By [ad_1]
Fantastic Four: Reckoning War #1 reveals the true origin of the Watchers and sheds a new light on one of Marvel’s most powerful cosmic forces.
WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Fantastic Four: Reckoning War #1, available now from Marvel Comics.
The latest major event to befall the Marvel Universe has arrived in the form of Reckoning War, and like many other great occurrences, it too is being overseen by the enigmatic Watchers. However, it turns out that this event holds a special significance for Marvel’s powerful cosmic beings. The Reckoning is actually the result of a great mistake the Watchers once made, and as such the entities bear a special responsibility to help contain the threat that is now approaching Earth.
Ever since his miraculous return to life, Uatu the Watcher has been anxiously anticipating the arrival of the ominous Reckoning. That time has finally come in Fantastic Four: Reckoning War #1 (by Dan Slott, Carlos Pacheco, Rafael Fonteriz, Carlos Magno, Guru-eFX, and VC’s Joe Caramagna). As the Earth is invaded by the Badoon, the Fantastic Four are left alone with Nick Fury Sr., floating amidst what little remains of the recently destroyed moon, hoping to find answers somewhere in the wreckage. Thankfully, Uatu took it upon himself to record everything of note for whoever might make use of it prior to his demise, including the secret origin of his people. Reed Richards uncovers that the Watchers were once known as the Luminous, spreading knowledge and technology throughout the cosmos. Unfortunately, it was this mission that eventually created what is now known as the Reckoning.
The Watchers have been an integral part of the Marvel Universe ever since Uatu’s first appearance in 1963’s Fantastic Four #13 (by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby). Originally known to be the oldest living species, the Watchers were a nearly omnipotent race who had tasked themselves with observing every significant event across time and space. Most importantly, the Watchers also took an oath to never interfere in the affairs of other beings, a rule which Uatu has repeatedly broken by giving Marvel’s heroes whatever help he could in their most dire moments. According to the secret history of the Watchers, there is good reason for their vow of non-interference.
Millions of years ago when the Watchers were known as the Luminous, they imparted their advanced technology on a species of aliens known as the Prosilicans. For years, the species prospered in magnificent cities, while their leaders refashioned the Luminous’ gifts into weapons of war. With time, the Prosilicans became known as the Reckoning to the rest of the universe. The Luminous watched as the horror unfolded before their very eyes, and although they eventually sealed the Reckoning away from the rest of reality, they vowed to never interfere in the affairs of other species. This tragedy is compounded by the fact that the Watchers have chosen to take their vow more out of a sense of fear than anything else.
If there is any silver lining to this new revelation, it is that the Watchers are now facing the one threat that could lead them to the breaking of their single safeguard. Of course, this doesn’t diminish the threat that the Reckoning poses to the overall Marvel Universe, although it at least gives the heroes involved in the conflict a much better chance of surviving and possibly emerging victorious.
Considering how powerful Uatu has proven himself to be over the years, it’s hard to imagine any fight the Watchers as a whole cannot win, especially standing beside the gathered might of the assembled heroes of Earth.
About The Author
[ad_2]
