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G.O.D.S. (2023)
G.O.D.S. (2023-2024) #1
JONATHAN HICKMAN RE-INVENTS THE COSMOLOGY OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE! WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE-POWERS-THAT-BE MEET THE-NATURAL-ORDER-OF-THINGS? The infinite détente between THE-NATURAL-ORDER-OF-THINGS and THE-POWERS-THAT-BE nears an end. Old acquaintances are reunited during a Babylon Event. The Lion of Wolves throws the worst parties. Don't look under the table. There's a John Wilkes Booth penny on the ground. This ENORMOUS EXTRA-SIZED first issue features DOCTOR STRANGE, who, while not boring at all, is easily the most boring person in the book.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2023
11 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Hickman
1,220 books2,012 followersJonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for creating the Image Comics series The Nightly News, The Manhattan Projects and East of West, as well as working on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, FF, and S.H.I.E.L.D. titles. In 2012, Hickman ended his run on the Fantastic Four titles to write The Avengers and The New Avengers, as part the "Marvel NOW!" relaunch. In 2013, Hickman wrote a six-part miniseries, Infinity, plus Avengers tie-ins for Marvel Comics. In 2015, he wrote the crossover event Secret Wars. - Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 5, 2023
Two major Hickman projects at the same time. I’m glad to be alive.
October 9, 2023
G.O.D.S. is a story of a very powerful and knowledgeable man who would give it all up for love, but whose role in fate is much more needed than he'd care to admit.
I will say, I was very excited to read this comic. After finding a new comic book store in my hometown and having a very pleasant experience, I walked away with this with high hopes. Now, I'll be frank: I have never read anything by Jonathan Hickman. But I was warned that he's notorious for having very confusing starts that don't make sense until it comes full circle near the end. And let me say this issue is exactly that.
The story starts off with a man, Wyn, doing his role as Avatar for The-Powers-That-Be before meeting his wife Aiko, who was offered the role to be a part of The-Natural-Order-of-Things. Did I know what that meant? No. Did I google for 5 minutes trying to see if this is Marvel lore I'm unfamiliar with? Possibly. But let me just say, this seems to be unique to this story. Does it get explained? Not really, but I'm guessing if you're a fan of Hickman you'll be used to that.
Either way, Wyn is the protagonist, with his handy "sidekick" Dimitri, who serves as the encyclopedia for us readers with his handy dandy device. Honestly, I thought Dimitri would just be used for bad exposition Hickman couldn't bother to show us, but Dimitri's low-key sassy device helped breathe some charm into the confusing story. I often was very excited whenever it chimed its like Alexa fact because I very much needed an explanation sometimes.
Of course, a big powerful baddie was released and Wyn and Aiko each have their roles to play. With cameos of Doctor Strange (and don't think that's him on the cover, Wyn and Doctor Strange look and have remarkably similar roles) and other big names, it helped emphasize the gravity of the situation that triggered the Babylon Event. So the whole issue is seeing how Wyn, the eccentric Avatar who doesn't really want to do this, but is too good at his job to not do so, works his unique ways to stop the world from ending.
Now, there are aspects of this story that I did enjoy. The art is amazing, and really it was the issues alternate cover arts of Aiko that first drew my eye to it. I also appreciated Dr. Strange's role in this. I'm assuming the goal was to show how similar the two were, but how Wyn is technically better at it considering the 2 had very similar strategies, but only one really worked. Dimitri was a cute addition and I do see the potential of this series and do wish to continue it.
My only "complaints" are mainly that of inexperience. I have not kept up with the latest Marvel comics, so quite a few terms and races and faces were dropped that I'm sure a more advid Marvel comic reader would recognize and understand, but as a more inexperienced reader, I was often confused as to what was new terminology Hickman was introducing and what was established lore. All I can say is thank goodness for the Marvel wiki. I also wished how some things, like who the gods were would have been explained just a tiny bit more. I understand that the way Hickman did it was more mysterious, and it helped a bit with immersion--as if we hopped into an average day for Wyn. But I was left more confused than not. While I'm assuming the lore of these new Marvel Gods will be explained further in later issues, I can see why reading this may have left others daunted and unwanting to continue further.
