BEST SHOTS EXTRA: NEW WORLD ORDER #1

**MattBrady** · 01-31-2008, 11:42 AM

New World Order #1
From: Image Comics/Shadowline
Written by: Gustavo Higuera
Art By: Giuseppe De Luca
Reviewed by Tim Janson

Wikipedia defines the New World Order as “a conspiracy theory that refers to a plan in which a powerful and secretive group, most often referred to as the Illuminati, is to be conspiring to eventually rule the world via an autonomous world government, which would replace sovereign states and other checks and balances in world power struggles. In the new world order, many significant occurrences are caused by a powerful secret group. Historical and current events are seen as steps in an on-going plot to rule the world primarily through a combination of political finance, social engineering, mind control, and fear-based propaganda.”

Perhaps contrary to popular belief, the theory of the New World Order goes back well before George Bush Sr.’s mention of the term in a 1990 speech. In fact it goes back to the beginning of the 20th century and was also mentioned by President Ford in a 1975 speech. It makes for some fascinating reading and certainly feeds the appetite of conspiracy theorists.

So with that, we look at New World Order #1 from Image Comics’ Shadowline imprint, the first of a three-issue series. I’ve got to say right off that the book certainly embraces its mysterious inspirations. There’s all manner of plot devices tossed out in the opening issue from flying saucers and shape-changing aliens to a secretive group called the “Third Army” whose purpose is to oppose the New World Order’s attempt to establish a one-world government. With me so far? The main character of Max is based upon the real life Jordan Maxwell, a lecturer and documentary filmmaker who is referred to as the Godfather of Secret Societies. Maxwell has led a movement to expose the so-called New World Order and its leaders.

In the comic, this revolutionary movement takes the form of the Third Army who engages in non-violent acts against these bureaucracies which gets them labeled as terrorists. Writer Gustavo Higuera also uses real life characters in his story such as Dr. Roger Leir, a Surgeon and UFO researcher who claims to have removed implants from alien abductees. Higuera throws so much at the reader in the first issue; many characters, different time periods that the story ends up being somewhat fragmented. Still, there’s a certain allure to these types of mysteries that have always fascinated people. I would think fans of shows like the X-Files will quite enjoy the series. The art, while not flashy is competent and doesn’t try to overshadow the story. I’ll be quite interested to see where Higuera goes with such a diverse plot in only a three issue series.

rasp1976 · 01-31-2008, 12:03 PM

Seems a lot like Planetary to me. With the Secret Society being the Four, the Third Army being Planetary. Planetary even had shape shifting aliens and flying saucers...

Only this would be much, much more compressed.

AbacusComics · 01-31-2008, 12:21 PM

These guys better watch it. If the Illuminati/Masonic order find out, they're dead!

Of course, that would require anyone in the 'real' world knowing about comic books...

Subvert the order!

Xero · 01-31-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasp1976

Seems a lot like Planetary to me. With the Secret Society being the Four, the Third Army being Planetary. Planetary even had shape shifting aliens and flying saucers...

Only this would be much, much more compressed.

Except Planetary was a good book, a friend recommended this comic to me read it in a store, considered buying it just so I could burn that copy and save others from its crapitude.

RedPhoenix · 01-31-2008, 12:46 PM

Having been a big fan of the X-files (well, the first four seasons) I have to say I really like the concept. However, if the cover is any indicator of the art inside I think I'm going to have to pass. Also three issues? That may work for Hellboy but that Mignola and his art is MUCH better than this.

HieuLeBui · 01-31-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbacusComics

These guys better watch it. If the Illuminati/Masonic order find out, they're dead!

As long as the book doesn't do anything really revealing like why the names of the states were arranged in a certain particular order that was carved on the exterior attic walls of the Lincoln Memorial. Or what was found on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

painters_eye · 01-31-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HieuLeBui

As long as the book doesn't do anything really revealing like why the names of the states were arranged in a certain particular order that was carved on the exterior attic walls of the Lincoln Memorial. Or what was found on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

HieuBui,
Your comments are more cryptic and interesting than the preview. Please expound. Is this a reference to National Treasure or something else (about which I didn't see so I am at a loss somewhat if that is the connection to your comment).

I miss the X-Files!

vbartilucci · 01-31-2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by painters_eye

HieuBui,
Your comments are more cryptic and interesting than the preview. Please expound. Is this a reference to National Treasure or something else (about which I didn't see so I am at a loss somewhat if that is the connection to your comment).

The names on the Lincoln Memorial were arranged in a specific way because of their numerological value. It was intended to be a kabbalah-like good luck charm for the future of the country.

The find by Apollo 11 is still classified, but it was considered SO shocking to the public zeitgeist that they had to plant the false evidence to make people THINK the entire landing was faked just to throw the conspiracy theorists off the track.

It was a large stone tablet with writing they are still tying to decode. The only phrase they think they've gotten close to is an idiomatic phrse that translates as "If found, drop in any mailbox".

