Writer: Neil Gaiman
Artist: John Romita, Jr.
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Reviewed by: Brett Lord
When an author of Neil Gaiman's caliber decides to focus his imagination on a heretofore "C-list" creation like Jack Kirby's ETERNALS, it's cause enough for the rest of us to pay attention. Gaiman's affection for Kirby's "aliens-in Earth's-past" series from the mid-1970s is palpable in this handsome collected edition of the 7- issue mini-series, and John Romita, Jr.'s masterly line channels Kirby's flair for kinetic action and "crackle" in his own inimitable style.
Gaiman crafts his story as a mystery, as the Eternals now live among us, unaware of their place in the grand design of the Celestials (the aforementioned "aliens-in-Earth's past", natch). How this situation came to pass, and why, provides the thrust of Gaiman's narrative, as he slowly peels away the layers of deceit that have shrouded the Eternals from their true nature. All of this is accomplished in Gaiman's signature style, using deceptively simple language to weave a clever and complex tale which, paired with Romita Jr.'s journeyman command of the visual "superhero" language pioneered by Kirby, come together to form a unique milestone in both men's careers.
Whether Gaiman succeeds in his updating of the Eternals is, frankly, up to Marvel and how they develop the new foundation Gaiman has laid for them. But know this: Gaiman has now cemented the Eternals as a very integral part of the Marvel Universe, and their presence must be addressed somehow, sometime.
This 256-page hardcover is prefaced with an introduction by television writer (and Kirby friend) Mark Evanier. Also included are reproductions of JR Jr's and Olivier Coipel's variant covers, the MARVEL SPOTLIGHT interview with Gaiman about his work on the series, JR Jr's character sketches (juxtaposed with Kirby's original designs) and select pencil reproductions, Gaiman's original proposal, and an overview of Kirby's original series by author and comics historian Robert Greenberger. It's available in two dust jacket designs, one by JR Jr. and the other by renowned fantasy artist Rick Berry.
This collection is a must-have for any admirer of Gaiman or JR Jr., but it's also a possibly-overlooked gem in the collection of Jack Kirby aficionados. If that's the case, don't let it be! Get yours today!
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