Collecting S.H.I.E.L.D. (2010) #1-6 And Director's Cut, S.H.I.E.L.D. (2011) #1-4, S.H.I.E.L.D. By Hickman & Weaver #5-6 And S.H.I.E.L.D. Infinity. Superstar creators Jonathan Hickman and Dustin Weaver embed historical figures into the secret history of S.H.I.E.L.D! Leonardo da Vinci was an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. So was Issac Newton. So were Imhotep and Zhang Heng and Galileo and other geniuses throughout time. They were the first heroes to defeat Galactus and the Brood and turn Celestials back. They saved the world long before Captain America or Iron Man were ever born, but what does this mean to our heroes of today? What does this mean to Nick Fury? Michelangelo has been pulling the strings for years, but can even he keep da Vinci and Newton from killing each other and destroying the Brotherhood of the Shield? The battle for the Immortal City is on as the truth behind Nostradamus is uncovered, and Howard Stark lays the foundation for the espionage organization you know and love! But the battle that decides our present will be fought in the future!
Jonathan 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
So we finally have Hickman’s entire Marvel saga nicely completed in omnibus form! Yes yes… I know many of us would rather not even call this book an omnibus… 13 issues in an OHC is basically a deluxe edition… and I totally agree with you. On the other hand, with that Marvel Omnibus logo on the spine, it really does make the whole collection look much more complete on the shelf, doesn’t it? Still, they definitely could’ve lowered the price! Shame on you, greedy Marvel!
But let’s take a look at the story itself. What we have here is something I could almost call “Assassin’s Creed: Marvel.” A secret society pulling the strings behind the functioning of the world. We get famous historical figures like Tesla, Michelangelo, Nostradamus, Newton, and Leonardo Da Vinci. And most importantly, we get an epic story built on the core theme of Fate versus Free Will. There’s time travel, alternate versions of reality… basically the kind of psychedelic ride I expect from Hickman—and absolutely love!
On top of that, you can see the early pieces of the huge puzzle that would later become his grand Marvel saga, which spans everything he touched from this point all the way to Secret Wars (yes, I’m looking at you, Mr. Stark and Mr. Richards!).
Anyway, this certainly isn’t brainless popcorn entertainment—but we’re used to that with Hickman, right? I’m taking one star off only because of the art, which wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. Otherwise, this series is excellent!
One of the things I like about collected editions is that generally they have a complete story. For this one in particular, I can't imagine waiting 7 years for the last 2 issues! This also has the benefit of the presentation being curated by Hickman so it's more cohesive.
I like physical omnibuses for the oversized artwork and Weaver's stellar pencils and inks are really shown off so that the detail and care can be appreciated.
A physical copy also benefits the presentation of the panelling: in particular the final 2 issues with spread pages and multiple timelines running in parallel across them.
The format really helps with the storytelling from Hickman too. It's so easy to flick back and forth as the pieces of the story come together. There's a real satisfaction in remembering and linking the details.
I loved the story and how it was told. It doesn't have to deal with Marvel continuity and it's great fun seeing what Hickman does with the freedom. It also reminds me of his Secret Warriors, that felt completely fresh and utterly compelling despite using established characters, though less prominent as the time.
I'd highly recommend this especially if you like Hickman and something a bit different from the usual Marvel.
A story starring Howard Stark, Nathaniel Richards, and the greatest scientists of all time? That's a pretty bizarre premise, but Hickman of course does a great job with it, with ample artistic support from Weaver.
The huge scope of the book is impressive. The writing is interesting, how it moves about in time and space. And though the ending is still muddy, it makes more sense then when we had big gaps in the narrative due to the slow production of the original issues
As with Hickman's previous Secret Warriors, it's a tremendous shame that this continuity hasn't been better used by later writers.
Funnily enough I got Assasins Creed 2 vibes with Da Vinci and his gold orb. I enjoyed this, it definitely has a Hickman vibe and the story is very worldbuildy. I wish there was more cause I think some aspects of this comic could've been explored even better. I really enjoyed the antagonist of this and for whatever reason it fits in my head. Da Vinci is awesome, I'd love to somehow see him more in Marvel comics.
A beautifully drawn yet very convoluted tale about the ultra tech/spionage organization from Marvel, without Nick Fury and full of historical scientists bent into fighting between hope and despair, in a complex structure a la Holy Blood, Holy Grail. Very interesting takes, nice inclusion of elements from Kirby, good source of inspiration.