Overall, this was a very charming entry into a series that will build upon existing lore within the Marvel Universe. I loved the ending and chuckled at Wyn and Aiko's fun dynamic. The world-building was very fun, and for those up to the task of tackling the mystery of Wyn and his world, then definitely give this a shot. Be prepared to be confused and lost, but if that's OK with you, then also be prepared to be immersed in a magical world in a way I rarely see outside of Dr. Strange comics. I would definitely recommend.
I will say, I was very excited to read this comic. After finding a new comic book store in my hometown and having a very pleasant experience, I walked away with this with high hopes. Now, I'll be frank: I have never read anything by Jonathan Hickman. But I was warned that he's notorious for having very confusing starts that don't make sense until it comes full circle near the end. And let me say this issue is exactly that.
The story starts off with a man, Wyn, doing his role as Avatar for The-Powers-That-Be before meeting his wife Aiko, who was offered the role to be a part of The-Natural-Order-of-Things. Did I know what that meant? No. Did I google for 5 minutes trying to see if this is Marvel lore I'm unfamiliar with? Possibly. But let me just say, this seems to be unique to this story. Does it get explained? Not really, but I'm guessing if you're a fan of Hickman you'll be used to that.
Either way, Wyn is the protagonist, with his handy "sidekick" Dimitri, who serves as the encyclopedia for us readers with his handy dandy device. Honestly, I thought Dimitri would just be used for bad exposition Hickman couldn't bother to show us, but Dimitri's low-key sassy device helped breathe some charm into the confusing story. I often was very excited whenever it chimed its like Alexa fact because I very much needed an explanation sometimes.
Of course, a big powerful baddie was released and Wyn and Aiko each have their roles to play. With cameos of Doctor Strange (and don't think that's him on the cover, Wyn and Doctor Strange look and have remarkably similar roles) and other big names, it helped emphasize the gravity of the situation that triggered the Babylon Event. So the whole issue is seeing how Wyn, the eccentric Avatar who doesn't really want to do this, but is too good at his job to not do so, works his unique ways to stop the world from ending.
Now, there are aspects of this story that I did enjoy. The art is amazing, and really it was the issues alternate cover arts of Aiko that first drew my eye to it. I also appreciated Dr. Strange's role in this. I'm assuming the goal was to show how similar the two were, but how Wyn is technically better at it considering the 2 had very similar strategies, but only one really worked. Dimitri was a cute addition and I do see the potential of this series and do wish to continue it.
My only "complaints" are mainly that of inexperience. I have not kept up with the latest Marvel comics, so quite a few terms and races and faces were dropped that I'm sure a more advid Marvel comic reader would recognize and understand, but as a more inexperienced reader, I was often confused as to what was new terminology Hickman was introducing and what was established lore. All I can say is thank goodness for the Marvel wiki. I also wished how some things, like who the gods were would have been explained just a tiny bit more. I understand that the way Hickman did it was more mysterious, and it helped a bit with immersion--as if we hopped into an average day for Wyn. But I was left more confused than not. While I'm assuming the lore of these new Marvel Gods will be explained further in later issues, I can see why reading this may have left others daunted and unwanting to continue further.
Overall, this was a very charming entry into a series that will build upon existing lore within the Marvel Universe. I loved the ending and chuckled at Wyn and Aiko's fun dynamic. The world-building was very fun, and for those up to the task of tackling the mystery of Wyn and his world, then definitely give this a shot. Be prepared to be confused and lost, but if that's OK with you, then also be prepared to be immersed in a magical world in a way I rarely see outside of Dr. Strange comics. I would definitely recommend.
October 9, 2023
Hickman delving into the mystical and magic side of the marvel universe? Not using too many well know established characters? Starting with a chunky (and pricey) first issue that’s almost like an OGN in itself? Really great art?
