Ram V on Adding Heart to ‘The New Gods’

Revisiting a Cosmic Legacy: Ram V and ‘The New Gods’ Revival

In the ever-evolving universe of comics, a few stories stand as timeless masterpieces. Among them, Jack Kirby’s The New Gods holds a special place. This cosmic tale of power, family, and existential struggles has long captivated readers. Now, it returns with a fresh narrative under the direction of Ram V and the artistic talents of Evan Cagle. They offer a profound and emotional reimagining of this iconic mythos.

Redefining Fatherhood and Legacy

Ram V brings a unique perspective to The New Gods. As a storyteller and father, he finds a personal connection in themes of legacy and humanity. In an intimate conversation, Ram V delves into these themes, exploring how they drive his narrative vision. The original tale, he explains, is rooted in fatherhood and the challenges of raising the next generation. For Ram V, these questions resonate deeply.

“Being a new father sharpens my focus,” he says. “I ponder my role and what I’ll pass on to the future.” Such introspection is woven into The New Gods, echoing the classic nature versus nurture debate. Characters like Orion and Mister Miracle embody this as they are raised on opposing sides of a cosmic war. For Ram V, this timeless narrative mirrors today’s readers, grappling with identity and purpose.

Intimacy Amidst Cosmic Vastness

Although the story unfolds on a cosmic scale, it thrives on intimate moments. Ram V emphasizes the significance of these personal interactions. “It’s vast, but at its core, it’s two siblings on a bench, grappling with their destinies,” he shares. This dichotomy—where the universe feels vast yet personal—defines his approach.

Drawing inspiration from varied sources like Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and anime Bleach, Ram V weaves complex narratives. He blends multiple storylines into a grand tapestry, aiming for both scope and personal connection. “I want each god’s powers to reflect their personalities and struggles,” he elaborates. As the series progresses, the gods’ unique abilities will evolve, revealing deeper layers to their characters.

Crafting a Timeless World

With Evan Cagle as his collaborator, Ram V reshapes Kirby’s surreal universe. He retains the playful quirks of Kirby’s original designs while infusing them with contemporary relatability. This includes developing an entire alphabet for these cosmic beings, adding a layer of mystique to their language.

The universe of The New Gods is not only expansive but intricately detailed. Ram V’s exploration of Metron—a god of mystery and mischief—demonstrates this dynamic. Metron’s omniscience mirrors Ram V’s role as the writer, guiding his characters toward their destinies. Yet, even a god like Metron can be taken by surprise—a delightful nod to the unpredictable nature of storytelling.

As Ram V guides The New Gods into new realms, his focus remains on character connection. “I want readers to feel something real,” he asserts. For him, success lies in honest storytelling rather than sheer scale. Each issue unfolds organically, revealing the emotional depth of the narrative.

Universal Themes and Human Stories

Ram V’s vision makes The New Gods both relatable and divine. He draws from Hindu mythology, where gods navigated human problems. This lens grounds the cosmic stakes in relatable, human experiences. “In Hindu myths, gods make mistakes and learn, just like us,” he reflects. The series, in his capable hands, marries vast mythological themes with the heartfelt struggles of belonging and legacy.

By inviting readers to journey with these gods, Ram V ensures they are not just cosmic figures. They are beings exploring choices, relationships, and the pursuit of meaning. Fans eager for this new vision await a narrative tapestry that captures mythic grandeur, yet remains profoundly human.

The New Gods #1 is set for release on December 18. Mark your calendars for this epic reimagining that intertwines legend with the human psyche.