Released today by Marvel, we now have our first ever look at their version of “Miracleman,” coming next year Mick Anglo, Garry Leach and “The Original Writer” (formerly known as Alan Moore). Done alongside Garry Leach, Marvel supposedly created an entire division just to work and focus on the re-coloring of the comic.
Take a look at what it looks like below:
And, for posterity, here are two examples of the original coloring of the series:
If you ask me (and I know that you didn’t), as with most things I could do without the re-colors. I felt the same with that “Flex Mentallo” deluxe edition Vertigo finally released; it was a re-coloring done alongside the Quitely, but it still took away part of the charm of the original. But, hey, people got to read “Flex Mentallo”, so I can’t complain too much.
And it’s not like these colors are bad. They’re not. It’s very modern, much more focus on what we’d actually see without the weird purple Earths and faces and whatnot, but it’s very well done and and rather sleek.
So while I am not so much of a purist that I can’t enjoy the work here and look forward to a) having an accessible version of this comic and b) having this comic reach new eyes that never had the opportunity to get it as it came out or the wherewithal to back issue dive, it’s still odd to see these pages re-done given that I’m so used to the initial coloring. Heck, I have a framed copy of Moore and Leach’s “Miracleman” #1 that doesn’t have a credit to The Original Writer on my wall; I can’t count how many times I’ve taken it down and flipped through it at this point, and I think it’s absolutely beautiful as is.
It’s kind of like a Blu-ray edition of a black and white movie. I get the supposed necessity, but you don’t really need it, right? The original was already good.
Alas! I am still excited about this release and I look forward to seeing the final product.
For the full press release from Marvel, please see below.
Marvel Press Release
The series that changed comics forever finally returns in 2014, and Marvel is proud to present your first look at the remastered MIRACLEMAN #1! Long out-of-print, these timeless, groundbreaking stories injected a new sophistication into the super hero genre still felt today.
“When these stories were originally colored, the artists were never consulted – and it shows” said Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso. “The coloring methods used at the time really hurt the finished product. But through close collaboration with all the artists, we’re proud to now present these stories in a manner that matches their creative vision.”
Working in closely with the original series artists, MIRACLEMAN has been remastered using the original artwork in every instance possible – and the most advanced restoration methods available applied to ensure the most authentic reading experience based on the artists’ original visions for the series.
“You’ve never really seen Miracleman, until you’ve seen this Miracleman,” said legendary Miracleman artist Garry Leach.“I’m positive this will rapidly be recognized as the all-time, definitive, Miracleman series. It’s simply looking that ridiculously sharp!”
In addition to material originally published in Warrior Magazine, MIRACLEMAN #1 also includes character designs, pencil sketches, original art, an article chronicling the history of Marvelman/Miracleman, an interview with Miracleman creator Mick Anglo, as well as a Mick Anglo’s first Marvelman stories. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the most popular comic few have ever read when MIRACLEMAN #1 makes it’s long overdue return to comic shops this January!
MIRACLEMAN #1 (NOV130622)
Written by THE ORIGINAL WRITER & MICK ANGLO
Art by GARRY LEACH & MICK ANGLO
Cover by JOE QUESADA
Variant Covers by MARK BUCKINGHAM, JOHN CASSADAY, SKOTTIE YOUNG,
GARRY LEACH, JEROME OPENA, LEINIL YU, & JOE QUESADA Also Available!
FOC 12/16/13, ON-SALE 01/15/14
