Marvel 1602
Marvel 1602 | |
---|---|
Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
Schedule | Monthly |
Format | Limited series |
Genre | |
Publication date | November ISBN 0-7851-9860-1 |
Marvel 1602, or simply 1602, is an eight-issue comic book limited series published in 2003 by Marvel Comics. The limited series was written by Neil Gaiman, penciled by Andy Kubert, and digitally painted by Richard Isanove; Scott McKowen illustrated the distinctive scratchboard covers. The eight-part series takes place in a timeline where Marvel superheroes exist in the Elizabethan era; faced with the destruction of their world by a mysterious force, the heroes must fight to save their universe. Many of the early Marvel superheroes — Nick Fury, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and Spider-Man — as well as villains such as Doctor Doom and Magneto appear in various roles.
Neil Gaiman had always been a fan of Marvel, and editor
The pocket reality seen at the end of the limited series in which the continuing Marvel 1602 universe takes place is classified as Earth-311. The series was loosely adapted into the
Development
Background
Neil Gaiman stated in an afterword to the series that he had always viewed the Marvel universe as "magic".[3] The editors of 1602, Nick Lowe and
Gaiman described writing the series as odd, since he had not written comics in half a decade; the story was trimmed down significantly as the size went from six 36-page chapters to eight 22-page segments. He also wanted to write a comic that was different from
Illustration
Unlike usual penciled pages, Marvel 1602 used a technique called "enhanced pencils", whereby the finished pencil drawings are sent straight to the colorist instead of to an inker first.
Editor Nick Lowe noticed theater posters done by
The hardbound edition features a scratchboard illustration depicting the main characters whispering discreetly to each other on the cover. According to McKowen, the image was inspired by a depiction of the masterminds behind the "Gunpowder Plot", an attempt to blow up Parliament during the reign of King James.[8] Since the characters of the story are all traitors in the eyes of King James, they were drawn in a similar fashion.[8]
Synopsis
Premise
In the year 1602 in the Marvel Universe, for an unknown reason, superheroes have appeared about 400 years early.[5] They were born and bred in this era and some hold important positions in high places. When the characters come to realize that something is wrong with the universe, the heroes must solve the mystery behind their own existence, while dealing with intrigue at the courts of Elizabeth I and James.
Plot
All over
Meanwhile, the ship Virginia Maid arrives in England from the
Upon Elizabeth's death,
Strange meanwhile finds himself on the moon where he meets the Watcher Uatu, who tells him that the strange events are due to an anomaly he calls the Forerunner. The Forerunner is from the future and its presence in the past has disrupted reality to the point of impending annihilation of not only Strange's world but all other universes as well. Explaining his theory that the emergence of various superhumans on Stephen's Earth four hundred years before their season is the result of the universe trying to save itself, the Watcher tells Strange that he will not be able to repeat what he has learned while he lives.
Fury, Javier, and his students launch a successful attack on Doom's fortress; John Grey, revealed to be female, dies from her exertions in keeping the ship intact. The Four of the Fantastick are freed, and Doom is horribly scarred when lightning strikes a golden ball that he believes is the Templar's treasure. In fact, the true treasure is Donal's walking stick, which when struck on the ground transforms into the hammer Mjolnir and Blake into the Norse god
Strange is executed by James, who is furious that Fury and the witchbreed escaped him. Now no longer constrained by the Watcher's oath, Strange communicates telepathically with his wife
Fury and company arrive at the Roanoke colony, where they discover the rift through which Rogers arrived. Javier senses three ships incoming: the Virginia Maid, Enrique's ship, and a ship carrying James's agents, among them his advisor
The rift and the universe restore themselves, meaning the destruction of the alternate timeline; however, Uatu the Watcher is granted a "pocket universe" by his colleagues in which the 1602 timeline remains intact, and where the powered fugitives decide to settle in the Roanoke colony, declaring it a free place for all. Meanwhile, while walking in the woods with Virginia, Peter is bitten by a spider exposed to the energies released when Rojhaz and Fury entered the rift. Banner, who shielded Peter from the energies, has changed into a hulking gray monster. Intrigued by the continuing events, Uatu continues to watch the new universe (later designated Earth-311).
Characters
1602 features both historical figures and many of the original Marvel superheroes and villains. Some popular characters, such as Wolverine, were not added because of Gaiman's vision to address the heroes of the 1960s. "The territory doesn't go much further than 1969 in terms of the characters that I picked to use," Gaiman noted. "I couldn't get everybody in because there are an awful lot of Marvel characters."[5]
- Elizabeth I of England: The aging Queen of England. Already close to death, she is killed by a poisonous gas device constructed by Otto Von Doom (the Doctor Doom of this reality).[9][10]
- witchbreed (the mutantsof this reality) and seeks to destroy them along with any who practice sorcery or witchcraft.
- Snowbirdwho has a similar appearance and powers, though Neil Gaiman had denied this.
