First of all, I would like to say how happy I am to see marvel put out a book like this. A story in continuity, in the main universe that is something other than a beaten path superhero book is always a gift, so long as it is good. And this was more than good, it was engrossing. There is so much going on here and so much of it is fascinating that it is difficult to encapsulate in a review.

I will start with the artwork since that is just easier to talk about. I did not know who Dustin Weaver was before but I do now and if he keeps this up a lot more people will know it too. I read an interview where Hickman had said that he was ready with this story for a while but they were waiting for the right artist. I can see why. Hickman’s story ambitions are obviously huge and the only way to effectively tell it puts a heavy storytelling weight on the art. Not many artists in the industry could have done this book, not even some of the greats, but Weaver is fantastic here.

The settings are as diverse as 1950’s New York, Ancient Egypt, 16th century Florence and 2nd century China. Events such as descending into a magical underground city, confronting a celestial, Galactus invading Renaissance Rome, and Leonardo Da Vinci piloting a steampunk flying armour have to be shown convincingly, often in a single panel. All of this I accomplished with amazing detail and richness. Perhaps more challenging than the great looking fantastical elements is drawing a convincing portrayal of all those different historical periods. With all these challenges the art is consistently gorgeous and compelling. How can he possibly keep this up and stay on schedule?

The main character is Leonid about which we learn very little and about whom we are left with more questions than answers. What exactly is he, what’s with the starry look, and what exactly are his powers? I have no idea. Frankly, character development and a clear narrative are not part of this issue’s virtues. The main purpose of this first issue seems to be setting the stage and lay the foundations for the rather heady ideas this story seems to be based around.

Starting at the dawn of civilization, with Imhotep, a secret society of some of history’s most famous scientists and scholars have been the heroes that stood between the world and destruction by otherworldly threats such as the Brood and Galactus. This society persists into the 1950’s when they take Leonid to their secret, magical city beneath Rome to recruit him because they say he will become one of these saviours. They call themselves the Shield after Imhotep’s own shield which is their symbol and resembles closely the symbol for the modern S.H.I.E.L.D. They have guided and protected humanity throughout history, seemingly lead by some foreknowledge of humanities ultimate fate that they have divined. Leonid joins up but once his apparently rebellious father shows up perhaps not everything is as it seems.

I am not at all sure what all this is leading to and what exactly who and what everything is in the 1950s storyline but man I can’t wait for the next issue to find out more. This issue packs in more cool moments and crazy ideas than most series have in years. It also has a great last page and last line. This is one new series I really hope doesn’t fall prey to an early cancellation; it would be a shame not to see where this is going. If all of this isn’t enough to convince you to go out and buy this, you are a very different kind of comics fan than I am.

I still can’t get over how great the backgrounds look in this thing!