Gin and Comics #18
Diving into the multiverse of graphic novels where even the kitchen sink has a backstory, “Secret Wars” by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic stands out—not as the hero we deserved, but perhaps the one we got. This Marvel concoction reboots the classic ’80s storyline, this time asking, “What if universes collide in a traffic jam of epic proportions?”
Hickman, known for turning complex plots into a form of high art (as seen in “Avengers” and “Fantastic Four”), aims for the stars with “Secret Wars.” However, somewhere between the plot twists and character reboots, the story gets as tangled as headphone cords in your pocket. It’s ambitious, yes, but perhaps a little too enamored with its own cleverness.
Esad Ribic steps up to the plate with his brush, swinging for the fences. His art, reminiscent of his work on “Thor: God of Thunder,” brings a kind of mythic grandeur to the chaos, making each panel worth a second look—even if you’re still trying to figure out who’s who and why they’re fighting.
Spurred on by a tantalizing peek at this graphic novel in the “Deadpool 3” trailer, I dove in, hoping for a narrative slam dunk. What I got was more of a narrative lay-up. It’s visually stunning and as stuffed with action as a Thanksgiving turkey, but in terms of a gripping story, it’s a bit like a superhero costume: fantastic to look at but not the easiest thing to move forward in.
So, while “Secret Wars” might not be the best tale ever told in the Marvel universe, it’s definitely worth a look for its artistic flair and for anyone who enjoys their cosmic battles served with a side of existential crisis.
