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MARVEL 1602

from July 2023

from July 2023, page 16

Forward-Thinking Approaches Ro...

BY NEIL GAIMAN

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first issue of Marvel 1602. Written by Neil Gaiman, the series finds familiar superheroes some four hundred years in the past. Though their surroundings may be changed, our heroes' quest is the same as it's ever been: to, as one character summarizes it, "Save the world, of course. Or die trying."

These days it's hard to say what Gaiman is best known for. He's written everything from short stories to children's books, essays to comics, novels to Doctor Who episodes. (He's even made animated appearances on The Simpsons and Arthur.) Throughout his works you'll find a sense of mystery and wonder, a deep and often dark imagination, and a hearkening back to old tales, whether they be history or folklore. These themes are all at play in Marvel 1602. In the Marvel universe(s), the 20th and 21st centuries have not always been accepting of characters with supernatural or enhanced abilities; the 17th century proves even less so, calling even benevolent mutants "witchbreed" and attributing their powers to demonic sources. From the court of the dying Queen Elizabeth I to the fictional Latveria to the shores of the New World, the witchbreed and their allies must overcome prejudice, politics, and other peril to prevent the end of all existence.

The main series comprises eight issues, collected in one volume. Andy Kubert provided the art, with digital painting by Richard Isanove and lettering by Todd Klein. Scott McKowen's scratchboard covers deserve special mention; they call to mind copperplate engraving, a printing process in use during the story's 17th-century setting.

(Not a Marvel fan? Elseworlds is an imprint from DC that transplants their superheroes into different times or lives. Elseworlds: Justice League Vol. 1 and Batman: Gotham by Gaslight are some of the titles in the imprint available in Florence County libraries.)

You don't need an encyclopedic knowledge of Marvel Comics or the Elizabethan era to enjoy Marvel 1602. Just bring an open mind, a sense of wonder, and your library card.

Save the Date for Friends of the Library Book Sale!

The Doctors Bruce and Lee Foundation Library in Florence will hold its annual book sale Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Many genres and formats will be available including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, DVD movies, and music CDs. Proceeds from items sold go to Friends of Florence County Library to support library programs, services, and collections.

The library is also accepting donations of gently used books for the book sale. The library accepts all books in good condition except textbooks, magazines, and encyclopedias. All other genres and formats are welcome including hardcover, paperback, fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, etc. DVD movies as well as audiobooks and music CDs are also welcome.

For large deliveries of books, please call first so that library staff can assist you in unloading. For tax purposes, the library can provide documentation of the approximate number of books donated, but does not give cost evaluations of donated materials; these evaluations are up to the donor or their tax accountant.

To schedule a drop-off, or for more information, please call (843) 413-7074.

Did you know that Friends of Florence County Library provide critical support to library services and collections? This includes supporting children’s literacy through the Children’s Summer Reading Program and the Children’s Bookmobile, as well as by funding the library’s e-books and downloadable audio books (available through the Libby app, which can be found on the library web page at www.florencelibrary.org).

You can become a Friends of Florence County Library member for as little as $15 a year!

Visit www.florencelibrary.org and select the Friends tab at the top of the page for more information.