Forever #1 review—Mark Millar’s villainous new installment in the Nemesis saga
Who doesn’t love a good superhero? Based on the ongoing dominance of superhero movies and shows over recent years, not to mention games, merchandise, and, oh yeah, comic books, it’s safe to say that the answer to that question is nobody. But what about a good supervillain? That’s a question writer Mark Millar has never shied away from, and continues to ask in his newest addition to his acclaimed Nemesis saga, Nemesis: Forever.
*Mild spoilers ahead for Nemesis: Forever #1*
Our story begins with a bang. Literally. Or rather, quite a few bangs, as Nemesis sets out to remind the people of the world why they should be afraid. A message made very clear over the course of the bloody first few pages. And he’s only getting started, as revealed as the issue continues. It’s unclear exactly what he has planned, though what is clear to his followers is that whatever it is, it will involve the entire world.
Working against the clock to stop the villainous billionaire is the CIA, who are preparing to send one of their agents undercover to infiltrate Nemesis’s organization. They’re willing to go to whatever length they must in order to sell the deception, an act that both reveals their desperation and highlights the stakes at play. Whatever happens from here, it will undoubtedly be bloody.
Artist Matteo Scalera adds to the excitement, from the perfectly captured sadism in the titular villain’s masked face to the desperate-yet-determined faces of the CIA agents. A large two-page spread mirrors the cover image with a terrifying message written in flames that perfectly accents the magnitude of Nemesis’s new threat: he’s back, and the whole world is going to know it.
As mentioned before, this issue immediately throws you into the action and doesn’t slow down even when the action stops. There’s so much thrown at you from both sides that before you know it the story is over, ending on a grim cliffhanger that leaves you begging to know what’ll happen next. Readers who have picked up Millar’s previous Nemesis books are sure to be excited, while even those of us who had no prior experience with the character will be on the edge of our seat after those last few pages.
Of course, with a character like this, those who have read previous Nemesis stories will be at an advantage here over those who haven’t. While this new chapter is easily accessible by those who haven’t picked up a Nemesis book before—I hadn’t before writing this review—it also isn’t going to hold your hand. The story drops you into this world expecting that you already know who Nemesis is, or if not that you can quickly pick up on it from what’s provided in passing.
Overall, Nemesis: Forever #1 is an epic beginning to what is sure to be a violent new chapter in the Nemesis saga. It starts big and promises to only get bigger in the months to come. Are you ready for it?
Nemesis: Forever #1 is available August 27th from Dark Horse Comics.
Nemesis Forever #1 :: Profile :: Dark Horse Comics
Nemesis is the world’s most dangerous man and now he’s made himself into one of the richest. No longer content j…
Review Guidelines
Great
Nemesis: Forever #1 is a fast-paced, action-packed story that promises big things ahead for the newest chapter of the Nemesis saga. Whether you’re a veteran reader or a new fan diving into Millarworld, this book is perfect for anyone who’s wanted to see what a certain caped-crusader would be like if he went bad.
Pros
- Exciting story that starts big and only gets bigger
- Grim cliffhanger will leave you begging for more
Cons
- Story seems to assume you know who Nemesis is before starting, which could leave new readers lost
This review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.
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