- Uatu, the Watcher: A younger member of a race of intelligent beings who have sworn not to interfere in the affairs of lesser races, only to watch and observe. He breaks this oath, however, by explaining the situation to an astral projection of Doctor Stephen Strange.
- Sir Nicholas Fury: The Queen's intelligence officer (referred to as the "intelligencer") and responsible for foiling many past plots against the monarch. Seemingly killed when he carries an unconscious Rojhaz into the dimensional rift.
- Doctor Stephen Strange: The Queen's Physician, who is also a magician and alchemist. He allows himself to be beheaded by King James, which subsequently frees him from the restriction placed upon him by Uatu, the Watcher (namely, that he could not reveal what he knows while still living).
- Peter Parquagh: Sir Nicholas' apprentice; left orphaned and tended to by his aunt and uncle until Fury arrived and took the boy to London.
- who moonlights as a freelance agent. Matthew was blinded by a mysterious substance he encountered as a child; yet from it, he also acquired heightened senses.
- Clea Strange: Stephen Strange's wife and assistant, Clea actually comes from another dimension. After bringing her husband's severed head to the Roanoke colony – thus fulfilling her last promise to him – she asks the heroes to bury the head with the rest of the body and then returns to her home dimension.
- Rojhaz: Virginia's blonde-haired, blue-eyed Native American bodyguard, who in fact is a displaced Captain America from a dystopian future. When the government of his time ruled by Purple Man captured him and attempted to execute him using advanced technology, he was accidentally sent back in time – the event which triggered the alternate timeline to begin with – thus forming the paradox of the story.
- Hal McCoy, Werner, and "John" Grey(who is in fact a young woman with psychic powers rivaling his own).
- The Sir Richard Reed, Susan Storm, and John Storm. Their bodies were reshaped into the four elements: Reed's body became pliable like water, Grimm's body became solid rock, Susan's body became weightless and invisible like air, and John's body became living fire. They are eventually captured by Doom.
- Petros, who are secretly his children. He is also aided by Toad, despite Toad's betrayal at one point.
- David Banner: An advisor to King James, Banner is sent to Roanoke in order to kill Fury. When the rift is closed at the end of the story, Banner is caught within the backlash and is later seen lurking in the nearby woods as a massive gray-skinned creature (the Hulk).
- Count Otto von Doom: Doom is the ruler of Latveria, known as Otto the Handsome due to his perfect physique and appearance. He captures the Fantastick Four in order to force Reed's compliance in creating war machines, poisons, and various other inventions. Von Doom is later struck and badly burned by Thor's lightning, although he survives.
- witchbreed and is taken to the New World along with the Fantastick Four.
- Natasha: She travels with Matthew while en route to meet Donal, who is bringing the Templar Treasure to England. Natasha is revealed to be working for Count Otto von Doom.
Reception and legacy
The first issue of 1602 was ranked first in August 2003 US comics with pre-order sales of 150,569.[11]
1602 received mixed praise upon its release with
Conversely,
James Fleming, an adjunct instructor at Keiser University and Southern New Hampshire University, has also written about the use of the postmodern tradition in 1602 and how this is employed as a means to respond to the post-9/11 world in which the comic was written.[20]
Sequels
1602's success led to three sequels.
- The first, 1602: New World, takes place shortly after the end of 1602, with the heroes settling down in America. The series was written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Greg Tocchini, and the first issue was published in August 2005. During that time, Lord Iron and Captain Ross had arrived to hunt down David Banner while coming into conflict with the Spider and Virginia Dare. Meanwhile, Master Osborn tries to turn the natives against the settlers.
- The second sequel, Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four, was written by Peter David and pencilled by Pascal Alixe. The story involves the Fantastic Four's adventures in London, the return of Otto Von Doom, and the "Four Who Are Frightful" when they capture William Shakespeare to chronicle Otto von Doom's travels to Bensaylum (this reality's Alantis).
- The third sequel Spider-Man: 1602, was written by Jeff Parker and pencilled by Ramon Rosanas. The story centers on the continuing adventures of the Spider and features reinterpretations of Doctor Octopus, the Lizard, and Mary Jane Watson. Also appearing are the Beast, Janet and Henry Pym, the Kingpin (reimaged as a pirate named King's Pin), Bullseye (reimaged as an assassin and first mate of the King's Pin), and Steve Rogers.
Spider-Verse
The Marvel 1602 universe appears in a lead-up to Spider-Verse. Peter Parquah is on stage at the Globe Theatre with Marion Jane Watson's family when Morlun appears. Peter attempts to defend himself, but Morlun proves too powerful. Morlun brings down the Globe Theater around everyone, and absorbs Peter's life essence. Before disappearing into another dimension, Morlun declares that all spiders will die.[21]
Secret Wars (2015)
Marvel 1602 appears in Secret Wars where its domain on Battleworld is referred to as King James' England. It is mostly featured in the comic 1602: Witch Hunter Angela (which features a witch hunter version of Angela). The Secret Wars Marvel 1602 now includes Bronze Age and Modern Age Marvel characters where its King James is a variation of Wolverine.
