Micronauts (1979-1984) #1: Facsimile Edition

The Micronauts Vol. 1 #1

by Bill Mantlo, Dave Cockrum (Cover Art), Michael Golden (Artist)

They came from inner space! Explorer Arcturus Rann! Freedom-fighting princess Marionette! The armored warrior Acroyear! Fun-loving thief Bug! The robots Microton and Biotron! They are the greatest heroes of the Microverse! But after one thousand years in suspended animation, Rann has returned to a Homeworld vastly changed from the one he knew – and Mari's family was killed in the coup d'état that saw Baron Karza rise to power. Now, together with their allies, they begin their epic quest to free Homeworld from the tyrannical Karza's iron grip in the first chapter of an acclaimed comic-book space opera from the legendary creative pairing of Bill Mantlo and Michael Golden! It's one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all!

Genres: Comics

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2023

About the author

William Timothy Mantlo is an American comic book writer, primarily at Marvel Comics.
(source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, I never managed to pick up a Micronauts comic as a kid. Not too long ago, I bought the first 20 issues (minus #9, the first appearance of Captain Universe) off of eBay and I'll be reviewing the whole pile in two big posts in the near future over at Dantastic Comics. Until then, here's a taste:

First off, the Dave Cockrum cover is gorgeous and iconic, the perfect way to kick off a new series. The first issue has a frantic feel as the royal family of Homeworld is overthrown by Baron Karza, forcing Prince Argon and Princess Mari to go underground. Meanwhile, Arcturus Rann and Biotron return from a 1000 year sojourn in deep space, only to be captured. Rann meets Bug and Acroyear and soon the whole gang is together.

The first issue does a lot of heavy lifting and sets the course for the entire series. I saw someone mention it as a sf retelling of the story of the Romanoffs getting overthrown and that seems accurate. While Baron Karza looks like a Darth Vader ripoff, the story doesn't feel all that much like Star Wars. The ragtag group of misfits reminds me of the movie version of Guardians of the Galaxy so far.

Bill Mantlo does a great job balancing humor and action. The issues are action packed, amazing what you could do pre-compression days without pages and pages of people talking. Michael Golden's art is about a decade ahead of the curve.

If the remaining issues I bought on eBay are of comparable quality, I'll be collecting the whole series. Four out of five stars.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book created quite a stir when it came out. The Star Wars 'wave' was still going strong; there were so many bad 'space opera' storylines that were just rip-offs - kind of created a fatigue in genre. Even though Micronauts were based on a line of toys Bill Mantlo and Michael Golden did a really good job of creating a 'misfit team' element that works well (i.e. Guardians of the Galaxy). Do not be surprised to see a 'resurrection write' on this team: movie was in the works but fell through. Keep an eye on CGC/WP 9.8 copies.

[Dale Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what started it all for me. My first comic wasn't Batman. Nope it wasn't The Amazing Spiderman. It wasn't even Superman. X-men... nah! It was Micronauts. I had most of the toys and then these comics came out and I just had to have it. I remember checking the comic book rack at the grocery store every week looking for the next installment.

The artwork is crap, well at least at first. But the story is kick ass and nothing quite like it.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading the complete first series 1-58 I heard there may be a movie in the works, I hope to see it happen. My favorite parts are when they are interacting on the planet Earth. It had much of that land of the giants feel then. The Microverse was a great idea and fun concept with a chain of molecues making up the home worlds of many diverse species, and the Darth Vader look alike, Baron Kazar was about as evil of a villain as you could ask for. I personally like the Acroyer race and there story the best. This was a Good Read.

[Derek Neveu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s refreshing to read and enjoy something I know little about. Seems like a cool storyline, and although it starts out convoluted, it begins to make sense quickly.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have re-read this entire original series so many times I’ve lost count. Michael Golden’s covers are what caught my eye as a kid to this book in particular and it became the first series I absolutely HAD to have ALL of, even after Golden moved on to other projects, which remain equally as gorgeous today as when they came out. Just a fun, beautiful, imaginative story which to this day shows what a group of great artists, writers, inkers, editors, etc can do when given the freedom to have fun and create.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic Marvel Comic from the 80s. All the trappings of Space Opera, including sentient robots and "Dog Soldiers." A. rebellion has erupted in Homeworld too remove the heredity rulers, as super science offers immortality from the Body Banks of Baron Karza. The Micronauts escape the rebellion and are fugitives by the end of this issue. Classic comic book fun I tell ya!

[Shazne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up issue one to decide whether I should buy the upcoming Omnibus asap or it can wait. After reading the first issue, I absolutely cannot wait for the Omnibus! I mean the scope, the scale and the potential of absolute greatness is all present. The art is stellar. There's so much going on. It dances with a fine line of it all being super chaotic but there's a clear vision. You can tell the discipline in which the story is being told. Did a very impressive job on giving us enough to follow but with lots to learn and look forward to. You can feel the Star Wars influence but it all feels fresh and exciting. I had to double check the year it came out (1979) because it constantly felt like it was ahead of its time with the way the story is being executed. They don't hold your hand through it. Hyped for the Omnibus.

[Robert Hultman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the imagery and style of the artwork. The sci-fi/fantasy elements are cool, but there is a great deal going on from start to finish, and I don’t care much about any of it.

[Robert Shaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich and deep premise written concisely

This storyline is so deep in world building that it was never fully flushed out during its long run. The high minded concepts and well thought out storyline are off to the running in a concise world building action packed issue.

Every character is flushed out and given life expertly. It’s much more than just a toy based kiddie comic and the glory of the height of the best era of comics is fully on display.

The art conveys action that belies the high minded concepts set in motion. Every character’s core and immediate motivations are entwined in short order.

It’s amazing so much is packed into so few pages. The storyline is timeless as are the characters! Excellent read!