#253 Marvel 1602 (2003)

Authors: Neil Gaiman (writer) & Andy Kubert (artist)
Title: Marvel 1602
Genre: Graphic Novel
Year: 2003
Pages: 250
Origin: read on the iPad
Nod Rating: 3 nods out of 5

 

As most of you review reading fans will know (the whole two of you, I believe) the Worm has a fondness for Tudor history as well as comic books. What better way to spend a weekend in reading Marvel’s own Marvel 1602. Yes, the title is rather bland and uninspiring, however the idea and overall execution was an interesting one to follow.

Marvel 1602 is an eight-issue comic book series released throughout 2003. Written by Neil Gaiman (a further enticement) it promised some intriguing and engaging ideas. Characters from the Marvel universe are transplanted to the end of the Tudor period. Queen Elizabeth is an aging and dying woman, assisted by Sir Nicholas Fury (who in turn is assisted by Spiderman’s Peter Parker as Peter Parquagh). The Fantastic Four are present, known as a sailors who went missing at sea, only to be discovered as the prisoners of – who else – the evil Doom. England is home to those who dare to dabble in magic, including Stephen Strange and many of the X-Men (led by Carlos Xavier). However, England is set against the Catholic reactionaries from across Europe, in particular the Inquisition years of Spain. The villains of the Marvel comic books fill the roles, notably that of Magneto as the Grand Inquisitor. This battle is played against the running out of a clock, as the world is speculated to soon self-destruct.

But rather than simple “good” versus “evil” (the life and blood battle for Marvel for six decades) the writers attempt to build a bridge between this alternative universe and the one played out week after week on comic book stands. As states the writer ‘We are the Marvel Universe. It’s 400 years ago. For reasons we do not yet understand, people and events are coming into existence at the wrong time.’ This is a theme returned to as the climax rises throughout the pages, with Dr Reed postulates:

‘We are a boatful of monsters and miracles, hoping that somehow, we can survive a world in which all hands are against us. A world which, by all evidence, will end extremely soon…. [We are] a universe in which no story can ever truly end; in which there can be only continuances.’

Unfortunately, not all of this is fully pulled off. Yes, the action is present, but the volume of characters overpowers any momentum. It is likely that when given the keys to the embarrassment of riches that are all Marvel characters Gaiman became greedy. The central idea of the universes colliding is never fully convincing, nor – it must be said – fully understood. Too much paint is thrown at the canvas, resulting in an admirable but wasted attempt.

Such a problem is seemingly corrected in later titles set within this universe, with concentration provided on particular characters (such as Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four). But the Worm will not be tempted to return for a second bite.

Buy it here