Why Earth X Is the Forgotten Marvel Classic That Deserves a Second Look

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Marvel is renowned for crafting compelling tales set in alternate, dark futures. Starting with “Days of Future Past” in the 1980s, Marvel has often explored these ominous realities born from the errors of its heroes. The ’90s, a decade that didn’t always receive the credit it deserved in comics, saw one of the best alternate universe stories ever created by Marvel — The Age of Apocalypse — but there’s another equally impressive storyline that often goes unnoticed. This is Earth X, a unique take on the Marvel Universe created by Alex Ross, Jim Kreuger, and John Paul Leon. The concept for Earth X was initially inspired by DC’s hit series Kingdom Come. Fans were captivated by Alex Ross’s vision of a dystopian future for the DC Universe, and a popular magazine, Wizard, asked him to create something similar but in the Marvel Universe. Ross envisioned a world where every character had superpowers, and what that might look like for the planet. The issue of Wizard sold out, prompting Marvel to make it a reality.

The 14-issue series known as “Earth X” showcased a tale that openly flaunted its affinity for the Silver Age of Marvel Comics. This remarkable work serves equally as an expression of affection for Marvel, as it does as a masterful story. Typically, the ’90s aren’t associated with being a golden age for Marvel fans; while there were some excellent books, the era was also lacking in timeless stories like those found in previous and subsequent decades. However, by the end of the decade, things began to change, and “Earth X” stands as an exemplary illustration of Marvel’s transformation, a change that deserves far more recognition than it has received since its publication.

Earth X Gives the Marvel Universe a Disturbing Origin

In essence, “Earth X” is a complex narrative that unfolds with The Watcher, who has inexplicably lost his sight, choosing X-51 to serve as his eyes for what Uatu claims is Earth’s impending doom. Each installment begins with Uatu recounting the history of various Silver Age Marvel characters, along with Golden Age heroes such as Human Torch, Namor, and Captain America, which then transitions into the storyline. The story unfolds on an Earth where everyone has inexplicably gained superpowers at some point in the past. Superheroes and villains continue to exist in various forms, with a worn-out Captain America still struggling for a nation he no longer trusts. A new peril emerges — the emergence of a mind-controlling teen known as The Skull — forcing Cap to seek aid. Concurrently, the Inhumans have returned to Earth, delivering a cosmic warning. The narrative is intricately connected with the origins of superpowers on this Earth, revealing why seemingly lethal accidents instead granted powers. Each issue concludes with informative pages that provide readers with extensive background on the storyline, as X-51 is directed by Uatu to locate specific individuals, and the Watcher eloquently muses about their lives, destinies, and the true essence of humanity.

In the captivating world of Earth X, even those unfamiliar with Marvel’s lore can find enjoyment as each issue provides comprehensive origin stories for its characters, ensuring new readers are well-informed. Author Krueger masterfully delves into the intricacies of each character, making them all relatable and authentic. The narrative is a complex tapestry, with various storylines that initially appear unrelated but eventually intertwine to create a complete picture that offers a fresh perspective on the Marvel Universe. Earth X presents a delicate balance, much like a juggling act, reaching an exhilarating climax where Earth’s salvation hinges on a parent confronting their most significant regret and irreplaceable loss—a choice that could potentially doom the universe. This thought-provoking narrative is nothing short of brilliant.

Similar to Kingdom Come, part of the appeal lies in observing diverse future adaptations of Marvel’s iconic superheroes and villains. Captain America sports a bald head and scars, clad in a tattered American flag, his shield being the sole testament to his unwavering resilience amidst endless conflicts. Iron Man resides within a self-made tech sanctuary, where he has fashioned the Iron Avengers – robotic replicas of deceased Avengers, led by the Vision. Spider-Man struggles with his weight and lost both Mary Jane and their daughter, who now hosts the Venom symbiote. The Hulk is divided, with Banner inhabiting a child’s body while the Hulk transforms into a mindless gorilla-like creature under his control. The Thing enjoys family life, married to Alicia Masters and raising two children. Reed Richardson assumes the guise of Doctor Doom following the deaths of Invisible Woman and Human Torch. Namor grapples with his past transgressions. This is merely a glimpse into the story; it also delves into the mysteries of Black Bolt and the Inhumans, Cyclops leading a new team of mutants, an eternal acrobat known as Daredvil traversing the nation, the destiny of the Avengers, the origins of powers, and Earth’s history. The narrative’s intrigue pulls readers deeper and deeper in.

As a cautionary note, it’s important to clarify that Alex Ross did not illustrate the entire fourteen-issue series of “Earth X”. While he contributed to character designs, writing assistance, cover art, and overall concept development, the actual pencil work was done by John Paul Leon, with Bill Reinhold handling the inks.

John Paul Leon was an underappreciated industry talent before his passing in 2021. His artwork is more stylized than polished, lending a distinctive feel to the series. His panels are densely packed with characters and action, showcasing exceptional character acting across every page. Reinhold’s inks imbue Leon’s pencils with a brooding, dark atmosphere that complements the story perfectly.

Unfortunately, some fans may be disheartened when they discover that Ross did not illustrate the series, and this is unjust. The collaboration between Leon, Reinhold, colorist Matt Hollingsworth, and letterer Todd Klein captures the gritty realism of this world where superpowers are commonplace. Hollingsworth’s colors create a sense of familiarity and desensitization as the number of superpowers increases, draining the world of its vibrancy.

The artwork is a significant reason why “Earth X” is such an engaging story. The visual narrative is skillfully crafted through the art team’s style choices, demonstrating one of the medium’s strengths. Ross may not have drawn the series, but his input and collaboration with other artists played a crucial role in its creation.

Lastly, Todd Klein’s lettering work should not be overlooked. He creates multiple unique fonts for this book, showcasing his mastery of typography. While lettering often goes unnoticed, Klein consistently stands out as a virtuoso in the field, making “Earth X” visually distinctive and enhancing its storytelling.

Earth X Is a Cut Above the Rest

The successor series to Earth X didn’t do it many favors. Earth X was highly praised by critics and had a good following among readers, allowing Ross and Kreuger to finish their trilogy with Universe X and Paradise X. While these stories aren’t terrible, they are much more complex than Earth X and focus on later periods in Marvel history, making them less appealing compared to the original. This trend of decreasing quality significantly impacted Earth X, leading to its relative obscurity compared to Kingdom Come and the more recent Avengers: Twilight, which garner most of the attention.

This narrative masterpiece, titled “Earth X“, offers an unparalleled exploration of the Marvel Universe, delivering suspenseful moments that will leave readers in awe for years to come. Despite its ominous cliffhanger ending, it remains nearly flawless. The depth of love and knowledge displayed in “Earth X” is rarely matched among comic titles.

While the story may not be outright “fun”, given its dark and intense narrative, it undeniably evokes the classic Marvel Comics spirit, reimagined for contemporary times. A sense of discovery permeates every page, reminiscent of the manic energy Stan Lee and Jack Kirby brought to the original Marvel Universe.

In essence, “Earth X” is a must-read for any Marvel enthusiast, offering a snapshot of what Marvel represents at its finest. Unfortunately, comparable one-volume stories from Marvel are scarce compared to DC. However, if not for the minor missteps in “Universe X” and “Paradise X“, “Earth X” would be widely celebrated even today. Regardless, it deserves such acclaim. Grab a copy and prepare to be captivated by this brilliant piece of work.

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2025-05-03 15:11