Here is an unusual comic in which the creation of the title character is original and significant. Miracleman's theme is not good versus evil, but something more. This is Moore's deliberate play with cliches of the genre and a rejection of kitsch in its purest form.
An anonymous masterpiece?
The name of the creator of the comic does not appear on the cover. On the first pages of Miracleman we have the information that the issue of the script rested on the shoulders of the “original writer” and Mick Anglo. It is no secret, however, that the man hiding under this specific term is Alan Moore, the creator of such comics as: The Guardians , V for Vendetta or the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.. The artist used forgotten picture stories from the 1950s, the content of which was related to the genesis of the superhero, and made his own creation out of them. The Miracleman we are getting to know is complete. Its history has been carefully planned and you can be sure that it will stay in your memory for a long time. Over time, however, you will surely notice that Miracleman has a lot in common with Captain Marvel aka Shazam. The biography and character traits of the characters are similar, but these characters should not be seen as comic book brothers.
Only for adults
The story of the hero’s life – reporter Mike Moran aka Miracleman – can be analyzed from many perspectives, but a significant part of this story is reserved for adult readers. Adult and emotionally mature. The scriptwriter deconstructs the myth of the superhero before our eyes. Using the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, he draws attention to elements typical of superhumans. Moore creates an adventure story, however, filled with cruel and poignant images. On the pages of the comic we see, among others Mike’s wife giving birth, Liz. The baby who comes into the world is as special as his father. The situations in which individual (usually nameless) heroes die are also very vividly presented. Before death comes, however, they are tortured, attacked by amazing creatures, and put to the test. They often remain defenseless, terrified and hated in the face of fate. In the following pages we see hundreds of mutilated corpses. The Pandora’s box, opened by the creators together with the reader, will never be closed again, and the recipient who decides to experience a fictional adventure with the heroes will probably feel various emotions. Also noteworthy are the boards by Garry Leach and Alan Davis, small works of art. When we flick through subsequent pages, we do not watch, but experience – first of all, the pain of existence. Also noteworthy are the boards by Garry Leach and Alan Davis, small works of art. When we flick through subsequent pages, we do not watch, but experience – first of all, the pain of existence. Also noteworthy are the boards by Garry Leach and Alan Davis, small works of art. When we flick through subsequent pages, we do not watch, but experience – most of all the pain of existence.
The story of the living god
Losing humanity is inevitable. When Moran begins to understand that he can become more than just a homo sapiens, he decides to put it all on one card. And, as we probably know, one word is enough and the hero can turn into an extraordinary creature. The comic book creators freely juggle with various themes. In the story we will experience brutality, sex, delusion, loneliness. Miracleman cannot be read just like that. It is addictive reading, but not easy. The font is small, the language is solemn, flowery and poetic. Miracleman requires our full attention, but gives us much more in return. The comic book should not be viewed as a typical superhero story. The problems that the writer pointed out are timeless and do not bore even the demanding reader.
About the release
Miracleman has less than 400 pages. It is divided into three parts that have been collected in one volume. The additions include an interview with Mick Anglo, a gallery of covers and sketches. These materials will be especially important to fans who grew up with Miracleman. As Mucha Comics did not choose to split the story into three volumes, the number of additions was significantly reduced compared to the US releases. Despite the fact that the comic was made aesthetically, I cannot help but feel that the creators have created a masterpiece to look at, not touch. This is especially evident in the opening black cards. There are, among others introduction, table of contents and first graphic. I would like to point out right away that they can serve as police evidence in the future. All fingerprints that the reader will leave on the cards, they will be visible forever. So I recommend reading with white gloves if you don’t want to have a “burnished” comic.
