"Earth X" (Issues 0, 1-12, X; April 1999 - May 2000)

Notes: In a potential future, a long-dormant gene has been awakened, granting super powers to the entire population of the Earth. In the anarchy that follows a new Red Skull emerges with massive powers of mind-control, and an aging and beleaguered Captain America is all that stands between the Skull and domination of the Earth.

In the course of the story, the Hulk takes a trip to Hell – whose inhabitants believe themselves alive – where he sees Heinrich Zemo, Hawkeye, Erik Josten as Goliath, The Fixer and Moonstone.

The Thunderbolts circa 1999 -- Atlas, Hawkeye, Jolt, Moonstone and Songbird -- appear in a montage.

Prominent characters: The Beast, The Black Panther, Captain Mar-Vell, Clea, Colussus, Cyclops, Daredevil (but apparently not Matt Murdock), The Eternals (The Celestials, The Deviants), The Falcon, The Fantastic Four (Mr. Fantastic, The Thing), The Hulk, The Inhumans (Black Bolt, Gorgon, Karnak, Medusa, Triton), Iron Man, John Jameson the Man-Wolf, Loki, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Spider-Girl, Spider-Man, Storm, Thor (a female incarnation), The Watcher, X-51 (Machine Man), and a new team of X-Men.

Comments: Alex Ross’ dark, sweeping reimagining of the Marvel Universe is brought to life through the clever script of Jim Krueger and the stylish art of John Paul Leon and Bill Reinhold. This complex study of humanity, heroism, and godhood is filled with resonant characters and compelling visions. The only drawback: I doubt that it has much meaning to someone not already a knowledgeable fan of the MU.

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This page was revised on April 12, 2002

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