Holy crap there’s a new issue!  Excuse me while I tear through this once out of excitement and then a second time to explore all of the details.

The star of this issue is Franklin Hyde, the mysterious Vitro that has been in the background of the previous three issues.  Franklin is the child of two DC power brokers.  They aren’t elected officials, they just pull the strings of those who are.  Like the saying goes, money power respect.  However, Franklin doesn’t have any real respect for his parents and they have no respect for him.  He’s a child, (who cant vote and has no money) AND a Vitro.  Two classes that don’t matter to people in power.  That’s a good boy Franky, sit in the corner shut your mouth and don’t bother the adults.  Therein we have how Franklin lives his entire life.  He knows who he is, the only son of fortunate parents, and one of the best hidden Vitros in the world.  Then the explosion happens.  His parents have clandestine meetings, wondering what to do about this threat.  But never once mentioning their own child’s name.  What’s a boy to do when all your life you’ve been raised to believe its only those with power that matter.

You create your own power.

Warning, here be spoilers.

Franklin calls a press conference and … outs himself as a Vitro!  Its incredible.  This character that you thought was a huge heel comes forward in this origin story and becomes the new favorite character.  He negotiates with his father, strikes a deal, and in the biggest twist of this book to date… gets royally screwed over!

There are certain spoilers that have to be held close to the vest because the joy of discovery is so great.  The reveal of Darth Vader, the villain of Watchmen, and now issue 4 of Pariah.  The closing panel may seem to now limit the series but in reality it could go anywhere now.  Do they propel forward or return?  Do they stay together or will there be a split?  Also, the book has been exciting already but there’s no way this arc can progress without a few Vitros facing the end of their lines.

This is one of the most unpredictable titles today.  I’m following it closely and yet I have no idea where the book is going next.  Its very possible it could end in the next issue and that’s the end.  Or the book could run for 100 plus issues.  There is no limit to the directions this series can take.   After the events of this issue (and believe me its tough to not spoil the whole thing) the title could become about super heroes, horror, sci fi, romance, drama or anything under the wide umbrella that we love known as comic books.