by Jack Blacker

From: Marvel Comics
Writer: Neil Gaiman
Illustration: John Romita Jr.

   Neil Gaiman’s “Eternals”, a limited series based on the Jack Kirby creation, delivers intrigue, great storytelling, and amazing art but in the end leaves the reader wondering where the rest of the story is. Followers of Gaiman may also find some story elements to be very familiar.

   If you, constant reader, are truly interested in the history of the Eternals—which is somewhat compelling in its own right—and how it sprang from Erich Von Däniken’s work of non-fiction called “Chariots of the Gods?” I’ll leave it to up to you to research it on Wikipedia. Though, I will say that perhaps the most intriguing component of the Eternals universe is that it, unlike most comics, delivers a mythology that stretches back to the creation of mankind. Somehow, despite the sheer wackiness of these conjectures, it does lend a bit of gravitas to the storyline.

   In this particular installment, a strange occurrence has wiped the memory of the Eternals, who now believe themselves to be regular schmucks, with bad jobs and everyman problems. Ike Harris, the only Eternal with some semblance of memory remaining, seeks to reawaken the others to their true purpose as protectors of Earth. As could be expected he runs into some rather interesting and painful roadblocks. Somehow, despite being In Absentia for most of the story he accomplishes his goal and the Eternals begin to rediscover their powers just in time to confront their enemies from time immemorial, the Deviants, who seek to reawaken a godlike Celestial imprisoned on Earth for unknown reasons.

   Credit Neil Gaiman for creating an engaging story with memorable characters and dialogue that rings true. His usual droll wit is also very present. His partner in crime, John Romita Jr., is able to keep pace with Gaiman in the illustrations, delivering equally humorous visuals and capturing the personalities of the characters as completely as if he had a proton pack and a ghost trap. The sum of these parts results in seven comics, or one large graphic novel, that keeps you reading and leaves you wanting more.

   Which brings me to the complaints, which are few but necessary. After all, objectivity is the only thing that separates journalism from propaganda. If you happen to work for Fox News you may want to forget that last sentence quickly, lest ye develop a severe case of head explosion.

   First, many of the questions developed in this miniseries are left unanswered by the end, including (in my opinion) the most important question regarding the imprisoned Celestial. As a comic series that has recently been continued by other writers this is perfectly acceptable, but as a graphic novel this was a bit disappointing.

   Second, for those who have read Neil Gaiman’s work, particularly his novels, the story setup—Joe average discovers gods/superheroes/fairies/princes walk the earth and he is unknowingly one of them—may seem achingly familiar. It is standard Gaiman fare and besides his short stories and poems has served as the setup for a great deal of his fiction. Now before the Gaiman fanboys hack my computer and e-crucify me, let me say that I enjoy just about everything Neil Gaiman writes, and I never find it lacking in quality or creativity but I’d like to read something of his that was different.

   The man is talented enough to write a six hundred page novel about a grain of sand named Fred and turn it into a riveting bestseller. At this point however, I’d fully expect that somewhere within the story Joe Shmoe grain of sand Fred would discover he was a god, a superhero, or a fairy prince.

   Collectors of Gaiman’s work will want to add this one to their bookshelves. Fans of great writing and art, who are not so much concerned with the completeness of the work, will want to do likewise.  Those in desperate need of a story with a cathartic and satisfying ending may be better served by looking elsewhere.