Godshaper #1
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artist: Jonas Goonface
Letterer: Colin Bell
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
A review by Greg Brothers
The plot point of a slight change in society that leads to an alternate universe is an idea that is as common in comics as superheroes are. Many of those comic books use similar plots and fall into the same ruts that make a book feel like the same old thing that you could read any week. However, there are times that something comes along that takes the plot points and takes it in a completely unique and satisfying way.
Godshaper #1 tells us from the beginning that something is different in this alternative reality. In 1958, the physics of the world changed and anything that had to do with electricity, ignitions, or anything that made life easier in general, quit working. Since the loss of electricity and anything motorized, there has been a major change in society with personal gods. While most people have been given their own personal gods, there is a group of people who become known as Nogodys who, for whatever reason, never got gods. The Nogodys are shunned and looked down upon by most of society and would more than likely be completely removed from society if not for their ability to change the demeanor and powers of other people’s gods.
Godshaper #1 takes what could have been an unimaginative and overused plot point and told a story that would have been good but nothing to remember. Instead Spurrier adds a twist to the story. By not only giving some citizens their own personal gods, but also adding the idea of societal outcasts who never got their own gods, at no fault of their own. Everyone looks down upon these Shapers, as they are known, since they do not have gods of their own. Even though society looks down upon the Shapers, they also know that they need them. The Shapers can change the powers, the looks, and re-calibrate anyone’s gods. So although society looks down on them in general and would never be seen socializing with a Nogodly, people will secretly meet with them to have changes they want done.
The art throughout Godshaper #1 is done in a way that is bright and colorful and fits perfectly with the story. The otherworldly looks and the colors of the gods are done in a way that is unique to each of their personalities and powersets, while the citizens are drawn in a realistic way.
The Verdict
Buy it! Godshaper #1 is a fun read. It takes you in a direction that you would have never predicted, and provides a unique story. There are lots of parallels to how the Nogodlys are treated as compared to how some marginalized groups are treated in the world today, but it is not done in a heavy-handed way. I, for one, am interested in where this book heads.
