Neil Gaiman takes icons of the Marvel Universe and transplants them 400 years in the past to create an Elseworlds-like project that celebrates the wonder of super-heroes and enhances the darker elements that are inherent in the genre. He plants the seed of an interesting mystery (or two) here as well. Those looking for the cutting-edge qualities of some of Gaiman's other comics work (such as Sandman) might be a little disappointed, but his exploration of the cultures from which so many of us arose and the gritty, supernatural atmosphere fostered by the artwork will keep readers turning the page.
Red skies loom over England and throughout Europe, and lightning comes crashing down unaccompanied by rainfall. The Queen suspects the end of the world, but her most trusted advisers cannot confirm it for her... nor can they deny it. As Stephen Strange seeks answers on the astral plane, Sir Nicholas Fury arranges for the treasure of the Knights Templar to be retrieved and brought back to England. In Spain, a boy born with wings is condemned to death, accused of being an unnatural "witchbreed," and on the ocean, the first child born in America sails toward England, charged with an important mission.
Kubert's artwork is stunning here. His rough, gritty style suits the historical context of the story quite well. He portrays the characters as the larger-than-life archetypes they are, and the settings are wondrous and intimidating. Of course, his efforts would be for naught if it weren't for Isanove's rich, dark and textured colors. It's his work that really reinfoces the sense of the supernatural at work in the story. The colors drop a dream-like haze over the whole book.
While he brings a freshness to these characters with the new context, Gaiman really doesn't say much new about them. For the most part, they are who they are in regular Marvel continuity. The writer's new twist on Peter Parker is an exception. Here, he's no angst-ridden teen, but rather an eager apprentice to a man who trades in secrets and strategy. I have to admit that Queen Elizabeth is a thoroughly entertaining new element as well. Resigned to the unavoidable collapse of her aging form, she exhibits a rough but charming wit as well as dedication to her people.
The greatest strength of the story are the two key mysteries around which the intricate plot seem to revolve. The first is the contents of the Templar treasure; I'm really looking forward to learning what lies inside. The second is Virginia Dare. Who she is and what role she might play isn't at all clear, and Gaiman has succeeded in piquing my interest. He gives the reader more than enough reason to come back for more with the second issue and beyond.
