4001 AD #4 (of 4)

   In the distant future of 4001 A.D., the hero Rai was created to defend New Japan, a nation that was moved into orbit for its own protection.

   But when the hero discovers that the living computer known as Father (who has ruled over the nation for two millennia) is no longer benevolent, a confrontation is inevitable.

    With the lives of millions at stake, Rai faces a terrible decision - he can spare Father and save lives - or destroy Father and risk killing untold thousands.

   It's a powerful ending to the mini-series that takes us into the Valiant future (sadly, no Magnus, Robot Fighter this time around).

   With excellent artwork by Clayton Crain and a terrific story by Matt Kindt, it's a strong mini-series and a great springboard for Rai.

Grade: A-

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4001 AD #3 (of 4)

   It's possible to win a fight - and still lose everything.

   That's the hard lesson being delivered in the mini-series 4001 AD, set in the distant future but featuring the age-old fight for freedom.

    The battle takes place in orbit, as the heroes Rai and the Eternal Warrior join with other fighters to stop the oppressive reign of Father, the Artificial Intelligence that controls New Japan, a nation relocated into space to protect its population.

   But after untold generations of cruelty and death, the population is fighting back. The problem is, even if they win, can New Japan survive without Father keeping the machinery working?

   It's a chaotic, intense and often brutal battle royal being crafted by writer Matt Kindt.

   The art on the series is by Clayton Crain, and it's impressive, bringing an alien, futuristic world to life.

   The story of the battle between man and machine is a classic, and it's serviced well in this mini-series.

Grade: B+

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4001 AD #1

   Valiant Comics has rolled out its latest mini-series - one that has an odd history.

   Back in the day, Valiant had a significant part of its run set in the distant future, largely based around Magnus, Robot Fighter.

   But the company apparently no longer has the rights to that character, so this new event book - 4001 AD - is centered around Rai, the part human / part robot creation that was designed to serve as the protector of New Japan, which is an island in space orbiting around the Earth.

   As we learn in the backstory, Rai rebelled against Father, the machine intelligence that controlled New Japan, and for his pains was cast down - but not before a virus was planted, threatening to destroy Father.

   But Father seems determined to survive, even if it has to destroy New Japan to do it - and it's up to Rai to find some ancient allies and find a way to fight back.

   It's a bit much to take in one sitting, but writer Matt Kindt keeps it rolling along, and artists Clayton Crain and David Mack bring the future to life with some striking, powerful art.

   The only thing that hurts the series - for me - is the absence of Magnus. But there are enough Valiant characters - and certainly high stakes - to make this compelling.

Grade: B+

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