Warning! Contains spoilers for G.O.D.S. #3 and solicits for #4As the abstract forces of destruction in the Marvel Universe begin to enact world-ending schemes in the new series G.O.D.S., one new character with a mythological heritage is poised to save everything, but at an internal, personal cost. Heroism isn’t always the most rewarding job, but you’d at least think that you might get a little bit of recognition for your efforts. Not so, however, for the latest hero named Cassandra, cursed to never be believed or, it seems, given credit.
G.O.D.S. (written by Jonathan Hickman, penciled by Valerio Schiti, colored by Marte Gracia and lettered by VC’s Travis Lanham) has introduced a new dimension to Marvel’s cosmic tapestry, with new characters representing the classic Marvel cosmic entities that embody abstract concepts like Death, Eternity and Infinity.
The series sees representatives of entities like the In-Betweener and Oblivion rally, threatening to destroy the universe itself. The forces of the newly-introduced Natural-Order-of-Things, representing Science, and The-Powers-That-Be, representing magic, are banding together to prevent this destruction. Along for the ride are Doctor Strange and other allies, the latest of whom is a new character with ties to real-world mythology.
Marvel’s Cassandras are Cursed Like Their Namesake
G.O.D.S. #3 (by Hickman, Schiti, Gracia and Lanham) introduces Amelia Addison, who takes on the mythological title of Cassandra. In Greek mythology, Cassandra is a priestess fated to accurately predict the future, but never be believed. G.O.D.S. #3 establishes a lineage of Marvel Cassandras, each of whom are gifted with precognitive abilities, but who have each failed to convince people of coming disasters. In the issue, Amelia is haunted by the threat of Oblivion, the abstract sentience that embodies the idea of Oblivion itself. She resolves to actually do something about the coming destruction, even if no-one else will believe her.
The solicit for G.O.D.S. #4 (by Hickman, Schiti, Gracia and Lanham) suggests that Amelia may indeed save the universe itself, but at a cost. The solicit reads, “If you save the universe and no one remembers, is it worth it? Maybe.” This seems to hint that Amelia might succeed in preventing Oblivion’s unleashing of their namesake, but still fall victim to the curse of the Cassandras, a lack of recognition. This would also feed into one of thematic questions of G.O.D.S.: the relative morality of heroes. How much does recognition, celebration and/or fame motivate heroes? How important is personal gratification in doing the right thing?
Writer Jonathan Hickman Loves Precogs
Amelia as Cassandra is only one example of Jonathan Hickman’s clear interest in precognitive characters. In S.H.I.E.L.D. volumes 1 and 2 (written by Hickman, penciled by Dustin Weaver, colored by Christina Strain, Justin Ponsor and Sonia Oback and lettered by Todd Klein) Hickman again draws from history and myth. The series introduce Marvel’s version of the French astronomer Nostradamus, who claimed in real life to predict the future, which he does in S.H.I.E.L.D. Hickman’s X-Men work is also heavily focused on precogs, with the precognitive mutant Destiny being a major focus of his story. Precogs are also banned on Krakoa thanks to Moira MacTaggert’s fear of Destiny.
Hickman Reminds Readers That the Marvel Universe is Destined to End
Precognitives also tie into a favorite theme of Hickman’s, the end of the world, and whether it, and the future, are inevitable. From the predeterminism vs. free will debate at the heart of S.H.I.E.L.D., to the inevitable multiversal destruction of his Avengers run, Hickman’s characters constantly worry about numerous potential ends of the world, either accepting them or rallying against fate. Precognitives fit perfectly into these stories. If the future is already written, can it be changed? What worth is there in trying? As G.O.D.S. continues, Amelia as Cassandra will also have to confront these ideas as she attempts to save the Marvel Universe itself.
