First of all, I must admit that I’m not a foremost authority on the world of The Eternals, having only picked up two issues off the stands of the initial run, and drifting from comics at the time of the Peter B. Gillis/Sal Buscema maxi-series of 1985. Of course, I get the basic dynamic of the Celestials, Eternals and Deviants, recognize Kirby’s visual designs for the main cast, and remember Sersi from the ‘Steve Epting Era’ Avengers. I read and enjoyed the 2006 Neil Gaimen/John Romita Jr. re-boot mini-series, and am currently reading the recent first trade paperback of the original series. The conclusion of the Gaimen/Romita Jr. book left me interested enough to try this new series by rising writing talents Charles and Daniel Knauf, with art by Daniel Acuna (who handles the colors as well as line art).
I must also admit that I find myself in the same camp with our humble host, David, in that while appreciative of the technical merit and effort of Acuna’s art style, it’s never really caught my eye, that is, until issue #1 of this series. While the art there really knocked my socks off, here in issue #2 it appears to me a bit inconsistent, muddy and rushed in places. Fortunately, in this issue the generally ambiguous overall story is unwound and clarified, identifying the variables and threats at play in a satisfying way that leaves mystery to the details, but provides enough needed backbone and structure to the story. Appearances by Iron Man and The Order continue to establish this book as part of the Marvel Universe.
So, like me, if you read the first issue and liked what you saw but weren’t sure where this series appeared to be headed, try this issue to get a much better sense of story direction in order to determine if The Eternals is for you. This issue has sold me on the title!
WRITERS: CHARLES & DANIEL KNAUF
ARTIST: DANIEL ACUNA
LETTERS: TODD KLEIN
EDITOR: MARK PANICCIA
Rated T+ …$2.99
