Comic Review: History of the Marvel Universe (2019-) #2

History of the Marvel Universe #2

Marvel Comics

Writers: Mark Waid

Artist: Javier Rodriguez

Picking up seamlessly where the previous issue left off, History of the Marvel #2 gets into the Golden Age and even a bit of the Silver Age. If you don’t know what’s going on, Franklin Richards is standing at the end of time with his Herald, Galactus. Before the universe ends, Franklin asks Galactus to tell him the history of this universe. That’s basically the whole premise of this series, thus far.

This issue is chock full of information, and it doesn’t really feel overstuffed like the last issue. Of course, there’s a lot to take in, but it’s more grounded now. Issue #1 was more focused on the cosmic origin of the actual Marvel Universe itself, whereas this issue established more of the characters that inhabit it. Just like issue #1, there are quite a few pages in the back of this comic with annotations detailing the origin of the concepts that we’re shown in the story.

Right out the gate, there’s a long-forgotten relationship made canon that many writers have somewhat ignored. Mystique and Destiny are indeed lovers. I know that’ll make many fans happy. From there, we’re introduced to the first Union Jack, the first Iron Fist of the Modern Age, Blade’s birth and of course, the creation of Captain America.

Mark Waid’s writing never feels dull throughout this issue. It doesn’t differ much from the last issue, but the way this series is written, that should come as no surprise. Of course, the art is still the best part of this series. Javier Rodriguez’s art is just so damn good. There are many words I can use to explain it. Spectacular. Mesmerizing. Out-of-this-world. Gorgeous. His style is a bit different in this issue, too. More fitting towards the golden/silver age characters and what they looked like during their respected era. The Kirby influence is still appropriately obvious.

The care for the MU is included with both the writing and the art, but I think it is the artwork that does the storytelling better. When Steve Rogers is introduced, there are these small rectangular panels that show a young frail Rogers attempting to be recruited into the US Military. These small panels occur in the pages leading up to this beautiful spread showcasing Cap, Bucky, The Invaders and many other WWII era heroes in action against Nazi scum.

The only real negative I have about this issue is the placement of some characters. I understand that, in our reality, a lot of these characters were introduced in the 50s/60s. But within the MU, it doesn’t make much sense. For example, one of the last things shown in this issue was that Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, and Victor Von Doom all met in college. At this point in the story, we should be in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Richards, Grimm, and Doom all being at college at this point would mean they’re young adults. So that would mean they’re in their 70s in 2019.

It’s a minor flaw, as the way time passes by in comics is at a way slower pace compared to ours. But when the story you’re telling has specific time dates mentioned. it raises quite a few questions. Of course, this being only the 2nd issue, this could probably be explained in some oddball, over-the-top comic book way. Many other characters who aren’t very old today were also introduced in this issue, The Punisher is the biggest example. I’m sure there’ll be some explanation eventually. Until then, we just have to wait and see.