If I'm remembering correctly, that was the first American work by Gaiman (his Sandman series started not long after, I believe).
At any rate, it was the first time I remember reading his work. Frankly, I wasn't expecting much. Who could match up to Moore's work?
Needless to say, he was a great choice. Gaiman took the series in a completely different direction, crafting individual issues, each one a gem, examining the new world left in the wake of Moore's city-shattering series.
Teamed with artist Mark Buckingham, the stories gave us insights into a world of wonders, where miracles were everyday events - but things are rarely what they seem.
Gaiman built a new mythology - or religion, if you like - based on the godlike heroes in the Miracleman family.
This issue follows a small group of people who undertake a massive challenge - climbing to the top of the temple the Miracles have built on the bones of London. Each one has a request - a prayer - to offer to Miracleman - but will they survive the experience?
Buckingham's art is an interesting mix of amazing architecture and environments - stunning work, really - but some of his characters are surprisingly sketchy. But it works well for this story, bringing a world of mystery and magic to life.
The series shows that Gaiman knew how to capture magic on the page practically from the start.
Best of all, this series (I believe) will finally print the never-published stories Gaiman wrote some 25 years ago.
It's about time!
Grade: A
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2 comments:
Gaiman did a short (3?) issue Black Orchid series for DC too, but I think it came after Miracle Man too, but before Sandman. I seem to remember she meets up with Swamp Thing (since they're both sort of plant-like), but it's been a while since I've read or looked at those. They had good art in them too.
El Vox, Yes, I liked the Black Orchid mini-series, too - but the Miracleman stories were the first one where I thought, "This guy can write!" His work on Sandman cemented it (though I didn't catch on to that series until around issue #10 - thank goodness for collections)!
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