Blackbeard · 01-31-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xero

Except Planetary was a good book, a friend recommended this comic to me read it in a store, considered buying it just so I could burn that copy and save others from its crapitude.

That's really uncalled for. Seriously.

Personally, I look forward to seeing how Gustavo manages to wrap this up in three issues. Issue 1 was intrigued and I'll definitely pick up issue 2.

Derek Ruiz · 01-31-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xero

Except Planetary was a good book, a friend recommended this comic to me read it in a store, considered buying it just so I could burn that copy and save others from its crapitude.

Wow. You need a nap.

**MattBrady** · 01-31-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek Ruiz

Wow. You need a nap.

shush - you like there's nothing wrong with people wanting to burn books...oh...wait.

MattB

adydas · 01-31-2008, 03:09 PM

I'll be honest and say the reviews have been mixed on this first issue. The consensus seems to be that there's a lot to digest in the first issue and that it seems the story might lend itself better to the the TBP form. I might have to agree. Originally when I pitched this to Shadowline, this issue was 32 pages but I had to cut out 10 pages to fit their format. Hopefully, NWO will get that treatment and will be a much better read. The big conspiracy moment in the book happens in issue 3.

This has been a great learning experience for me having my comic debut at Shadowline and hopefully you will find that the next issues in the series are both an improvement in story and art.

ultraaman · 01-31-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adydas

I'll be honest and say the reviews have been mixed on this first issue. The consensus seems to be that there's a lot to digest in the first issue and that it seems the story might lend itself better to the the TBP form. I might have to agree. Originally when I pitched this to Shadowline, this issue was 32 pages but I had to cut out 10 pages to fit their format. Hopefully, NWO will get that treatment and will be a much better read. The big conspiracy moment in the book happens in issue 3.

This has been a great learning experience for me having my comic debut at Shadowline and hopefully you will find that the next issues in the series are both an improvement in story and art.

You got published and that's saying a lot. Hope the book finds an audience. Good luck.

http://www.thirdarmy.net/

isaacd · 01-31-2008, 05:12 PM

totally sold out in the last two shops i went to, that should be a hint haha

isaacd · 01-31-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adydas

I'll be honest and say the reviews have been mixed on this first issue. The consensus seems to be that there's a lot to digest in the first issue and that it seems the story might lend itself better to the the TBP form. I might have to agree. Originally when I pitched this to Shadowline, this issue was 32 pages but I had to cut out 10 pages to fit their format. Hopefully, NWO will get that treatment and will be a much better read. The big conspiracy moment in the book happens in issue 3.

This has been a great learning experience for me having my comic debut at Shadowline and hopefully you will find that the next issues in the series are both an improvement in story and art.

love the concept, goodluck with it man. ____ all the haters

adydas · 01-31-2008, 05:30 PM

Wow, right on Isaac, that's very cool to hear man. It's pretty surreal having your little creation out there doing it's thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by isaacd

totally sold out in the last two shops i went to, that should be a hint haha

Colossus2420 · 01-31-2008, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbartilucci

The names on the Lincoln Memorial were arranged in a specific way because of their numerological value. It was intended to be a kabbalah-like good luck charm for the future of the country.
.

Sure, and if you believe that one, then you probably believe it's the Carpathia on the bottom and not the Titanic. So what you're saying is it was Kabbalah-like good luck for the order in which each state was granted statehood, cuz that's the order they're listed in on the monument.

You were being facetious, right?

JFx · 01-31-2008, 07:24 PM

I love this Book, and I think that the art looks great, I love that Conspiracy histories.

Kon-EL · 01-31-2008, 07:43 PM

wonder if Turner is gonna have to change the name of his new Soulfire series now?

Blackbeard · 01-31-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kon-EL

wonder if Turner is gonna have to change the name of his new Soulfire series now?

Nope. You can no more TM or copyright "New World Order" than you can TM or copyright "Gee whiz."

adydas · 01-31-2008, 10:54 PM

Yeah, originally the comic book was entitled "Third Army" but Shadowline thought changing it to New World Order would grab peoples attention more.

TheGrowth · 02-01-2008, 06:21 AM

Conspiracy theories are right up my alley

Michael Heide · 02-01-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adydas

Yeah, originally the comic book was entitled "Third Army" but Shadowline thought changing it to New World Order would grab peoples attention more.

It worked. I don't know if I would have bought or read it if it had been called "Third Army". "New World Order", however, sounded interesting enough.

And yeah, it was a bit confusing. But I'll buy and read #2 and 3 before I judge the series.

QUANTUMZEN · 02-01-2008, 09:57 PM

A great start to a promising series. Don't wait for the trade, support these guys by purchasing the single issues.

Blackbeard · 02-01-2008, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QUANTUMZEN

A great start to a promising series. Don't wait for the trade, support these guys by purchasing the single issues.

Right on! If individual sales aren't good, there won't be a graphic novel. So buy, buy, buy!