Story: Walter Simonson Art: Walter Simonson and Bob Waicek
Orion and the New Gods created by Jack Kirby.
Published by DC Comics
Plot: Walking the streets of the seedy downtown slums of Metropolis, Orion is in search of Jingles Jericho, the crime boss who has come into possession of weapons from Apokolipse. He finds Jericho, and proceeds to smash his entire operation.
The events are witnessed by Melissa, the young street urchin who Orion saved last issue. Melissa's friend Nubs worked for Jericho, but unknown to her, Jericho had the man killed.
Orion arrives and none of Jericho's men stand a chance. What chances do mortals have against a god? Even blinded, Orion's power is unmatched. He gets Jericho to reveal who is employer is--and it's none other than Arnicus Wolfram, who had captured Orion (and used his life-force to restore his youth). Orion leaves, but not after stopping one more treacherous act by Jericho. Melissa sees for the first time that Orion has no eyes.
Gene--the homeless vet who had cared for Orion when he arrived in Metropolis (after being sent there by the Green Lantern Rakar)--tells Melissa that Nubs is dead. Melissa doesn't believe it, but Orion manages to calm her down. He leaves her in Gene's care and returns to finally wipe out Jericho's place of operations forever.
Melissa never sees Orion again.
Comments: This issue of Orion is unusual, because while the man (or rather, god) himself is prominent, the entire issue is told from the viewpoint of the young girl Melissa. It's still a great one, though. However, it still fills me with a bitter taste, because the series will be over in two more issues. It's sad that some great comics are always ended before their time…but that's another rant for another day.
Simonson goes all-out here, and the pacing, story and art are top-notch. While there is a great deal of violence, much of it is never seen, only implied. Then again, there's always a bit of satisfaction in seeing the bad guys get theirs. Also, a little more is revealed about the mysterious Arnicus Wolfram, setting the stage for a final confrontation.