This is a good start. It’s probably the most intrigued I’ve been with a Hickman book since SHIELD
This is a good start. It’s probably the most intrigued I’ve been with a Hickman book since SHIELD
October 17, 2023
An interesting begining to what Hickman wants to do, as any comic the next issues will determine how much Hickman accomplish his goal. But all in all it's a great start to what will be if nothing else an interesting comic.
May 8, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
A confusing but excellent start to Hickman’s new take on the cosmology of the Marvel universe. The new characters are excellent, the art gorgeous, and the overall plot, while not yet entirely clear has me super intrigued for what’s coming next.
A confusing but excellent start to Hickman’s new take on the cosmology of the Marvel universe. The new characters are excellent, the art gorgeous, and the overall plot, while not yet entirely clear has me super intrigued for what’s coming next.
December 13, 2024
El final>>>>>>>>>>>
October 7, 2023
... What is this? And why did I just waste my time reading it?
The protagonist reminds me a little of Harry Dresden, but more jaded and less human. He's kind of an archetype, of sorts. Like an old-fashioned noir detective with his trusty sidekick alongside more for comic relief and exposition than anything else. We know that he is an "avatar," and supposedly he serves the "Powers-That-Be," but I have been reading comics for more than 30 years and that means nothing to me.
There is a grandiose showdown between the uber-villain of the week and Dr. Strange, Reed Richards, Amadeus Cho, etc. The intellectual powerhouses of the Marvel universe. Alongside them were these representatives from The Natural Order and the Powers That Be, whom are not normal big superpowers in Marvel comics. Weirdly, The Living Tribunal is mentioned, but only in terms of some staff associated with him, which I have never heard of before.
(Generally speaking, The Living Tribunal is as close to "God" as the Marvel universe has. Unless you count the giant red "Brother" to the DC Universe that was seen in Amalgam, and otherwise never is mentioned.)
Was I supposed to be enamored with this protagonist, because he acted like a bit of a rogue? Am I supposed to find him mysterious and sly of wit? Because, I don't.
I know that he's probably functionally immortal. I know that he's very knowledgeable about magical things, and seemingly some scientific stuff too. (He does know what a Kree teleportation device is, after all.) I know of no other specific powers of his. He isn't like a normal superhero with clearly defined lists of powers. His costume is also unremarkable and forgettable. He looks a little like Gambit, I guess.
More important, he has no ties to anything else in the Marvel universe. Even the deities he serves (embodies?) are not typical characters in the comics. So far as I know, he's not a mutant. His father isn't some god or cosmic being that I may have heard of. He isn't empowered by a Spirit of Vengeance. He doesn't come from a planet I have heard of, like Xandar or Chandilar. He didn't learn magic from Belasco. He isn't Sif's cousin. He's not from an alternate reality, so far as I know.
He's nobody, from my perspective as a longtime comic book fan. He isn't related by blood, marriage, species, or any other sort of affiliation with anyone else I know or care about. So, why would I keep reading about him?
Not interested. I don't expect I'm going to read issue 2.
The protagonist reminds me a little of Harry Dresden, but more jaded and less human. He's kind of an archetype, of sorts. Like an old-fashioned noir detective with his trusty sidekick alongside more for comic relief and exposition than anything else. We know that he is an "avatar," and supposedly he serves the "Powers-That-Be," but I have been reading comics for more than 30 years and that means nothing to me.
There is a grandiose showdown between the uber-villain of the week and Dr. Strange, Reed Richards, Amadeus Cho, etc. The intellectual powerhouses of the Marvel universe. Alongside them were these representatives from The Natural Order and the Powers That Be, whom are not normal big superpowers in Marvel comics. Weirdly, The Living Tribunal is mentioned, but only in terms of some staff associated with him, which I have never heard of before.
(Generally speaking, The Living Tribunal is as close to "God" as the Marvel universe has. Unless you count the giant red "Brother" to the DC Universe that was seen in Amalgam, and otherwise never is mentioned.)
