‘Secret Wars’ #1 proves to be a successful start to Marvel Comics’ newest mega-event that is engaging, different, and epic. It’s good too since, literally every title the publisher is slated to release this summer ties into it. The regular Marvel Universe and The Ultimate Universe are collapsing onto one another, and every single hero isn’t too crazy about it.
WRITTEN BY: Jonathan Hickman
ART BY: Esad Ribic
PUBLISHER: Marvel Comics
PRICE: $4.99
RELEASE: May 6th, 2015
A little aside before the bulk of this review. I could never be bothered to read the entirety of Jonathan Hickman’s “Avengers” and “New Avengers” runs in preparation for Secret Wars. It seemed like an arduous chore. It’s delaying the gratification that is this event. But I know enough. Dr. Doom is behind the collapse of the Marvel multiverse in some capacity. The Ultimate Universe and The 616 are the only two worlds left after several earths collided in events called “incursions.” These incursions have destroyed most of the known multiverse. Now, every level of the Marvel power pantheon is involved in the forthcoming conflict. From The Avengers, The X-Men, The Beyonders, The Cabal and everything in between. This is the beginning of a new world of shared and warring continuity called Battleworld where the bulk of Secret Wars takes place.
The first page of Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic’s mega event does a pretty good job at introducing all the key players. It does an even better job at placing the reader in the middle of three plus years of continuity. The story starts at the absolute last drastic minute. Secret Wars begins right before the incursion of the Ultimate Universe against the 616.
Ultimate Nick Fury’s fleet of massive helicarriers descend on the classic Marvel Universe. Things are hectic as almost every team of heroes is present and accounted for in anticipation of the upcoming battle. Everything is easily digestible thanks to the different lettering choices between inhabitants of both worlds. (Ultimate uses lowercase, 616 in all caps.)
We get glimpses of the cabal of insane super-villains teaming with ultimate Reed Richards. We’re treated to the Guardians of the Galaxy, and the X-Men. The struggle seems real and lively, and Hickman balances hundreds of characters with relative ease. There are a few standout moments with the key players of the event that won’t carry the same impact if spoiled. But it seems like Cyclops might have a much larger role in this event than was once anticipated.
Esad Ribic absolutely slays the mass insanity of the incursion. His talent creating worlds that seem dizzying in their heights but never overwhelms. His attention to small character moments goes a long way to sell the emotional impact of the book. He also gives a taste of carnage to come. There are small moments that prove to be his. Several characters have small asides that rely solely on the art to carry the moment. Ribic delivers these moments without fail.
Somehow, “Secret Wars” #1 sticks the landing better than any event comic of the last few years. It has the confidence and takes risks to make an engaging start to the most important and interesting point in recent Marvel Comics history. It’s fun in all the right ways and manages to balance an insane amount of information without overwhelming the page.
The odds were against this book, and surprisingly it outdoes the hype. It’s a smart tribute that stakes its claim as earth shattering with a tremendous final page that is sure to be talked about for months to come. It may not start off with the insane amount of action some were anticipating, but instead smartly builds the tension to a boil before offering a glimpse of an even larger conflict on the horizon. And, it looks gorgeous while doing it. Secret Wars #1 is a huge home run for Marvel.