With ‘Marvel Dimensions,’ Alex Ross Lights Up Superhero History [Exclusive]

Acclaimed comics artist Alex Ross is writing and drawing a new graphic novel that’s all about the Marvel universe. Called Marvel Dimensions, it starts off telling the origins of iconic characters, one of which io9 can exclusively reveal. Below, you can see his take on the birth of the Human Torch—specifically, the Jim Hammond android. Created by Carl Burgos and first appearing in 1939’s Marvel Comics #1, Hammond was made under Marvel’s predecessor, Timely Comics, and stood as one of its “Big Three” alongside Captain America and Namor. Using Hammond’s longtime sidekick Toro—also made by Burgos, debuting in 1940’s Human Torch Comics #2—Ross establishes what Marvel Dimensions is aiming for and how unlike anything else the android would’ve been to the world in 1930s Marvel. Like in the original comics, Dimensions‘ take on Hammond gradually learns to control his flames and fights Namor before the two help America with “the Big One” that was WWII. He’s also the first real superhero of this world, with Toro deeming him “the first of the Marvels who filled the ages to come. Hammond was the best pal a guy could have and the most human guy I ever knew.” There’s another hook to Dimensions, and that’s the promise of Ross shifting from origin stories to “something darker and more unpredictable.” The specifics of that are under wraps, but the pre-Torch pages tease at what could be. On the moon, a Watcher points out the “notable differences” between different worlds and details that could emerge from additional perspectives like Toro’s. The book features heavy hitters like Spider-Man and the X-Men, and under Ross’ photorealistic hand, they have the potential for stories both illuminating and strange as the synopsis suggests. We’ll find out for sure when Marvel Dimensions arrives September 30. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.