Devil Comics Review | SHIELD: The Human Machine Premiere HC [2011] by Jonathan Hickman

S.H.I.E.L.D.: HUMAN MACHINE PREMIERE HARDCOVER

Both Sir Isaac Newton and Leonardo da Vinci battle in the Immortal City beneath Rome for the Brotherhood of the Shield in 1960. As Leonid decides between two opposing philosophies, he is met by Michelangelo AKA the Forever Man who informs him there is a third option. During the battle Howard Stark, Nathaniel Richards, and the Night Machine arrive to reveal the truth. Michaelangelo reveals the well for elixir of life has run dry and Sir Isaac Newton cannot promise immortality. Newton tells them the world ends however Night Machine, Stark, and Richards have returned from the future.

Both Newton and Leonardo are forced to reveal their thoughts to the Brotherhood. Lenonid chooses to side with Leonardo while Newton escapes the Immortal City to the future. Meanwhile both Nostradamus and the Star Child search for the elixir of life but the Star Child discovered Quiet Math. Reed Richards attempted to solve everything which drove the Star Child mad. The Star Child destroys the Immortal City until he is stopped by Michelangelo. The Star Child follows Newton into the future.

1502: Rome Michelangelo tells Leonardo da Vinci about a door leading to the Seeing Place and only one key can open the door. He informs Leonardo there is a God growing in the sun called the Human Machine.

1630: Michelangelo saves a baby in the Deviant Capitol Ashomia from death and gives it to Mina the mother of Leonid in the Sinkhole during Bendy Time. He gives her the key to unlock the door that cannot be opened. 

1642: Michelangelo witnesses Sir Isaac Newton killing Galileo.

SERIES HIGHLIGHTS

- The group pursues both Newton and the Star Child into three possible futures

- The Forever Man prepares the Human Machine for the final task

S.H.I.E.L.D. Infinity collects a series of short stories revealing the Archimedes, Michelangelo creating the Night Machine as well as the murders of Sir Isaac Newton.

This hardcover collects

S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 – 6

S.H.I.E.L.D. Infinity

RECOMMENDED – 4 OUT OF 5