Marvel 1602

    (Marvel, 2003-2004)
™ and © Marvel Entertainment Group

1602 is the mini-series that dares to ask the all-important question, “What if the Marvel universe were set in 17th century Europe?” The reason more than three people in the world might care is that Neil Gaiman, Andy Kubert, and digital painter Richard Isanove are providing the answer in this long-anticipated comics event.

The first issue set the scene in the last days of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, when the old England of the Renaissance, Shakespeare, and magic was about to give way to the new era of religious strife and absolutism under the Stuart monarchy. Here, we are introduced to archaic equivalents of Marvel stalwarts Nick Fury, Doctor Strange, Peter Parker, and The X-Men, among others, who all have parts to play in some elaborate international scheme. In #2, one is tempted to say “the plot thickens,” but, if it got any thicker, it would solidify. Doctor Doom makes his predictable appearance as the heavy, along with a gaggle of other minor figures.

The texture of the historical backdrop and the richness of the plot only highlight the gimmicky quality of the premise, made worse because the reader is constantly prodded to admire the cleverness with which the familiar Marvel gang are shoehorned into the story in historical context. Gobs of stilted dialogue also spoil many of the beautiful painted images on the pages. It’s possible that the ship may right itself, as the series plows onward, but 1602 #2 does not offer much promise.

Hardcore Marvel zombies unfamiliar with the “Elseworlds” concept (although Gaiman has said that this is not an “Elseworlds” tale) successfully employed at DC for the last 10-15 years may find the novelty of 1602 stimulating—and certainly collectible. Gaiman fans who lack patience for external plot contrivances getting in the way of the story will be less impressed.

— Rob Salkowitz
Jump to issue:
  • 1
    #1
    Nov 2003
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert
    10 copies from $1.50
  • 1-2
    #1 - 2nd printing
    Jul 2010
    Cover: $1.00
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert
    1 copy for $0.50
  • 2
    #2
    Nov 2003
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert
    14 copies from $0.60
  • 3
    #3
    Dec 2003
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert
    16 copies from $0.75
  • 4
    #4
    Jan 2004
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert
    15 copies from $1.00
  • 5
    #5
    Feb 2004
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert
    13 copies from $1.75
  • 6
    #6
    Mar 2004
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert
    11 copies from $1.99
  • 7
    #7
    Apr 2004
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert
    13 copies from $1.30
  • 8
    #8
    Jun 2004
    Cover: $3.99
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert
    12 copies from $1.96
  • Bk 1/HC
    Book #1 Hardcover
    Hardcover Edition with cover by Scott McKowen
    Sep 2004
    Cover: $24.99
    W: Neil Gaiman  ·  A: Andy Kubert, Richard Isanove
    Collects Marvel 1602 #1-8; Introduction by Peter Sanderson
    2 copies from $14.00