What is going on in the year 2099? Why is this land seemingly a dystopia? Why is Conan in the year 2099? Find out in this introduction to the newly revamped future world in 2099 Alpha by Marvel Comics!

2099 ALPHA #1

Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Viktor Bogdanovic
Colorist: Marte Garcia
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Editor: Nick Lowe and Darren Shan
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: November 20th, 2019

Previously in 2099 Alpha: In 1992, great creative comic book minds created the concept of a futuristic modern world. Now that we are 80 years from 2099 and a new creative team wanted to put together a new interpretation of the story. Come see Conan, Ghost Rider, Punisher, the Fantastic Four, and Spider-Man in the new reboot of 2099!

THE FOUNDATION OF THE FUTURE

We are placed with a dystopia with Dr. Doom in charge. Using The Watcher, he peers into the lives of our protagonists. We see Thor and Conan fighting throughout the streets, Spider-Man is doing research into genetics, and Ghost-Rider scamming thieves throughout Transverse City. Dr. Doom has created this dystopia because of all the conflict that happened between Superheroes in the past. Battles between Captain America and Iron Man always had casualties and therefore Dr. Doom had to do something to “save” the world. This involved taking the baseline of human inhibition, destroying the superheroes, and erasing the memories that they have ever existed. Meanwhile in the outskirts of town, a woman kills two people to save a robot and the robot then hires her to help find her mother’s friends.

WHAT AN INTERPRETATION

I want to preface this review with a statement that I am not a huge fan of dystopian literature. When you think of Brave New World or 1984, it is an interesting thought experiment but never enjoyable for me. When I read the premise of this new series, I came in thinking I wasn’t going to like it and it is safe to say my expectations were low. However, when I read the story I saw a lot of ideas that they were beginning to foreshadow and it peaked my interest. The interpretation of Ghost Rider 2099 has always been one that interests me and the fact that Conan is in 2099 intrigues me. I like the idea of old versus new, tradition versus modern, and magic versus technology and the 2099 reboot seems to have all those ideas.

In the book itself, the writing seemed fairly strong and the conversation between Dr. Doom and The Watcher added a good baseline to worldbuild for us. There created a good introduction to the featured characters. It gave me a taste of the characterization of each protagonist and I did find myself wanting more. I wish this story gave us a little more information but for a prologue it did its job well. The art was acceptable but I think the colors is what really pushed the art to the next level. We get the feel of a desolate futuristic landscape with its muted colors and contrasted with dynamic choices to change your mood. Overall, solid choices here by the creative team.

BOTTOM LINE: NEW AND EXCITING

I don’t know if this series is going to be any good yet but I am optimistic. We are seeing a foundation with a wide range of characters and themes for the creative team to explore. I am excited to see what they do and I hope and crave for a good story. 4 out of 5 for 2099 Alpha #1 by Marvel Comics.

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2099 Alpha #1

80%

80%

Exciting

However, when I read the story I saw a lot of ideas that they were beginning to foreshadow and it peaked my interest. The interpretation of Ghost Rider 2099 has always been one that interests me and the fact that Conan is in 2099 intrigues me.

• Writing

  8
• Art

  7
• Coloring

  9
• User Ratings (0 Votes)
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