Marvel 1602

[brianbraddock]

Has anyone ever read this Gaiman story? Basically it's the tale of Marvel's heroes if they came into existence during the colonial period of America's history. Pretty interesting idea if you ask me.

[Nesacat]

Oh yes ... got it when it first came out and yes it's a very interesting idea, especially how they all managed to fit into the political intrigues of the time. I also liked the idea of the universe bringing forth heroes out of their time and place because there was a need for them. Also think it's a pretty good introduction to Marvel characters for those who might not have been following the comics since all the essential pieces of information are there.

I think my favourites in the end were Nicholas Fury, Daredevil and Dr Strange. The choices of the the super heroes was very well made indeed and they could have absolutely belonged to that time. Even the names were altered well to fit the time and place. I've always liked tales woven around a central idea that's historically correct. It somehow makes the whole 'believable'

And I am glad to have met someone else who's read and liked the comic.

[I, Brian]

It's funny - I was at a (Gothic) wedding a few years back, where one of the editors at Marvel UK was in attendance, and started telling me about this new project - 1602 - that they were releasing.

He also mentioned something about how they wanted Neil Gaiman to write a preface, but his fee was high for them.

At this year's Worldcon I was talking to Neil Gaiman about fees, etc, and mentioned my impression of what the Marvel editor had said. Neil then stared at me at a black void opened up behind his head, and I realised I'd stepped in it.

Neil told me that apparently 1602 was produced when Marvel was in the process of being saved from bankruptcy, and somehow in this process the rights for 1602 ended up being set up in such a way that Neil Gaiman apparently doesn't receive any royalties from sales of 1602 in the UK.

So buy your 1602 from the US, folks.

ADDED: Disclaimer - Of course, this is only me perception of what different people have said. It sounds like the overall story could be more complex and that I could have misunderstood it. Apologies if that's the case.