart that Ryan doesn’t operate that way and does not make claims he cannot back up.
While this is going on, Ryan has already unleashed forces against the world of Godder Damm, the current residence of Claudio Kilgannon. Claudio is busy trying to reassemble the destroyed Iro-Bot Sizer when the Prise warrior Ambellina attempts to shame him into fighting Ryan’s forces. Ultimately, she succeeds but not after Claudio has repaired Sizer and given him a chance to revenge himself on someone for the torment he has endured.
We are left with an uneasy alliance between Claudio, Ambellina, Sizer and the serial killer Al. Claudio knows who Al is, and Al has an inkling of what Claudio is; the question remains of what will be done with this knowledge.
This was a good issue overall. It had a nice balance between action and exposition, and Aaron Kuder seems to have closed most of the gaps between his renditions of these characters and former series artist Chris Burnham’s. We’re closing in on the end of this series, and the excitement is building. I can’t wait for the next issue.
