What would happen if the heroes and villains of the Marvel Comics Universe lived in the 17th Century?
This question is excellently answered in the comic book-graphic novel, "Marvel 1602", which is written by the award-winning dark fantasy author Neil Gaiman, who is famous for his "Sandman" series, and stand-alone novels such as "Neverwhere", "American Gods", and the recently released "Ansasi Boys."
In this entertaining and imaginative graphic novel, the storyline revolves around Queen Elizabeth I on her deathbed, and the tyrannical James VI of Scotland, her successor, is eagerly awaiting his ascension to the throne.
Operating behind the scenes is the nefarious Dr. Doom, who is trying to gain the throne for himself through his sinister machinations.
Sir Nicholas Fury, the leader of the queen's spy network (his contemporary counterpart being Nick Fury) and Stephen Strange, (the 1602 counterpart of Dr. Strange)the queen's personal physician, are her chief protectors against the demonic plots of Dr. Doom and James VI. Meanwhile, under the direction of James VI, the mysterious Grand Inquisitor persecutes thos of the Witchbreed, the 1602 version of the X-Men, believing them to be children of Satan.
The battle for the throne and for the future of Europe and the New World has begun in earnest.
It's all here, my fellow Marvel fans! Action, adventure, intrigue, drama, romance, and espionage. All the classic Marvel characters are here: Spiderman, Captain America, Professor Xavier and the X-Men, Nick Fury, Dr. Strange, the Fantastic Four, Magneto, Quicksilver, the Scarlet Witch, Dr. Doom, even the Watcher Uatu, all in their 1602 counterparts.
This is a must-read for any Marvel fan or fan of superhero comics in general, and it breaks the pathetic stereotype that comic books are "kids stuff."