The One #4

The One was a six-issue limited series published by DC Comics in 1985 and 1986, created, written, and illustrated by Rick Veitch. It emerged during a transformative period for the medium, reflecting the era's anxieties surrounding the Cold War, the rise of the military-industrial complex, and the deconstruction of superhero archetypes. The series centers on a group of ordinary individuals who gain god-like powers, ultimately using them to reshape global politics and culture in a satirical critique of power and mass media.

Veitch utilized a distinct, highly detailed aesthetic for the series that pushed the boundaries of comic book layouts and visual storytelling. The design was intended to be surreal and challenging, mirroring the chaotic shift of the narrative as it spiraled from grounded reality into high-concept political satire. While it was received as a provocative and intellectually ambitious work by critics, its complex themes and unconventional tone made it a niche title that stood apart from the more traditional superhero fare dominating the market at the time.