I am LOVING this.

With each issue of this arc,I’ve felt a mounting sense of hopeful anticipation. I’ve read each hint dropped in proceeding issues with a skeptical yet cautiously hopeful eye, constantly asking myself, “Is Hickman doing what I think he’s doing?”

With this issue, I got my answer: A resounding, unequivocal, “YES. He IS.”

It’s hard to describe the nostalgic glee I felt at seeing this concept from my comic past being slowly excavated, dusted off, and placed back into the spotlight. It’s like Hickman is some kind of modern-day Indian Jones, rescuing a treasured relic from the past and giving them new life. And the genius of it is, he’s staying true to the turbulent history of the old “New Universe” line while keeping it accessible to readers unfamiliar with the concept.

The thing I loved the most about this issue can be summed up in one word: PAYOFF! Hickman’s masterfully crafted slow-burn, combined with the incredibly beautiful art of Dustin Weaver make this book my Pick Of The Week.