Blue Marvel | And what creates creation? Above everything--even your creators--is there a final guiding hand? Can there be? Do you know, One Above All? |
One Above All | The mystery intrigues me, Adam. |
Appearing in "Kether: The House of Ideas"
Featured Characters:
- Defenders (Disbands)
- Loki (Merges with his future self)
- Blue Marvel (Dr. Adam Brashear)
- Taaia
- Tigra (Greer Nelson)
- Ms. America Chavez
- The Beyonder (Leaves)
Supporting Characters:
Antagonists:
- Monster at the Window (Construct)
- Haag (Construct)
- Oog (Construct)
- Thorg (Construct)
- Ulvar (Construct)
- Bruttu (Howard Lindley) (Construct)
- Monstrom (Construct)
- Goom (Construct)
- Groot XXCVII (Construct)
- Orrgo (Construct)
- Krang (Construct)
- Crawling Creature (Construct)
Other Characters:
- Celestials
- Galactus (Galan of Taa) (Mentioned)
- Catalina Chavez (Mentioned)
- The Enigma (First appearance)
- Eternity (Mentioned)
- Kṣitigarbha (Mentioned)
- Moon Knight (Marc Spector) (Mentioned)
- Thunderbolts (Mentioned)
- Spectrum (Monica Rambeau) (Mentioned)
- Defenders
- Moondragon (Heather Douglas) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Silver Surfer (Norrin Radd) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Nighthawk (Kyle Richmond) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Gargoyle (Isaac Christians) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Hulk (Bruce Banner) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Doctor Strange (Dr. Stephen Strange) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Red Harpy (Betty Ross-Banner) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Iceman (Bobby Drake) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Hellcat (Patsy Walker) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Red Guardian (Tania Belinskaya) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Sub-Mariner (Namor McKenzie) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Angel (Warren Worthington) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Valkyrie (Rūna) (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
Races and Species:
- Asgardians
- Celestials
- Humans
- Taa-ans
- Beyonders
- Dominions
- Lithodia Rexians
- Flora colossi
- Mentelleronites
- Zenn-Lavians (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Mutants (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
- Atlantean-Human Hybrids (Only on screen as a static image or video record)
Locations:
- House of Ideas
- First Cosmos
- "House of Ideas" (Mentioned)
- Sixth Cosmos (Mentioned)
- Taa (Mentioned)
- Second Cosmos / Beyond (Mentioned)
- Eighth Cosmos
Items:
Events:
Synopsis for "Kether: The House of Ideas"
Loki of the past Seventh Cosmos glances through a window of time and sees the Loki of the present Eighth Cosmos staring back at her in his quest to see the past, attempting to see the origin of reality. Finding humor in that Loki's laugh through the "pane", the Defenders venture through the crown of creation and hopes he doesn't remember events that are about to unfold. Events she had planned since joining the team, as that will indicate her plan went beautifully-- if they don't get killed. Blue Marvel reaches the top of the stairs to the door to the House of Ideas, advising everyone to tread carefully as they meet One Above All, who introduces themselves and what they are. Blue Marvel ponders over their words for a moment and exclaims that he doesn't find that entirely true. One Above All asks where he was when he laid the foundations, presenting a myriad of constructed monsters for them to fight. Ms. America Chavez notes her role as the team's impulsive hardass as Blue Marvel's comment has caused their predicament, and Tigra notes Beyonder is not present. Loki's inquiry if she doesn't like monsters is answered by Taaia enjoying the fight as it takes her mind off what she knows to be her son's fate.
When America Chavez calls out Blue Marvel for calling God a liar to their face, he clarifies that he never said they were lying. Still, the evidence of his cosmic sense stretched to the limits tells him that One Above All is the primal creative force-- the greatest power that they could ever reach. Blue Marvel also points out that if One Above All were angry, they'd have been erased with a word, not fighting monsters. When Loki asks if the fight is a test, Blue Marvel refutes any "god" who'd test their creations as both he and all humanity have been tested enough. However, he does believe in a god who questions them and asks that they question them in turn. Blue Marvel is proven right when the monsters pop away, and One Above All invites him to speak if he has understanding. As there is nothing they can reach that's above One Above All, the highest they can reach, Blue Marvel questions if they are truly "above all" and asks if this was only the beginning of the journey, the beginning of what One Above All represents. One Above All answers that they are where the world of action ends and the world of creation begins, to which Blue Marvel asks what creates creation, asking if there is a final guiding hand. One Above All answers that the mystery intrigues them and answers their inquiries as well.
