On The Rack: Original Sin #1

Every year around this time, Marvel kicks off their big event and this year’s not to be missed story line is Original Sin. Involving most of the Marvel U, Original Sin is a murder mystery that will bring secrets to light and is likely to have long lasting ramifications to the lives of Marvel’s heroes. When Uatu the Watcher is discovered dead, a murder investigation is launched and everyone from the Avengers to the Fantastic Four have a powerful interest in figuring out who committed the crime.

Uatu has been a fixture in Marvel comics since his introduction in 1963. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Uatu is part of a race of Watchers who observe and collect information. Uatu was stationed in the blue area of the moon, responsible for keeping an eye on Earth. With Uatu dead, there is the question of his knowledge and the secrets he kept. Captain America pulls an old Nick Fury out of retirement to lead the investigation. Along with Fury and the Avengers, Original Sin features a surprising cast; Black Panther, Winter Soldier, Ant Man, Emma Frost Doctor Strange and even the Punisher come together to try to solve the mysterious murder.

Written by Jason Aaron who is known for titles like Scalped and Punisher MAX and illustrated by Mike Deodato, Original Sin does a fantastic job of capturing atmosphere. The characters are well developed and have their own distinct voices, and they also interact well with one another. The huge cast means that there are some odd pairings; my personal favourites are Emma Frost’s conversation with Ant Man, and the Punisher teaming up with Doctor Strange. Deodato’s art plays just as large a role and the heavy shadows help to enhance the mystery and build a complete world for Aaron’s dynamic characters.

Overall Original Sin is off to a good start. While the first issue really is just establishing the groundwork for the rest of the story, it sets the stage for a dynamic investigation that Marvel promises will reveal secrets that will change the universe.