Marvels

So this one is a little unique as far as spoilers go.  This post is about the graphic novel called Marvels which was published by, you guessed it, Marvel back in 1994.  The story is written by Kurt Busiek and the art was done by Alex Ross.  The reason this one is unique as far as spoilers go is because the graphic novel comprises of four smaller story arcs that cover major well known events in Marvel's storytelling history.  So to know about these events is not to spoil the story.  Instead the power of the story comes from how an ordinary every day human citizen of New York City reacts to these events.

Marvels centers around a reporter and photographer named Phil Sheldon living in New York City in the Marvel Universe.  Phil has no powers and no direct connection to any Marvel heroes or villains.  He is an everyday normal guy trying to make a living and start a family.  And that is the power of this story.  It takes the larger than life characters and story arcs that comic fans know and love and forces them to be examined by someone who isn't privy to the personal lives of these mythic heroes.  Phil doesn't see the conversations or battles between the characters of Marvel.  He doesn't know who the Green Goblin or Spider-man are and why they are fighting.  Instead all he sees is a normal person like himself caught in their crossfire.  He doesn't know how Reed Richards got Galactus to spare Earth all he knows is a silver guy is telling everyone Galactus is coming to devour them all.  He doesn't know Wolverine or Mystique personally he is just a regular human who sees people with bizarre powers stirring up a lot of fear on both sides.

When I read this story the sheer power of it felt like a tidal wave.  It reframed how I saw these famous comic story arcs and made them more personal and human.  It took out the action and adventure and left only the heart behind.  It examines what happens when we see larger than life people and events play out and how they can affect our faith, beliefs and values.

I highly recommend this book for Marvel fans because it takes new perspective on milestone events in that universe.  I also highly recommend it for people who don't read comics.  Because you don't need to know who the Human Torch is or what Sentinels are to get this story and it's message.  The story takes the point of view of someone who also doesn't know these characters and allows the reader to journey into why these storylines are so universal and impactful.  It helps you understand in a very abstract way why comics are so beloved and the power that they can hold as a medium of storytelling.