the multiversity Archives - Graphic Policy

The Multiversity is Grant Morrison‘s sweep through DC Comics’ multiverse looking at unforgettable characters across the 52 known Earths. The series features a two-part framing story (the first is already out) and six complete extra-sized #1 adventures, each set in a parallel universe.

The Multiversity: The Society of Super-Heroes: Conquerors of the Counter-World #1 takes us to Earth-20, and pulp super hero action with a post-modern twist. Who is the demon-like Green Lantern protecting Earth-20? What secret does Doc Fate hold that could save the world? Who are the hand-to-hand and air-to-air combat queens known as the Blackhawks? And what happens when these heroes come face to face with their diabolical Earth-40 counterparts – led by Vandal Savage – for an epic war between parallel worlds? The title alone tells you the type of story you’re about to read.

I wasn’t too keen on the first chapter of The Multiversity. Without a deep knowledge of DC Comics lore, I felt that reading the comic so much was going over my head, and I missed much of the point. This issue however continues the overall theme of heroes battling ultimate evil and undying hatred, however the inside nods and winks are less prevalent, making the entire issue much more enjoyable.

The entire issue has a pulp sense about it, in both look and story, and bringing back the feel of what comics should be, fun to read. The issue is a throwback to the classics, paying tribute to them. That also extends to the story in this issue. Though it’s tied into the larger event, the issue itself is self-contained. You’re able to pick it up without reading The Multiversity #1 and still enjoy it. It isn’t weighed down by nods and winks at all. It has a balance for those who want an entertaining self-contained story, those who care about the larger narrative, and then then those who know all the DC historical references that are present. Though I’m sure those references are there, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on not knowing them all.

Morrison is helped in the feel of the issue due to Chris Sprouse‘s amazing art. A pulp adventure should have a certain look to it all, and Sprouse harkens back to the classics, in both style, but also pacing and panel layout. Add in beautiful coloring, and you have a comic that’s fun to read, and fun to look at.

I love to read a fun, entertaining comic whose goal is to tell a self-contained story, and to be able to do that, while also tying into the greater narrative is impressive. For those who want a fun pulp adventure, this is a must read, for fans of Morrison’s work, you won’t be disappointed either.

Story: Grant Morrison Art: Chris Sprouse
Story: 8.25 Art: 9 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: The Multiversity #1

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Brett

From the mind of writer Grant Morrison prepare to meet the Vampire League of Earth-43, the Justice Riders of Earth-18, Superdemon, Doc Fate, the super-sons of Superman and Batman, the rampaging Retaliators of Earth-8, the Atomic Knights of Justice, Dino-Cop, Sister Miracle, Lady Quark, the legion of Sivanas, the Nazi New Rechsmen of Earth-10 and the latest, greatest Super Hero of Earth Prime.

The Multiversity is six complete adventures with a bookend framing story that looks at the numerous worlds of the DC Multiverse. This issue begins the adventure, that while interesting, is geared towards die-hard DC fans who might understand the numerous references and nods. For me Morrison runs hot and cold, for this very reason.

While this first issue is good, not knowing many of the references I could really only focus on the story, and to me that was just ok. There’s a big threat, heroes from around the Multiverse are gathered together to battle it, this is the start of that. All of it’s ok, and introduces us to each main character very well. That’s the strength of the issue, introducing us to all of these different worlds, and lots of different characters.

The downside to all of that is that reading through the issue I knew that a lot of it was going over my head. There’s entire posts (on other sites) explaining all of the details, nods, basically Cliff’s Notes for the first issue. I shouldn’t feel like I need a degree in Morrison to read an issue.

Morrison benefits from the art of Ivan Reis, who is one of my favorite artists. His work is crisp and beautiful to look at. In one issue he has to pull of numerous types of characters, worlds, and more, and does so all with ease. If he was the artist on every issue, his art alone would be a reason to check out the series, but alas he’s not.

While there’s lots of interesting things in the first issue, I think it overall attempts to be too cute at times with its layers, like it’s trying to be Watchmen redux in that manner. For the die-hard fans, I’m sure there’s a lot here that they’ll love, but for those not in that category (like me) the story is really nothing too special. At its heart, it’s a story we’ve seen before, just with different characters and different settings.

Story: Grant Morrison Art: Ivan Reis
Story: 7 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review