This is it. 1984’s most shocking comic book, revealed at last! The heroes have been murdered — all except for Roy Brannon, a costumed loser who could never become the champion that Earth needs. Now, it will be Roy’s chance to prove everyone wrong…. even if he has to destroy the entire Universe to do it! That alone would make an intriguing comic to read but Saga of a Doomed Universe #1 delivers so much more with a multi-layered story that’s unexpected from that already interesting teaser.

Written by and with art by Scott Reed, Saga of a Doomed Universe #1 seems like it’s a simple homage to the major events of the 1980s. Take some Crisis, mix it with a little Miracleman, then dance between the clash of new and old, and that alone would make an entertaining read. But, this debut is so much more. Peppered throughout the issue are notes from the creator of the comic itself. Hints of a poisoning and a hidden real-world history buried in the series makes what was a simple exploration of comic history into something far more. What that more is? We’ll have to wait to find out.

Saga of a Doomed Universe‘s main story itself is enough of a draw. It starts simple enough as heroes doing their thing saving the day and then shifts into something dark and sinister. It’s a pivot from the more innocent age of comic heroes into the darker comics of the 80s. Heroes die in gruesome ways, bombs go off, clothes get skimpy. Even the villains remark at how messed up things get. The comic’s brilliance is that it both takes itself seriously through all of this but also delivers the moments with a wink, nod, and a bit of humor. When things get going, it gets going and the deaths and reactions feel like they challenge each other in the silly over-the-top nature of their delivery. It’s hard to not smile and laugh as the comic feels like it nails the exaggerated nature of 80s comics as they shifted their tone.

Reed nails the design and look of the comic as Saga of a Doomed Universe #1 mixes old-school designs with a bit more “modern” aspects. Deaths have a bit of gore but don’t linger, the characters themselves feel inspired by classic designs of Kirby, Ditko, and more. The comic subtlety uses Ben-Day Dots to stick the landing of its retro style.

Then there’s the meta aspect of it all. It’s best to just experience it as it’s unexpected, intriguing, and adds twist to the comic that makes it all really stand out from it’s already great premise.

Saga of a Doomed Universe #1 is a fantastic debut that’s far more than what was teased leading up to it. There’s an inception like aspect to it all that will leave readers either hooked or scratching their heads at the mystery teased. This is one that fans of “meta” comics will absolutely need to pick up as well as those who have enjoy a little retro sendup.

Story: Scott Reed Art: Scott Reed
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

CEX Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: comiXology/Kindle