Eternals

When Jack Kirby exited DC to return to Marvel in 1976, he began working on many titles, but, perhaps none so ambitious in scope as The Eternals.

He was very fond of the idea of "Gods" co-existing with humans, and indeed explored similar themes with his earlier DC titles under the mantle of the "Fourth World" - New Gods, Forever People, Mister Miracle, etc., and wanted to do another book like that for Marvel. Hence The Eternals, which began it's run in 1976.

Not fully immortal, The Eternals came from genetic experiments that an ancient race performed to create "proto-humans." These characters, Ikarus, Ajak, Sigmar, Druig and Sersi were in possesion of god-like super powers and an advanced knowledge of science. However, some of the ancient experiments went wrong, creating a race of vulgar, violent creatures known as the Deviants.

The Eternals main function on earth was to protect humanity from the aggressive, evil Deviants.

As you would expect, this would lead to many complex confrontations, involving, inevitably, humans and the world they inhabited to become unwittingly drawn into the battlefield : Earth.

As the series progressed, there became many storylines that had The Eternals becoming involved with regular humans, and coming up against evil factions of government, and even running into other Marvel Universe characters (like the Hulk, in issue #15).

While new hybrid breeds of human-gods were created, new characters were continually introduced, including one that would grow up to be Marvel Boy!

Anyway, it's all very complicated in that wonderfully vivid Jack Kirby-way, and was an enjoyable, if exhausting, title during it's short run (it ran only 19 issues, and was promptly cancelled in 1978 - with many questions left unanswered).

Interest in this book is gaining steam, as there is a proposed movie adaptation in the works. Get 'em while the gettin' is good!

Are you looking to sell an issue or collection of The Eternals comic books? You’ve come to the right place. Browse our selection of key The Eternals issues below. Get an instant estimate of their value based on their comic book grading. We have been buying and selling for 20 years and have tons of experience working with sellers just like you! Get in touch for a FREE appraisal.