Web-Warriors
The Web Warriors (Alternate versions of Spider-Man) visited the 1602 Universe to deal with the dimension's version of Sinister Six called the Sinister Sextet which consists of Carnage, Electro, Karnov, Magus, and Serpent. After apprehending the villains, they noticed the dimension's Electro has escaped. Unbeknownst to the heroes, Electro followed them back to the Great Web.[22]
In other media
Television
- The Marvel 1602 reality appears in The Super Hero Squad Show episode "1602! (Six Against Infinity, Part 6)".[citation needed]
- Marvel 1602 creator Neil Gaiman stated that he pitched the idea of a live-action adaptation of the series to Marvel Television, only to be rejected. Additionally, Marvel Studios producer Kevin Feige has also stated that he is interested in a Marvel 1602 series alongside Earth X, but noted that there must be a built-in audience for it.[23]
- The Marvel 1602 reality appears in the What If... the Avengers Assembled in 1602?", which was produced without Neil Gaiman's involvement.[25]
Video games
- Spider-Man 1602 appears as an unlockable skin in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions.[citation needed]
- Spider-Man 1602 appears as a playable character in Spider-Man Unlimited.[citation needed]
Collected editions
Title | Material collected | Published date | ISBN |
---|---|---|---|
Marvel 1602 | 1602 #1–8 | October 2004 | 0-7851-1073-9 |
Marvel 1602: New World | Marvel 1602: New World #1–5 | January 2006 | 978-0785114949 |
Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four | Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four #1–5 | June 2007 | 978-0785122937 |
Marvel 1602: New World/Fantastick Four | Marvel 1602: New World #1–5 and Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four #1–5 | October 2009 | 978-0785141365 |
Marvel 1602: Spider-Man
|
Marvel 1602: Spider-Man #1–5
|
May 2010 | 978-0785146032 |
1602 Witch Hunter Angela | 1602 Witch Hunter Angela #1–4 and 1602 #1 | March 2016 | 978-0785198604 |
See also
- Dark Knights of Steel, a comic book series by DC Comics with a similar premise.
References
- ^ McKowen, Scott. "Cover Process", from Marvel 1602: page 3.
- ^ "Spider-Man 1602 (2009) #1". Marvel Entertainment. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ^ a b c Gaiman, Neil (30 June 2004). "Afterword", from Marvel 1602: page 1.
- ^ Gaiman, Neil (30 June 2004). "Afterword", from Marvel 1602: p.2.
- ^ a b c d Weiland, Jonah (2003-06-27). "Marvel's '1602' Press Conference". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2008-02-18.
- ^ a b Lowe, Nick. "Pencils", from Marvel 1602.
- ^ a b McKowen, Scott. "Cover Process", from Marvel 1602: page 1.
- ^ a b c McKowen, Scott. "Cover Process", from Marvel 1602: page 2.
- ^ "Elizabeth I of England", Wikipedia, 2019-04-21, retrieved 2019-05-17
- ^ "7 things you (probably) didn't know about Elizabeth I". History Extra. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ^ "Top 300 Comics Actual—August 2003". icv2.com. 2004-09-16. Retrieved 2008-07-16.
- ^ Dolan, Cody (2003-08-25). "1602 #1 Review". Comics Bulletin. Archived from the original on December 4, 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-23.
- ^ Jensen, Jeff (2003-09-05). "Book Capsule Review: 1602 (Summer 2003)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2008-02-13.
- ^ The Gentleman (2005-08-13). "Somewhere in Time". ShakingThrough.net. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ a b Latta, Darren (2004). "Featured Review: 1602 (Marvel Comics)". UGO Networks. Archived from the original on 2008-12-04. Retrieved 2008-02-20.
- ^ Quills Foundation (2005). "The Quill Awards: The 2005 Awards". TheQuills.Org. Archived from the original on December 28, 2007. Retrieved 2008-02-12.
- ^ Brady, Matt (2004-03-31). "Diamond Names 2003 Gem Award Winners". Newsarama. Archived from the original on December 19, 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-31.
- Time Magazine. Archived from the originalon 2007-12-17. Retrieved 2008-02-12.
- ^ Lander, Randy (2003-07-10). "Snap Judgements: Marvel 1602". TheFourthRail.com. Archived from the original on 2008-05-16. Retrieved 2008-02-12.
- ^ Fleming, James. "Incommensurable Ontologies and the Return of the Witness in Neil Gaiman's 1602." ImageTexT 4.1. [1]
- ^ Free Comic Book Day Vol 2014 Guardians
- ^ Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 4 #1. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Anderson, Jenna (June 26, 2019). "Neil Gaiman Pitched a Marvel 1602 TV Show". Combicbook.com. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
- ^ Moreau, Jordan (July 22, 2022). "'Marvel Zombies,' 'Spider-Man: Freshman Year,' 'What If?' Season 2 Get First Looks". Variety. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
- ^ Gaiman, Neil (December 31, 2023). "aceromanticperfection". Tumblr. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
External links