 |
| Operation Justice Incarnate |
By deciding to read this article, you have opened your mind to multiversal awareness. The world you know is but one of 52 universes, currently at the mercy of a force known as the Gentry. Other universes are believed to have already been invaded, revealed in the form of a comic called The Multiversity from visionary Grant Morrison.
The Multiversity is a collection of one-shot alternate universe stories, connected by the overarching plot of the Gentry's attack. We watch as the heroes and villains become aware of the other universes by reading the same comics you hold in your hands, eventually forming a multiverse-wide team known as the Justice Incarnate.
 |
| Multiversity #1 and Society of Super-Heroes |
The story is bookended by two chapters with blockbuster art by Ivan Reis. In the first of these, we are introduced to multiverse monitor Nix Uotan, the heroes of other worlds, and the grotesque Gentry. This kicks off the rest of the book, and the events that lead into the finale. The rest of the chapters are somewhat standalone, which is where the book really shines.
Society of Super-Heroes, the first one shot, is a pulp-esque take on the Justice Society. Artist Chris Sprouse provides us with an atmosphere of mystery and adventure that feels different to the mainstream DCU without deviating too far from the house style. Morrison's story of a war between two binary universes is wacky and fun, with some dark and potent moments - this was a great introduction to the general vibe of the rest of the book.
 |
| The Just and Pax Americana |
However, the next story is considerably different in tone and style to S.O.S. The Just follows the bored next generation of heroes, whose parents have already solved every problem for them. This allows for a powerful narrative about emotions and mental health, brought to life by the realistic artwork of Ben Oliver. And who can say no to another Damian Wayne Batman adventure?
Next comes the best one-shot, Pax Americana. Honestly, I couldn't actually grasp the overall narrative of the story, but that didn't stop it from bringing me to tears. Illustrated by the legendary Frank Quitely, Pax is Morrison's take on Watchmen and provides beautiful commentary on the nature of peace. Told in a non-linear fashion, it reads like a piece of melancholy music and contains some of the most innovative page layouts in recent memory. It doesn't really connect to the overall plot of The Multiversity, but is an excellent example of what comics can accomplish nonetheless.
 |
| Thunderworld Adventures and Guidebook |
We get another big shift in tone with Thunderworld Adventures, a Captain Marvel story that takes him back to the Fawcett Comics days. Thanks to Cameron Stewart, it feels like the best Shazam cartoon that never was. Driving the overall plot forward, we see the Marvel family fight the multiversal "Legion of Sivanas" (which seems to include Hannibal Lecter and Walter White). Thunderworld will make you feel like a kid again, and is overall a top-tier Shazam story.
Around halfway into the book is The Multiversity Guidebook, which contains descriptions of all 52 Earths, a multiverse map and more world-hopping stories. The magnitude of the Gentry's invasion is put into perspective here, and this issue in particular is required reading for anybody with an interest in DC continuity.
 |
| Mastermen and Ultra Comics |
The Multiversity's hard-hitting commentary returns with Mastermen, the Nazi counterpart to past DC hit Red Son. Much like the communist Superman of that story, Mastermen's Overman begins to express doubt over his totalitarian rule of the world. This leads to conflict with his team of "New Reichsmen", and a heartbreaking conclusion that suggests that even inside a fascist dictator, there's a human being. There's also superstar Jim Lee's rendition of a constipated Hitler, if you're not already sold on it.
Aside from the finale, the chapter that gets the most build-up is Ultra Comics, featured in the other one-shots as a haunted comic book. Reading a book that claims to be sentient is a pretty bizarre experience, especially when it starts begging you to put it down. Artist Doug Mahnke, who is known best for his action blockbuster comics, creates an eerie and uncomfortable atmosphere, helping to make this a book you won't forget any time soon.
 |
| Intellectron of the Gentry |
Overall, The Multiversity is just as insanely creative as you'd expect from Grant Morrison, and features top-tier artwork from some of DC's biggest names. Now that you've read this review, you really ought to help fight back against the Gentry invasion by picking up a copy as soon as you can!
Rating: 9/10
You can open a gateway to The Multiversity through Comixology's digital edition or a hardback copy of the book, each of which contain all of the one-shots. Hurry, your universe needs you!
Comments
Post a Comment