Marvels: Eye of the Camera #1

Review: So here we are with the first sequel to the classic MARVELS. The first thing to notice is that the art is not Alex Ross; this is not a deal breaker as Jay Anacleto is a fine substitute. His standard art has the realism conveyed by Alex Ross’ painted art and may be just a shade sharper. The second thing to note is that writer Kurt Busiek is back and he still has the magic touch of bringing characters to life, so much so that the final issue is heartbreaking. Kurt does an excellent job of pressing Marvel comics history spanning decades into a framework of a few years while Phil experiences the vicissitudes in rapid succession. And the theme of the series, superheroes as seen from the perspective of ordinary people is intact. If there is one thing about this sequel series that feels off it’s a difference of emphasis. In the original, Phil Sheldon was the lens through which we saw and understood the Marvels, in Eye, the focus is more on Phil himself and his attitudes toward himself and his work and the Marvels are now the lens through which we see and understand Phil Sheldon. It’s a subtle difference and one that can be compensated for mentally as one reads but it makes Phil more the center of attention than it should. Your milage may vary.

This issue: A very brief summary of the original series with the excitement in the air over the arrival of the Marvels, undercut by worries about mutants and other possible dangers of the superhuman. Along with this there’s emphasis on life going on as normal in the family until Phil (and the reader) are hit with that sledgehammer at the end. And we’re only getting started.

Comments: Story takes place after the events of MARVELS but mostly flashes back to the first year or so after the Fantastic Four debuted. No inker is credited.