Book Review - The Vision, Vol 1: Little Worse Than A Man

The Vision, Vol 1: Little Worse Than A Man by Tom King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'd read so much about this series that I couldn't resist taking a look it at. I don't follow comic books too closely because they're agitating and annoying, but off late these one-off series have been getting a lot of good reviews and they've been, more or less, worth the read.

What I like about this series is that it isn't tied to the main Marvel narrative, which makes reading it simpler. What also works in this series is that it's a self-contained, coherent story in 12 issues. This particular volume covers half the title (The Vision #1-#6).

It's an action-packed story with an overriding theme of doom and melancholia running through it. It's evident from the start that things will not work out the way Vision wants it to. The Visions are synthezoids trying to live the typical suburban life. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything, apparently. The doom and gloom is writ across every page, every panel. The happiness is always in hindsight; there is no contentment. The Visions are drawn with soulful faces, hence true joy is always just out of reach.

Throughout, author Tom King lays on the fact that these guys are not the norm. Their unusual syntax and dialogue with one another never puts you at ease - one can only imagine how awkward it must be to interact with them on a daily basis.

From what I've read so far, this series is exceptional. Something about trying to reach that ever-elusive all-American dream fits so well with Vision and his visions of the future. It almost seems heartless to pile on more torture on a character who has very rarely had a good day.

A few things didn't work for me.

I think the rampage by the Grim Reaper felt too forced. There is no context for his attack - it seems too sudden. Why would he choose to attack the Visions? If he hates Vision so much, he should be on a rampage on a daily basis. Also, what does he do for a living? Live on Youtube watching videos of people's unusual neighbours? While the entire story is set up by this attack, there has to have been a better way to introduce the same.

Then, the neighbours George and Nora from the first issue turn into George and Martha in the sixth? I was so confused for the longest time. Continuity error to the max.

I'm not sure I like the fact that Viv is heartbroken and love-sick, while Vin gets to have an existential crisis. Just once it would be great to have the tables turned and watch a female character work out her notions of being through Shakespeare while her brother copes with the loss of his first crush.

There are no gay characters in sight, which is frustrating. However, there is a little bit of diversity in ethnicity, which is good.

I kind of wish Virginia was written as something other than a housewife, but I see where this is coming from, so I won't complain too much. I know that Virginia has to be a sad, depressed character, because it's in her programming. She is the Scarlet Witch, just more synthezoid.

I think the structure for the P vs. NP issue could have been better formed. Granted, on average, many of us wouldn't have actively remembered the meaning of P vs. NP, but the way it was introduced seemed meandering and confused. It could have had a much bigger impact if it had gone with the punch - what is the significance of this theory juxtaposed with Vision's world truly falling apart around him.

This series is so good, I can't wait for the rest of it. I'm really interested to see how it all ends up, because the author has already hinted at the future. Undoubtedly one of the best titles Marvel has brought out in recent times.

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