The Good
DIVINITY is the first Valiant book that feels a bit more surreal that isn't a mystic book. The flow of the book is a tad nontraditional but it's not over-the-reader's head. Basically, DIVINITY is a Valiant book that doesn't feel like a Valiant book, in the best way possible. I'm not saying there needs to be a break from the regular Valiant universe, which has been great, but DIVINITY offers something a bit more out there to readers.
Storywise, the book starts off during the Cold War, in Russia, and we get to see the story of Abram Adams, who was abandoned at the Russian Foreign Minister's place back in the mid-forties. Because he's academically gifted and has no family, he's perfect to go on a 30 year mission in space, to reach the edge of the galaxy. As far as the set up for this issue goes, writer Matt Kindt nails it. It's straight to the point and this all happens before things get a touch surreal.
The book jumps around a bit more between the past and the present, with David Camp climbing rocks in Australia, and this is where the non-traditional sense comes in. The book is jumpy, but there's a cohesiveness and flow to it. It's not jarring and it engages the reader. We have a decent idea of who Abram is and you can already see in the present that he's a very changed man. The reader will want to know more and will be sure to continue on with this book for future issues.
The art of Trevor Hairsine is a mixed bag in this issue. One thing that he nails out of the park is establishing shots for scenes. There's a moment where David Camp is talking in the Australian ouback and that opening panel is brilliant, with David walking in the distance, in front of a giant sun. Colorist David Baron does some great work during that scene as well.
The Bad
Trevor Hairsine is a talented artist, without a doubt and he does provide some good artwork in this first issue. However, there are quite a few moments where the art doesn't feel up to par with the script. The moments that focus specifically on a character's face fall a tad flat.
The Verdict
DIVINITY #1 is a great opening offering. Kindt has presented readers with a fantastic venture into this limited series with has a bit of science-fiction, fictional history, and a touch of the weird. Valiant has been providing fans with some great new books and this is one of them. While Hairsine does some great work with establishing shots, really setting the scene, there are moments where his art just isn't on the same level as the writing. However, overall, this first issue is a real success.