CREDIT: Marvel Comics
Rating: 4.5/5 – A great, but not required read leading into Marvel’s next event.
by ComicSpectrum reviewer Shawn Hoklas.
Original Sin is the upcoming event from Marvel Comics that will tell the story of “Who killed the Watcher?”. Before the event starts though, Marvel has released a zero issue that dives into the Watcher’s history, providing an origin story for this long time Marvel character. It’s a smart move for Marvel in order to get readers to care for a character that they may not know too much about. Writer Mark Waid writes a compelling story that does a great job of giving you everything you need to know in order to enjoy this issue, while at the same time getting readers excited for Marvel’s next big event.
This story could be considered the calm before the storm. Waid writes a quieter issue that puts character moments front and center. We’ve never really seen Uatu the Watcher’s time before becoming the silent watcher that he is today. Waid gives us a glimpse into that time period as Uatu tells his story to Nova. It’s a great way for the narration to happen as Nova, much like the reader has little prior knowledge of this god-like being who lives on the moon. It’s paced wonderfully, and although this isn’t required reading leading into the Original Sin event, you will care more for this character which will hopefully make you enjoy the event all that more.
Jim Cheung and Paco Medina both handle the art on this issue and to be honest, during my first read through I wasn’t able to tell that there were two pencillers. The art is fantastic throughout and there are some really impressive splash pages that absolutely impress. Seeing Cheung’s artwork here makes me wish that he was handling the art on the whole event, but I’m still looking forward to seeing what regular series artist Mike Deadato will do on a stage this big. Cheung and Morales make this book shine even with 5 inkers (including Cheung and Morales) and Justin Ponsor’s colors bring the science fiction settings to life. This is a great issue that serves this event well. Again, it may not be required reading, but it’s great great reading.
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas
(shawn@comicspectrum.com)
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