Marvel Dimensions (MARVEL ARTS)
The history of the Marvel Universe is a sight to behold.
Each character has their own unique beginnings. This has led them into the path of greatness as the company has grown over the years. One person is watching this all unfold. As the trek through memory lane commences, something is noticeably different.
Where it leads is into a mystery that challenges the very foundation it is built on.
Marvel Dimensions by Alex Ross (with Josh Johnson, Jason Millet & Ariana Maher) is the latest project from Marvel Arts, a joint venture from Marvel Comics and Abrams ComicsArts.
Let’s take a closer look at what is happening here.
Marvel Dimensions by Alex Ross (with Josh Johnson, Jason Millet & Ariana Maher) - (Marvel Arts)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Ross presents an uncharacteristic look at the Marvel Universe which spirals into much more. The opening monologue teases the presence of a familiar voice. As the pages begin, readers are treated to gorgeous two page spreads retelling the origins of their favorite characters. The voices behind this pages vary from hero to hero. It is an excellent take as it presents different views of the iconic figures. Once the retellings come to their end, the story takes a very dramatic turn in direction.
Readers quickly find out Uatu is not the one overseeing events. Rather, it is a long lost character with an imaginative presentation behind him. Their words become chilling as they describe their plight for knowledge. It opens the door into a new and unstable landscape. Ross wildly changes characters with shifts in their origins behind this alternate universe. Rest assured, this is a new vision with bold fallout behind it.
The narrator does break to face the audience with the dilemma at hand. Seeing the concepts of good and evil switched leads to more questions. It provides fresh conflicts as everything previously established is no more. The end result is power absolutely corrupting. As this universe seeks more, an unlikely “hero” emerge through the chaos. His calm persona is greeted with another painted spread from Ross. This becomes the catalyst for an epic battle that leads to a run of two page spreads. It delivers on crafting on the gravity of the combat unfolding. This leads into a shocking final page. Ross delivers one more swerve, leaving the audience something to ponder as the questions of good and evil can vary in an instant.
With Ross doing double duty, the art is exceptional as always. The painted origin pieces feel majestic as they convey the beginnings of legends. As the story moves into its’ new universe, Ross goes back to traditional drawing styles (much like he did in Fantastic Four: Full Circle). Characters have dynamic retellings with morals compromised. It is a haunting look at how one choice can send someone into a different path. The design for the narrator is impressive on its’ take. Their full page close up makes a clear impact on readers.
Ross mixes full page views with shorter panel grids to build up the terror on this new landscape. As the story progresses to the “hero’s” arrival, the two page spreads hit every high mark possible. The attention to detail is phenomenal as the characters go for the frantic last battle. This leads to a cold final page. The reveal is painted with the narrator revealing their truths. Suffice to say, there’s much to savor in the pages
FINAL GRADE: 9
Not everything in the Marvel Universe is what it seems as a stunning new vision is presented. Ross crafts amazing images of a familiar past with a dark look at a world gone mad for power. A stunning look at the Marvel Universe that examines the moral complexity of its’ favorite heroes. Don’t miss out!
Let me know your thoughts on Marvel Dimensions in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