Was I supposed to be enamored with this protagonist, because he acted like a bit of a rogue? Am I supposed to find him mysterious and sly of wit? Because, I don't.
I know that he's probably functionally immortal. I know that he's very knowledgeable about magical things, and seemingly some scientific stuff too. (He does know what a Kree teleportation device is, after all.) I know of no other specific powers of his. He isn't like a normal superhero with clearly defined lists of powers. His costume is also unremarkable and forgettable. He looks a little like Gambit, I guess.
More important, he has no ties to anything else in the Marvel universe. Even the deities he serves (embodies?) are not typical characters in the comics. So far as I know, he's not a mutant. His father isn't some god or cosmic being that I may have heard of. He isn't empowered by a Spirit of Vengeance. He doesn't come from a planet I have heard of, like Xandar or Chandilar. He didn't learn magic from Belasco. He isn't Sif's cousin. He's not from an alternate reality, so far as I know.
He's nobody, from my perspective as a longtime comic book fan. He isn't related by blood, marriage, species, or any other sort of affiliation with anyone else I know or care about. So, why would I keep reading about him?
Not interested. I don't expect I'm going to read issue 2.
January 4, 2024
Es algo frustrante acercarse a esta propuesta sin saber si Hickman está preparando algo que derive en un evento o reestructuración editorial como lo fue su era hacia Secret Wars. También porque en simultáneo está a cargo de este "retorno" del Universo Ultimate que se asentará este 2024 con nuevos autores y cabeceras... El hecho de pasar de sus propuestas más habituales de ciencia ficción a una deriva total de las posibilidades de la parcela mágica de Marvel. También dejan con la intriga de hasta qué punto G.O.D.S. viene para ser algo relevante en el panorama de la editorial.
Por lo pronto, este número ya se siente como toda una aventura autoconclusiva. Y eso que presenta a varios nuevos personajes que dejan a viejos conocidos como Stephen Strange de meras comparsas. Estas nuevas personalidades traen consigo largas historias y aventuras detrás de las que apenas parece que nos enteramos un ápice. Y aún las conocemos tratando su día a día personal a la vez que tratamos de comprender su rol en unas responsabilidades de las fuerzas y entidades que mantienen el Orden y la Realidad mágicas que llegan a superar al mismo Hechicero Supremo.
De tener más claro el planteamiento de G.O.D.S. habría disfrutado muchísimo el juego de Hickman de mostrar una "trama tópica" de amenaza sobrenatural que obliga a grandes hechiceros, usuarios de la magia (tanto héroes como némesis) y grandes mentes por encima de las reglas establecidas de la ciencia para detener a tiempo una hecatombe para el plano mágico y mundano, pero llevarlo a otro terreno. Gracias a la inesperada pareja protagonista, en especial Wyn, quienes lidian con esta situación de una forma que da a entender su verdadera experiencia con la magia y grandes poderes. Entendiendo una lógica que ni el mismo Stephen Strange ha llegado a aprender en todos sus años como Hechicero Supremo. Jonathan Hickman sigue manejando una narrativa "over the top" aunque se saque de la manga un personaje tan arquetípico como este "experto de lo oculto" en gabardina. Lo de dar el mayor infodumping con una conversación de barra de bar con una pareja que debe de romper su relación por no afectar a una tregua mística milenaria, es algo que pocos pueden atreverse a narrar.
A 7 números por delante para G.O.D.S., habrá que ver si realmente habría merecido más la pena enfocar este número como el mejor one shot posible o realmente Hickman está cocinando algo grande.
Por lo pronto, este número ya se siente como toda una aventura autoconclusiva. Y eso que presenta a varios nuevos personajes que dejan a viejos conocidos como Stephen Strange de meras comparsas. Estas nuevas personalidades traen consigo largas historias y aventuras detrás de las que apenas parece que nos enteramos un ápice. Y aún las conocemos tratando su día a día personal a la vez que tratamos de comprender su rol en unas responsabilidades de las fuerzas y entidades que mantienen el Orden y la Realidad mágicas que llegan a superar al mismo Hechicero Supremo.