One Above All tells Taaia that Galan's fate is his design, and she cannot return knowing that; America will find her sister Catalina Chavez and more, as nothing that was made is ever lost; Tigra wants to return home, but One Above All says she will when the storyteller chooses. Blue Marvel returns to the mission and asks One Above All who is Eternity's enemy from beyond all understanding? One Above All provides a glimpse of The Enigma to come, showing five merged images to create a crown's silhouette. Blue Marvel elaborates to Tigra that that is how their minds can translate something so vast as a crown above all things but it is up to them to decode the cosmic symbolism as the team stares down Loki. As a master at riddles, Loki recalls the last time they saw a crown symbol was on Doctor Strange's magic tarot cards, but phrases it so as to not "spoil" the ending as she is still a story god. With that settled, Loki helped the Defenders and asks for what she wanted: to go. As they stand in the "crown of creation", Loki can step outside the multiverse entirely and leave the story for good to make her own way, hence why she forced them on the trip in the first place. America orders Loki cannot just leave, but she notes how the Eight Cosmos Loki is doing just fine, he can be the primary, and she can just be a variant to go her own path freely. Cloud states she could be, as it would be a fair choice after everything that happened, but still a choice.
The Beyonder arrives after all the fighting ends, claiming he left them to it because superheroes like fighting and blasting stuff. Loki goes back to Cloud's statement and asks for clarity, and Cloud resumes that Loki could leave or resume her place as the God of Stories, continuing as Eternity's Defender to fight to save everything. Loki notes that doing so would lose her chance at true freedom and asks Cloud if he understands what he's asking, and Blue Marvel answers that it is a Bodhisattva vow. Blue Marvel tells Loki that Kṣitigarbha vowed not to take Buddhahood until all hells were emptied-- because there IS no enlightenment until ALL are enlightened. There is no freedom until all are free. Loki finds it too much since reality wants her to return to the status quo, and she concludes that she'd need to forget and only remember when the time was right-- playing the ultimate trick on herself. Beyonder questions Loki's choice, and although she accepts returning to her place, he does not and rips his way out of the story. Beyonder's voice fades as he ventures out of reality tearing asunder, and the team tumbles back into Eternity.
In the present, Loki resumes as his present self, now ruling in Jotunheim. Loki of the Eight Cosmos now remembers what Loki of the Seventh remembered of their adventures, even that his horned helmet carried the Eternity Mask the whole time. He finds the mission to continue saving everything in Eternity from everything threatening to be real fun. At Kadesh Base, Blue Marvel accounts for everyone: Tigra is in New York City helping Moon Knight,[1] while Monica relayed that America was with the Thunderbolts,[2] and Loki is presumably the same one now ruling in Jotunheim. However, Taaia remains as One Above All had stated she couldn't return with knowledge of the Eight Cosmos. Still, she insists on keeping the knowledge, not wishing to forget her son, and wishes to work as a Defender of the Eighth Cosmos until she meets the devourer he became. Blue Marvel assumes, until further notice, that the spell that united them is still active and will reactivate come the next cosmic emergency. All they can do is be ready so as not to be surprised when this "Enigma" comes. And if Eternity needs Defenders, then thankfully, they're not a team; they're a universe.
Solicit Synopsis
THE FINAL TRIAL OF LOKI!
The final trial of Loki, America Chavez and the rest of the Defenders sees them entering…the one and only House of Ideas!Notes
- "The Mystery" is a term Al Ewing often used to describe the realms located on the Outside, beyond the Far Shore. He conceived a "Mystery Map" after he saw how a few of them could fit on the Tree of Life; this series is a journey up the middle pillar.[3]
- "Kether: The House of Ideas" is the title of this issue.
Continuity Notes[]
- Loki laughing is taken directly from Infinity Wars #6. He meets a group of Celestials after he breaches the bottom of the Quarry of Creation and asks them to show him his future. This issue reveals what he saw.
- Loki goes to Now and Then's "House of Ideas" in Loki (Vol. 3) #2–3; however, this issue clarifies that it is just a fabrication and not the real House of Ideas.
- The Loki in this issue is time-displaced, which is explained in Thor (Vol. 6) #24 and then again in Defenders: Beyond #1. This Loki has just survived the final incursion in Loki: Agent of Asgard #16–17. He sees his future self in the Eighth Cosmos and is discontent, believing that his future self is just a rehash of his old self.
- Chronology: Loki: Agent of Asgard → Thor (Vol. 6) #24 → Defenders: Beyond → "Eighth Cosmos" Loki (i.e. every story published after 2015's Secret Wars).
- Referenced "Eighth Cosmos" stories: Infinity Wars (Loki meets the Celestials and looks at his "future") → War of the Realms (Loki becomes the King of Jotunheim) → Loki (Vol. 3) (Loki visits Now and Then's false "House of Ideas").
- Chronology: Loki: Agent of Asgard → Thor (Vol. 6) #24 → Defenders: Beyond → "Eighth Cosmos" Loki (i.e. every story published after 2015's Secret Wars).
