Empyre #1
Marvel Comics
Writer: Al Ewing
Artists: Valero Schiti & Marte Gracia
It’s taken forever to get here thanks to a couple of publishing delays, but Empyre is finally officially here. After a couple of decent but intriguing prequel issues, Empyre #1 gets everything moving at full swing.
Al Ewing gets things started by picking up where the zero issues left off. The Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the Skrull/Kree armada are now colliding, setting the stage for a massive battle for Earth. Ewing’s script is very blockbuster-esque, with some simple build-up that mostly acts as a path towards the big action scene. A few of the characters aren’t quite their genius selves in this issue, and it feels like this is only to get the wheels rolling. There isn’t anything offensive in this script, but it certainly isn’t Ewing’s best. Still, even if the characters are a little off, there is plenty of tension in the build-up. Tony and Reed have great chemistry in this issue, and their monologues juxtapose each other well here. If the reader is willing to suspend some disbelief, this is a wildly fun issue.
The entire creative team comes together to make the big moments feel grand. There are tons of fantastic panels, funny quips, and one intense twist that makes this issue worth checking out. The big action scene feels epic, and that’s thanks to the fantastic balance between Ewing’s script and Valero Schiti’s art. Everything flows well, though some of the action could use a bit more fleshing out. This is already a large issue, but a few more pages wouldn’t have hurt.
Marte Gracia is this issue’s shining creator, with some stellar colors filling the pages. Space has never looked so good, with blues and purples lighting up the stars. All of the beams and explosions are full of weight thanks to Gracia’s work. Empyre #1 is a clear example of what a colorist can do, and I’m convinced that Gracia might be Marvel’s best colorist at the moment.
Empyre #1 reads like a summer blockbuster, which might be what we all need right now. Some of the characters aren’t quite themselves, but that doesn’t stop this from being an explosively fun read. Be sure to check it out.
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Empyre #1 reads like a summer blockbuster, which might be what we all need right now. Some of the characters aren't quite themselves, but that doesn't stop this from being an explosively fun read. Be sure to check it out. Empyre #1
