Paradise X, Vol. 2

Earth X (Collected Editions) #5

by Jim Krueger, Alex Ross

The epic, visionary EARTH X saga concludes. Will the Heroes of Earth be able to solve the problems of the Paradise they helped create? Will their quest for a new Death entity succeed so the pain and suffering of the world's population ceases?

Collects Paradise X #6-12, Ragnarok, Devils, A, X.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Marvel, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Science Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

Jim Krueger is an award-winning filmmaker, video game developer and New York Times best selling comic book author.

Reviews

[BigJohn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I dunno what to say. Maybe this series is better if you sit down and power through all the collected volumes at once, which is a pretty lengthy read. Paradise X was a big disappointment to me - but similar to Universe X in that it has some interesting points, but they are swallowed up in the lengthy, lengthy narrative that tries to recontextualize all of Marvel's history. But it's not even certain WHICH history is being rewritten.

Apparently, Mephisto is avoiding his inevitable demise by allowing time travel to create infinite alternate dimensions, through which he can live forever. Of course. So...this is a futuristic Crisis on Infinite Earths, Marvel-style? After all, they are pulling a ton of players from these alternate dimensions (called Heralds in this story) to...do something. I don't know what. It's too convoluted for me to keep straight.

Oh, well. I'll try re-reading it some other time.

[Joseph · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is a certain satisfaction to having walked where gods and monsters fear to tread. That's the only reason I didn't give this book negative one million stars.

Well, that and the fact that negative one million stars is not an option.

Somewhere along the line, someone had a grand unifying vision for the Marvel universe. This book is about the ramifications of that vision, stretched out beyond its limits. There's so much here that just doesn't make any sense, and is so worthless as to boggle the mind.

If I had to identify one fatal flaw for the Earth X series, it would have something to do with the reliance of the major comic books on a manichean world view. This series keeps circling around that one idea, that there are heroes and villains, but it can never quite accept it or totally dismiss it. I'd go into more detail, but it's really not worth the effort.

[Thomas Sonnenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ And now you know… the rest of the story.”
- Paul Harvey

This quote followed Earth X #9, when Aaron Stack, otherwise known as X-51 or Machine Man, learned the truth: all of Earth’s mutated inhabitants were antibodies. Their purpose was to protect the propagation of a Celestial. However, this wasn’t the revelation nor the end. The end came in the form of Mar-Vell giving his omnipotent powers to an old friend and disappearing again into the unknown.

“Now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the great story which no one on Earth has ever read; which goes on forever; in which every chapter is better than before.”
- C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle

The Marvel Universe was created in a literal sense. I know not everyone will have the pleasure of reading this epic trilogy, but I will speak of it and its impact upon me for the rest of my life.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the problem most people had with this was the slow, philosophical plot. I'm fond of these types of comics, so it didn't bother me that much. One thing I didn't like (for either volume) was the unnecessary exposition in regards to some of the lesser characters.

[Cesar del Pozo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una maravilla del señor Ross

[Gianfranco Mancini · Rating 5 out of 5]

La più bella saga Marvel di sempre secondo me. L'unico suo difetto è che ad un certo punto finisce :(

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad to see it go.

[Joey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one is a real chore to get through and does not satisfy like Earth X and much of Universe X. Can be incoherent at times, especially if you don't have all the previous knowledge of this series in mind, as well as all of the marvel comics universe history.

[Stacy]

I knew the ending was gonna feel a little anti-climatic. Yes, the entire series was building up to this point, but it basically ended because Mar-Vell knew what was going to happen all along. That's a little dull.

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Earth X a possible future or an alternate reality? No matter which of these possibilities holds true it all comes out as fantastic story for Marvel's superheros. Exceptional art and an excellent plot by Alex Ross make these a superb read. Very recommended

[Andre · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story continues, keeps us interested and reading past the hour we should have stopped.

[Sandra Rosa]

actually have this in individual issues...