Eternals Celestia #1
Recap
THERE IS NO GOD FOR THE ETERNALS! Now that the truth of their existence is revealed, Ajak and Makkari must pick up the pieces and try to find a road forward...no matter how terrifying it will be, or how their choices will irrevocably shock the rest of the Eternals? Also: How do the Avengers of 1,000,000 BCE figure into it?
Review
Writer Kieron Gillen’s back with this one-shot with a story revolving around Ajak, Makkari, and the Avengers from 1,000,000,000 BCE, and much like the rest of Gillen’s Eternals work, is more cerebral than standard superhero fare. This one-shot is an introspective character piece delving into the psyche of Ajak, who isn’t an Eternal that’s usually used in other corners of the Marvel Universe. Ajak is one of the “polar Eternals’”, who originated from aural mountains in Russia. Ajak has always been portrayed as the embodiment of Tecumotzin, a fictional Incan god, and is often dressed in Incan inspired clothing and armor.
Gillen continues to flesh these characters out, further developing their world, as they prepare to make their film debut next month. Ajak isn’t one of the Eternals that doesn’t get as much play as Sersi, Gilgamesh, or Ikaris, Eternals that have played a bigger role in the larger Marvel Universe, so the attention dedicated to her was very much needed. Seeing her question her place in the world humanizing the character, and it really struck a chord with me, as it’s something that I’ve had to deal with several times in my life.
Kei Zama is the artist here, and their style is a welcome treat. Kei is a Japanese based artist, who has done projects for IDW, and 2000AD, and the style here is refreshing. The style used isn’t one that I’d associate with the Eternals, in general, but for this type of story it works. It’s a stark departure from the Ribic’s from the main ongoing, but it is rather similar to Dustin Weaver’s style used in the Thanos one-shot, and it really works here. I hope to see Zama’s work on future projects.
Final Thoughts
Ajak and Makkari come face to face after having their reason for existence blowing up in their faces after learning about their actual origins. Are they able to reconcile with this shattering blow? Only the future will tell. Ajak finally gets some much needed character growth in this issue, and hopefully we’ll see the further development down the road.
ICYMI! Eternals Celestia #1 Laughing We Hurried Beneath the Stars
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10