De tener más claro el planteamiento de G.O.D.S. habría disfrutado muchísimo el juego de Hickman de mostrar una "trama tópica" de amenaza sobrenatural que obliga a grandes hechiceros, usuarios de la magia (tanto héroes como némesis) y grandes mentes por encima de las reglas establecidas de la ciencia para detener a tiempo una hecatombe para el plano mágico y mundano, pero llevarlo a otro terreno. Gracias a la inesperada pareja protagonista, en especial Wyn, quienes lidian con esta situación de una forma que da a entender su verdadera experiencia con la magia y grandes poderes. Entendiendo una lógica que ni el mismo Stephen Strange ha llegado a aprender en todos sus años como Hechicero Supremo. Jonathan Hickman sigue manejando una narrativa "over the top" aunque se saque de la manga un personaje tan arquetípico como este "experto de lo oculto" en gabardina. Lo de dar el mayor infodumping con una conversación de barra de bar con una pareja que debe de romper su relación por no afectar a una tregua mística milenaria, es algo que pocos pueden atreverse a narrar.
A 7 números por delante para G.O.D.S., habrá que ver si realmente habría merecido más la pena enfocar este número como el mejor one shot posible o realmente Hickman está cocinando algo grande.
October 7, 2023
This has all of the elements that I really like in comics about the magical side of the Marvel universe, but it also has one thing I always get annoyed by: intentional obfuscation/leaving out necessary information in an attempt to be clever when the page count is too short to deliver the necessary information and be actually clever. I don't like when dialogue is so obviously constructed to avoid mentioning the Mystery Thing, or the Big Bad, or whatever. If the reader doesn't and shouldn't know about it yet, then drawing attention to it and then dancing away is really irksome. However, I like this take on Strange and I like Wyn so far! And I'm always here for thoughts on the cosmology of the Marvel universe.
October 4, 2023
Whoo boy, this puppy is dense! Hickman is setting up a hell of a lot of new stuff here, to the point where if it wasn’t for the occasional cameo, you wouldn’t be crazy for not knowing if it was even a Marvel book. I do hope some of the dialogue gets cut down as we get more familiar with this setting and these characters, as all the giant word bubbles started to make my eyes glaze over, but I’m intrigued enough to see where this goes.
October 5, 2023
Hickman shows a bit of a different side of himself here. This issue is long, but it has far less jammed in it than his typical first issue. Instead, he lets the characters talk, pontificate, flirt, and joke around. He tries to give everyone a bit of swagger, and it mostly works. It just lacked an “oh shit” moment that most of his work has in spades. The art is incredible, as is usually the case with one of his big books. Schiti and Gracia make even the drier moments sumptuous to look at.
October 6, 2023
So here is the thing - it has been my opinion (for a very long time) that there have to be sorcerers/warlocks/witches in the MU that are powerful (if not more powerful) than Dr. Strange. Characters like Scarlet Witch (SW) seem to have crossed over from 'mutant' to 'real witch' in the last decade. Look at what is being done with Agatha Harkness (AH) recently! G.O.D.S. seems to be addressing this issue: looks very promising - will follow up with future issues.
October 23, 2023
I picked up this book on the strength of Hickman's writing and the first few pages captured my attention.
So one GIANT SIZED edition later....
I have no real idea what I just read.
But damned if I didn't enjoy it.
Hickman is a man of gargantuan imagination.
Bringing little known characters to the fore in a tale of magic run amok and a race to save reality.
A race won in the most diabolical way (something Constantine would be proud of)
So one GIANT SIZED edition later....
I have no real idea what I just read.
But damned if I didn't enjoy it.
Hickman is a man of gargantuan imagination.
Bringing little known characters to the fore in a tale of magic run amok and a race to save reality.
