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Writer David F. Walker
Writer Ezra Claytan Daniels
Writer Justine Ireland
Writer Sheree Renee Thomas
Letterer Ariana Maher
Artist Julia Shaw
Artist Karen S. Darboe
Colorist Carlos Lopez
Cover Artists Caanan White and Frank D’Armata
In honor of Black History Month, I am honored to talk about Marvel Voices #1. This issue covers four dynamic stories of black characters within the Marvel Universe. The first story centers around Elijah Bradley, the grandson of Isaiah Bradley. It takes the reader right into the middle of Elijah trying to save children, from an evil villain.
Elijah also ponders reasoning as to recently wrestling with the fact of being a hero. The villain often insults Elijah on how weak, and why he wears the red, white, and blue suite equivalent to Sam Wilson’s suit. Many flashback scenes also of Elijah conversing with Sam Wilson and also T’Challa, who offers him mentorship at some point. This story was written beautifully, and the colors of each panel was brilliantly drawn. I am excited to see Elijah’s journey past this issue.
In the second story, it centers around Misty Knight and Colleen Wing. They are at a stake out, as they look and listen into someone who they are following. They both are reflecting the times when they blew their cover, as they are wrapping up an art-smuggling ring.
It kind of has a buddy-cop relationship between Misty and Colleen. They have each other’s backs. The art again is very beautiful, and the banter between Misty and Colleen was also wonderfully crafted. It becomes apparent that they maybe working together in the future.
Now to the third story, that has Deathlok as our main protagonist. Half-robot, half-human he wrestles with the fact that his body has been damaged in battle. His AI system is trying to save his life, there has been people who have died. Deathlok has many flashbacks of his life before.
He reminds me of Cyborg, fighting the AI system the whole way, even though the system is trying to look out for him. The AI system takes over child toys, and tries to assist Deathlok again. This story ends on a cliffhanger, and Deathlok is able to move on with his task of living his life, with his body still damaged.
In the fourth and last story, as the reader we follow T’Challa and his grandchildren. The Dora Milaje are babysitting them, and they are wreaking havoc all over the lab, as well as their home. In this story, T’Challa had married Storm, and he tells his grandchildren of his memories and time spend with her.
The children want to be just like T’Challa and Storm, and quickly it is revealed they both have powers. Of course, they both don’t know how to use them. Storm makes an appearance at the end, to say goodnight to the grand children. Their story is just beginning, as it closes with them sharing a kiss.
Overall, this first issue is wonderful. So many diverse stories, on black comic characters that are important to talk about. I love the vibrant colors, and also the guidance of each story.
They all are very unique in their own way, and it becomes apparent that this is just the beginning of stories being told within the Marvel Voices Universe.