- The One Above All's introduction is mostly a repeat from Ultimates 2 #100 and also an inversion of what the One Below All says in Immortal Hulk #12–13 and Immortal Hulk #25.
- "I see through many eyes. I build with many hands. They are themselves but they are also me," which is originally from Ultimates 2 #100, has been explained by the writer Al Ewing in an interview: "Because The One Above All is all of the writers, artists, editors, and readers, but also this sort of gestalt entity. No one person could direct the Marvel Universe, so it’s this…"[4]
- The One Above All has appeared as Marvel staff before, notably Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #511 and again in Deadpool: Secret Agent Deadpool #6.
- "I am all-powerful. My only weapon is love," is a reference to Uatu the Watcher from Fantastic Four #72: "All-powerful? There is only one who deserves that name! And his only weapon...is love!"
- "The mystery intrigues me," is a direct quote from Fantastic Four #511. Also, the back of this issue confirms that Fantastic Four #511 is the first appearance of the One Above All and the House of Ideas.
- "I see through many eyes. I build with many hands. They are themselves but they are also me," which is originally from Ultimates 2 #100, has been explained by the writer Al Ewing in an interview: "Because The One Above All is all of the writers, artists, editors, and readers, but also this sort of gestalt entity. No one person could direct the Marvel Universe, so it’s this…"[4]
- "Tell me. Where were you--when I laid these foundations?!" and "Speak then. If you have understanding..." is a reference to the Bible (Job 38:4).
- The One Above All says more or less the same thing to the Hulk in Immortal Hulk #50: "Where were you when I laid these foundations? Declare, if you have understanding."
- Most of the monsters that the One Above All summons are from before Fantastic Four #1, the issue that starts the Marvel Universe, hence they are referred to as "creatures of the pre-creation." Interestingly, not all of them are from before F.F. #1 but are nevertheless from around that time period.
- Something above the One Above All is also speculated by the Living Tribunal in Thanos: The Infinity Conflict #1.
- The One Above All draws the Four Worlds and also calls Adam Brashear "Adam Kadmon."
- Adam has previously been called "Adam Kadmon" in Defenders: Beyond #3.
- Explanation for the One Above All's response: The One Above All draws an extended Tree of Life, which is done by overlapping four separate Trees for the Four Worlds (Action, Formation, Creation, and Emanation). In this configuration, the top of the World of Action is the center of the World of Formation and the bottom of World of Creation. "The place where the world of action ends...and the world of creation begins," is basically saying the House of Ideas is at the top of the Tree for the Defenders, but it is at the very bottom for something even higher.
- Regarding the One Above All's answers to everyone else:
- Taaia is the mother of Galan and she just finds out that he will become Galactus in the previous issue.
- America Chavez loses her sister in America Chavez: Made in the USA #5.
- Tigra goes home when the "storyteller" (Loki) chooses to. Loki is directly referred to as the storyteller just before the Defenders go home, to make it absolutely clear.
- Eternity possesses Doctor Strange's tarot cards and forms the Defenders in Defenders: Beyond #1, telling them to investigate a threat outside the Multiverse. This threat is also mentioned by Loki in Thor (Vol. 6) #24 and the Beyonders in Defenders: Beyond #2. Here, it is referred to as the "Enigma" to come.
- The Enigma takes the form of a crown. Loki speculates that the "Ten of Crowns" card from Defenders: Beyond #1 may be a hint.
- The Beyonder is known as "The" Beyonder thoughout the original Secret Wars and Secret Wars II, but has gotten retconned many times since then. In New Avengers (Vol. 3) #30, he is revealed to be a child of an entire race of Beyonders.
- The rift that the Beyonder enters is similar to the one he makes in Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #1.
- Loki becomes the King of Jotunheim in War of the Realms #6 and War of the Realms Omega #1.
- Loki loses one of his horns and a tooth during a beatdown from Odinson in Loki: Agent of Asgard #10. The horn gets fixed with the Eternity Mask in the previous issue.
- The Blue Marvel mentions Tigra appearing in Moon Knight (Vol. 9), starting in Moon Knight (Vol. 9) #4, and Spectrum in Thunderbolts (Vol. 4).
- The characters on the Blue Marvel's screen at the end are all former members of the Defenders.
See Also
Links and References
References
- ↑ Moon Knight (Vol. 9) #4
- ↑ Thunderbolts (Vol. 4) #1
- ↑ Morse, Ben (16 June 2022) 'Defenders: Beyond' Kicks Off a New Lineup of the Super-Team This July Marvel. Retrieved on 1 October 2022.
- ↑ Rabiroff, Zach (14 October 2021) Cosmic Is A State Of Being: An Interview With Al Ewing ComicsXF. Retrieved on 1 October 2022.