A race won in the most diabolical way (something Constantine would be proud of)
October 7, 2023
This was awesome and pretty self contained. It feels like a one-shot not an 8 issue mini.
Hickman introduced a new character: "Wyn" basically Marvel's "John Constantine".
The whole idea of G.O.D.S. sound cool and interesting, but hopefully it doesn't end up being too big for its own good. We'll see but so far the first issue started off really strong.
Hickman introduced a new character: "Wyn" basically Marvel's "John Constantine".
The whole idea of G.O.D.S. sound cool and interesting, but hopefully it doesn't end up being too big for its own good. We'll see but so far the first issue started off really strong.
November 29, 2023
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Wyn was a fun protagonist that I’m excited to learn more about. I think a lot of mystery was established, there are some new groups I’ve never heard of, some new characters, and that’s really neat. I’m excited to see where this is going and how it connects to our bigger marvel universe!
January 10, 2024
Pretty intriguing start as Hickman explores the magical side of the Marvel Universe. I really kinda dug the grounding of this story's supernatural shenanigans amidst a messy and very one-sided divorce. Not to mention Valerio Schiti's pencilwork here -- the art is absolutely terrific! The big question, of course, is whether or not I'll remember to look for #2 on the Marvel Unlimited app...
October 15, 2023
I'm enjoying this but can't help but feel that this should just be an original concept completely and not be set within the Marvel universe. I hope Hickman proves me wrong, if not, it's still a solid comic.
Read
February 16, 2024Cool worldbuilding, fun adventure, ok but hollow characters
New characters have a hard time taking off at Marvel and DC without a preexisting connection. This book does a good job at making Marvel feel expansive, but the characters can be thin.
New characters have a hard time taking off at Marvel and DC without a preexisting connection. This book does a good job at making Marvel feel expansive, but the characters can be thin.
October 8, 2023
Some Sandman vibes
October 15, 2023
Great writing Hickman,
wonderful from first to last page. Also, nice re-introduction re-invention of Marvel characters and cosmos,
can't wait for Issue #2
wonderful from first to last page. Also, nice re-introduction re-invention of Marvel characters and cosmos,
can't wait for Issue #2
February 6, 2024
Pues no sé a donde nos va a llevar esta serie ni porque decidieron hacerla, pero me gusta 😅
February 10, 2024
Art 4
Story 4
Really promising … and a bit confusing in the Classic Hickman style
Story 4
Really promising … and a bit confusing in the Classic Hickman style
Read
October 5, 2024Strange
Cosmic tale, elder gods, planes of existence, decent tale with good artwork. Will have to see how the test goes.
Cosmic tale, elder gods, planes of existence, decent tale with good artwork. Will have to see how the test goes.
August 10, 2024
Trama divertente, impaginazione eccellente e disegni stupendi.
Una boccata di aria fresca per una marvel molto dark e urban fantasy
Una boccata di aria fresca per una marvel molto dark e urban fantasy
November 12, 2023
amazing
I can’t wait for the next one!
Beautiful and intriguing throughout.
The timing and item switches were fun to anticipate.
I can’t wait for the next one!
Beautiful and intriguing throughout.
The timing and item switches were fun to anticipate.
November 1, 2023
he is back
Get ready for a ride this is only part of a key the other parts are coming and it’s gonna be amazing get ready guys where going down a rabbit hole
Get ready for a ride this is only part of a key the other parts are coming and it’s gonna be amazing get ready guys where going down a rabbit hole
June 15, 2025
5
Upgraded rating. Since it's been over a year since unread the 2nd issue, I had no idea what was going on in issue 3. A big no no for a Hickman tale. I went back to start over. It's excellent. I'm a total Wyn fan.
2024: 4.75
Upgraded rating. Since it's been over a year since unread the 2nd issue, I had no idea what was going on in issue 3. A big no no for a Hickman tale. I went back to start over. It's excellent. I'm a total Wyn fan.
2024: 4.75
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews