It makes sense that Marvel is putting their Legacy Numbering to work, even here with Miracleman. Eclipse Comics originally published Miracleman and this issue. Still, Marvel has chosen to break this up into a separate Silver Age series, so it is either #2 for Silver Age or #24 for the overall story. For those who did collect the Eclipse issues, please remember this will be different than the one published with a cover date of August 1993, as this will have new designs and layouts by artist Mark Buckingham. To the more recent fans of Miracleman, I recommend you check out the original and appreciate the fact that you haven’t been waiting since ’93 for the next issue.
There is more to this issue than just the story, however, as Marvel has included original art layouts next to updated art layouts so you can see and compare the changes. As I read this issue, I noticed quite a few double-page spreads. Most were good, but the two-page spread of pages 2 and 3 here killed the tone for me. It was something to understand that Young Miracleman, Dickie Dauntless, had to watch a video to witness what Kid Miracleman had done to London in his second battle with Miracleman, probably the bloodiest battle in comics ever. You can see Dickie was shaken by this footage, and then he is on his bed reading comics which lessens the impact and feeling.
Adding to the modern-day upgrades to this issue is color artist Jordie Bellaire. As I’ve said before, Bellaire’s color palette is unique as it creates a world that would be in a Silver Age, so bright and hopeful. The colors play so well in this issue, especially with the Miracle Family members and their “Peter Pan Fairy Dust.” I liked how it added to the darkness by making it visible to present the effect. The colors added so much life to the ticker-tape parade, which helps the innocence of Dickie as he comes from a utopia but is amazed by New York City. Mark Buckingham and Jordie Bellaire spoil us with this “take two” edition of the comic.
The story by Neil Gaiman is fantastic, and I have to say I can not wait to see what will come next. Neil sets it perfectly for us to care for Young Miracleman and understand his “stranger in a strange land” vibe. We cheer for him as he gets these new experiences and regard him as he prays for his Miracle Family, making sure to mention himself last. With all this build-up and appreciation for the character, it hits so hard to see his interaction with Miracleman. I like how Neil sets the scene as Young Miracleman’s trust in Miracleman shatters. I also love when Young Miracleman throws the responsibility of Kid Miracleman’s fall right at Miracleman. The ending with Miracleman wanting to talk with Miraclewoman has planted some significant doubt about how tight the Miracle Family is.
Significant changes have happened to the Miracle Family, and the new bonds will be tested as moves are made. Young Miracleman will have his newly restored life turned upside down, which was a major cliffhanger for fans of Miracleman back in 1993. Before we get the new material, take time to appreciate this remaster of a significant issue.
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