Marvel Dimensions is a new Abrams ComicArts release by Alex Ross, the artist notable for his photorealistic illustrations. The book shows readers a parallel universe where variations of Marvel characters lean towards the perspective of 19th-century English historian Lord Acton that “power tends to corrupt” rather than the perspective of 20th-Centuty American philosopher Stan Lee that “with great power comes great responsibility.”
Buy Marvel DimensionsThe story is told in second-person point of view as the reader is immediately greeted by a Watcher. Then a roll call of major Marvel superheroes is initiated, the stories of each told across a two-page spread, narrated by the hero or an individual in that character’s life. For example, Tony Stark tells of becoming Iron Man while Toro introduces his mentor, the original Human Torch. Interestingly, even though he died during a mission during WWII, Bucky references things that happened to Captain America after that moment, like being found by the Avengers. And it’s not always people that like the hero who speak as J. Jonah Jameson and Loki give their perspectives on Spider-Man and the Avengers respectively. Ross does a great job capturing the characters’ voices and, in these instances, their disdain.
The Watcher then explains he has the technology “to look into…the alternate worlds that follow different paths in other timelines.” Ross presents recreated panels from the “X-Men: Days of Future Past” storyline and What If? books. One such world is “fundamentally opposite…like a distorted mirror.” It is this universe the Watcher wants to show the reader. He calls it “The In-Verse,” and it is presented in a 32-page, more traditionally drawn comic, stapled within Marvel Dimensions.
The story continues to be narrated by the Watcher, revealing that in this universe, “it appears that the worst things power could be used for are made manifest.” The “heroes” are seen reflected from Ross’ funhouse mirror. The Avengers-inspired 1st Strike led by the American Sword interrogate two men and murder many more who stand against them. A powerful threat is discovered, a device known as the Ultimate Nullifier, residing in the Dark Dimension. Many teams seek it, including the cosmic-ray-enhanced Unknowables and the mutant team Exalted led by Master X. All wanting to control it because no one trusts anyone else to have the power the device brings. This leads to a fantastic battle sequence across several pages that readers will need to slowly pore over to take in all involved and all that’s going on. The battle resolves in a satisfying manner for the Watcher and the story resolves in a satisfying manner for this reader.
Marvel Dimensions is highly recommended for fans of both Alex Ross and Marvel Comics. Ross’ art continues to be of high quality and it’s a treat to see him work in two different styles. The writing is also very good as he deals with questions of good and evil in such a way that one doesn’t need to know the Marvel characters to appreciate the story and its themes.
