More than a simple pandering to Marvel’s parent company, “Figment” #1 turns an obscure Disney property into an all ages comic masterpiece.
Written by Jim Zub
Illustrated by Filipe AndradeTHE NEXT DISNEY ADVENTURE IS HERE –
STARRING ONE OF DISNEY’S MOST IMAGINATIVE CHARACTERS!
• Dive into a steampunk fantasy story exploring the never-before-revealed origin of the inventor known as Dreamfinder, and how one little spark of inspiration created a dragon called Figment.
• What is the Academy Scientifica-Lucidus? Who is Blarion Mercurial? What is the Integrated Mesmonic Spark Convertor? Find out as we give a Marvel spin to Epcot® Theme Park’s mind-expanding attraction, Journey Into Imagination!
• Brought to you by the acclaimed and uniquely talented team of Jim Zub (Skullkickers) and Filipe Andrade (CAPTAIN MARVEL)!
“Figment” is the latest entry in Marvel’s “Disney Kingdoms” line, a series of all ages comics that highlight and expand on Disney’s various resort/park attractions. The line’s first book, “Seekers of the Weird,” came and went with little attention from the comic industry. I suspect this second series will make a bit more of an impact, thanks to the terrific creative team of Jim Zub and Filipe Andrade.
For those who are unfamiliar with Disney’s “Figment,” the spunky purple dragon is the star of the Epcot based “Journey Into Imagination.” “Figment” #1 approaches the character and his world with the same delicate care and sensibility one would expect from a feature Disney property. While Figment plays a large part in the story, the lead character is actually Blarion Mercurial, a wistful mad scientist type working for the Academy Scientifica-Lucidus. Tasked with finding a new energy source by his boss, Chairman Illocrant, Mercurial looks to tap into the power of the 5th dimension! Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for the reader, imagination is a bit more unwieldy than electromagnets or subatomic particles.
With “Figment” #1, Zub and Andrade deliver a love letter to creativity, especially the kind of innocent ingenuity concocted through child-like wonder. Mercurial, highly reminiscent of Professor Brainard of The Abssent-Minded Professor, is a man grasping on to the last shreds of that magic, while faced with the stark realities of adult life — a family reliant on his support and a demanding boss threaten to squander his creativity, making for a highly relatable conflict amidst the book’s more whimsical trappings.
Creating said whimsical trappings is Felipe Andrade, who Marvel fans may recognize from “Captain Marvel.” Andrade, paired with colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu, create a vibrant and colorful depiction of early 20th century London. There’s a hint of steampunk trappings on display, but never so much that it feels overplayed or hokey.
The pair demonstrates terrific story-telling chops, particularly in the sequences involving Mercurial’s mad brainstorming. In a page where Mercurial attempts to submit to his superior’s wishes, only to find himself unable to squash his own creative drive, Andrade drives the quiet stoic-ness home with a strong three panel sequence, leading to a triumphant “whistle while you work” scene. In the following pages, as Mercurial taps into the power of his own imagination, we’re treated to a brilliant mindscape, carrying us back through the character’s past. It’s a smart and aesthetically pleasing technique for establishing Mercurial’s background quickly.
Beaulieu’s painterly colors are of equal import to the stunning visuals of “Figment.” Consisting primarily of contrasting warm oranges and cool blues and violets, the palette evokes a sense of comfort, while also alluding to the book’s fantastical elements.
“Figment” #1 is a book that could be quickly written off. However, this first issue presents a fantasy/sci-fi world that stacks up against many creator-owned comics of similar ilk. Marvel has demonstrated a strong willingness to set up hot, upcoming talent on their lower tier books, and it’s great to see the publisher applying the same mentality here. Whether you have young readers, are young at heart, or just enjoy well developed characters and great sequential art, you’ll hardly be disappointed with “Figment.”
Final Verdict: 9.0 – Buy.
