As a reader familiar with Grant Morrison’s unique narrative style, I approached “The Multiversity” with curiosity, hoping for a fresh exploration of the DC multiverse. Known for his complex and metatextual storytelling, Morrison has a penchant for blending high concept ideas with superhero archetypes, often resulting in unpredictable and compelling narratives.
“The Multiversity” is undoubtedly ambitious. Morrison taps into the expansive and diverse DC multiverse, bringing together a smorgasbord of heroes from different realities to confront a cosmic threat. It’s a grand-scale narrative that promises (and delivers) action, adventure, and a touch of existential pondering.
There are elements of genius within the graphic novel – moments that hint at the brilliance of “The Invisibles” or “Batman: Arkham Asylum – A Serious House on Serious Earth”, two of Morrison’s most acclaimed works that I hold in high regard. These flashes of ingenuity are where “The Multiversity” shines, reminding readers of Morrison’s knack for reinventing traditional comic book conventions.
However, “The Multiversity” also exhibits some of the frustrating aspects of Morrison’s writing. The narrative is often dense and convoluted, and the high concepts can feel overwhelming, leaving some readers feeling lost in the multiverse rather than exploring it. For those familiar with Morrison’s work, these are known hurdles and might even be part of the charm. Yet, for newcomers or casual readers, they could be off-putting.
In comparison to the layered complexity of “The Invisibles” and the psychological depth of “Batman: Arkham Asylum – A Serious House on Serious Earth”, “The Multiversity” falls a bit short. It’s not for lack of trying, but rather that it echoes past successes without forging a distinct identity of its own.
While “The Multiversity” is an interesting addition to Morrison’s bibliography, it is far from his best work. It has flashes of brilliance, yet often feels overly complex and somewhat derivative of his other creations. For diehard Morrison fans or avid readers of DC, it offers a unique trip through the multiverse. But for those seeking the genius found in his other acclaimed works, they might find “The Multiversity” lacking the same punch. Despite this, the journey through the myriad realities of DC is an intriguing ride, even if it’s one we’ve taken before with Morrison at the helm.
