Miracleman #1

Writers Alan Moore and Mick Anglo Artists Garry Leach, Don Lawrence, and Mick Anglo

 

Introduction

 

A lot has been said about Miracle Man to the point where adding another voice to the project feels slightly redundant. However, one thing that has not been discussed regarding the initial Alan Moore series is if the quality is still present after several decades, and if it is actually as good as the general fandom insists. When asking some fans of the series about the quality of the tales, most will just tell you it is a good read and then go about their business. From the critical eye, how does this run actually fair? How on earth will it read in a world where the writer is one of the most celebrated superhero authors of all time? When looking at other work from Moore will this simply feel extraneous? Also what does this book offer for fans of the property who have read this series before and are having a difficult time with the steep $5.99 price point? Do the reprints makes the title worth it? There is a lot of material open for discussion here.

 

Miracle Man #1

 

Mick Anglo and Don Lawrence have a really interesting peek into the comics of the 1950’s with this tale reading like a forgotten story from that time. The actual comic was written in 1985, and makes for a very interesting precursor into the post modern Moore written Miracle Man. The dichotomy effect works extremely well, and should serve to make fans of the property wistful of comics past, yet intrigued by what could possibly coming next. Anglo takes extreme as to not overwrite the story that he is telling, while Lawrence has an interesting retro art style.

 

Warrior #1 and #2

 

This issue paints a bleak picture that is a stark opposite of Miracle Man #1, but all the more entertaining for doing so. Combining these tales together gives readers some more context in the hero, and has the makings of a great story by taking the non-linear route into telling a story. If the hero were ever adapted for the screen or into another medium, combining the work in this way leads to a strong emotional effect that challenges the wonderful 1950’s with bleak 1980’s. Moore writes a hero that is relatable and unique, in his challenges to dealing with a secret identity, and acclimating life. Artist Garry Leach has a wonderful style capturing the strong depression and wonderful emotional highs that these tales have to offer. Fans of superheroics through a more realistic lens will not be disappointed by the incredible art of Leach. These stories should not be as entertaining and well written as they truly are, they do a great job taking a simple premise and invigorating with an immense amount of charm. The tales reveal a more somber Alan Moore who writes some great narration and dialogue in both of these well written stories. Due to the apparent charm and great writing, this story absolutely holds up today.

 

Behind The Scenes Material

 

There are nearly ten pages of extras, which really makes this particular installment really feel like a great love letter to Miracle Man in general. The art process is broken down by Leach and given some great detail that should have fans of the property really appreciating the work presented here. An interview with Mick Anglo should also entice fans into really enjoying this property. Those that are on the fence because of the price point of this book, should really consider the fact that there are a ton of extras and reprints that will get readers up to speed on what is truly special about the 1950’s hero.

 

Marvelman #25 and #32

 

Reading the actual stories written and drawn by Mick Anglo are a great deal of fun. They have an elegance to them that are lacking in modern comics. The best thing about these pieces is the artwork, the style is really clean and should leave many fans of the modern series intrigued to figure out where the beloved hero came from. The lines are rounded, and the inks are thick, proving another mirror into what the Alan Moore series can be compared too.

 

Conclusions

For fans who are really intrigued by Miracle Man and the backstory surrounding the character, this is an incredible collection. It is the proper celebration that a convoluted superhero has deserved for years. Miracle Man is dead, long live Miracle Man.