Reviewer: Tim Stevens
Story Title: Second Coming
Written by: Greg Pak
Art by: Charlie Adlard
Colored by: F. Serrano
Lettered by: Cory Petit
Editor: Cory Sedlemeier
Publisher: Marvel Comics
First, a story. My friend Tim and two other people, let’s call them Joe and Wally, are walking down the street talking about a kid named Adam. At one point, Wally asks, “What’s his last name again?” and Joe responds, “Warlock.” Tim corrects Joe, saying, “No, not HIM.” Get it? Adam Warlock used to be called him? Yeah”¦we’re all big nerds here in CT”¦so what?
That awful pun aside, my exposure to Adam has been minimal. Obviously, this is not the Warlock of the Infinity era. In fact, this is not even the same Marvel Universe. Although references of Doctor Strange and Spider-Man link it to the universe proper, those references seem to be more of a pop culture variety. Thus, we are given the impression that this is the “real world” where superheroes only exist in the four color world of comics and the dark stadium seated theaters of the local cineplex.
It is in this world that a girl named Janie helps design (or redesign rather) what she believes to be a new messiah-esque super hero for an upcoming film. The design they have now (the classic Warlock look) is far too corny for her tastes, so she sets about to give him a look that is both “terrifying and inspiring.”
As it turns out this is not for any movie, but rather a real life hero that these scientists, who cynically bet on how humanity will survive (the lowest bid is 2 years, the highest 19), are building. Apparently the name of the game is saving humanity from itself and Marvel’s (redesigned) Golden Boy is just the man for the job.
The redesign is a bit problematic. It certainly looks great, but, in doing so, it also looks a whole lot like Ellis and Cassidy’s Captain Marvel (DC style) analog in Planetary. If one switches the Planetary fella’s color scheme to the red and yellows of Warlock, they could practically be twins.
Story wise, many might themselves annoyed that this Adam in no way relates to the mainstream Marvel Warlock. Although the solicitations hint that this is “not your Dad’s Warlock” (to borrow a cliché) is never comes out and says why or that this is not even in the Marvel U. proper. You may find yourself feeling a bit misled.
The other issue is that Adam does not make an appearance to the closing moments of the book. For those who have issues with this sort storytelling approach, there is little up until that moment that is likely to make you forgive and forget.
For myself, a man with no emotional connection to the classic HIM and certainly no issue with the aforementioned storytelling devices, the book was a pleasant surprise. The solicitations were so wildly over the top: “In a world on the brink, humankind’s time is running out, but deep in the jungles of South America a solution is being forged, a solution that will bring about a grand new utopia – and that solution is Adam Warlock!” that I initially had counted on over the top cheesy fun, but not much substance. Instead, the story takes the time to build atmosphere and seems very dedicated to the concepts it puts forth. I still think a book more reflective of the solicitations would be a hell of a lot of fun to read, but this earnest take is certainly well crafted. It remains to be seen if Pak can live up the “Second Coming” role that Marvel has crafted for him, but it is clear that he at least has some chops.
Nothing will blow you away here, that is true. I do think that most will find this book a pleasant first issue.
The Final Word: No Infinity Gems? No problem. This is a trip to the jungle worth taking.
