Weirdworld #1 does not feel like a Marvel comic book. From the art, to the characters, to the script, it feels like something else entirely. It has a look and style all its own, like some of the very best creator-owned titles on the stands. It’s unique, bizarre, and heartfelt. Weirdworld #1 feels like its own world, and what a wonderful world it is.

Sam Humphries (Citizen Jack) and Mike Del Mundo (Elektra) have created something truly special here. Weirdworld #1 is the starts off with bang and throws you knee deep into the weirdness. It moves like grindcore song, blasting its way from start to finish. You never catch your breath, never stop. You just soak it up and beg for more. Whatever the hell just happened, you need more of it.

This isn’t Marvel’s first trip to Weirdworld. The eponymous series was created back in late 1977 by Dough Moench and Mike Ploog, first appearing in the first issue of Marvel Super Action in black-and-white, and then reprinted in color in Marvel Premiere #38. It has made several return appearances over the years, but it was largely left by the wayside, a relic of comic book history. This version, however, feels fresh, vibrant, and is something that you won’t soon forget.

Humphries introduces us to this strange place through the eyes of Becca, a young girl who finds herself trapped in Weirdworld. How she got there is a mystery, how she’ll escape is yet to be seen. All she knows is that she hates wizards and, for the moment, that is enough to survive. As the issue progresses, you become more and more attached to Becca. She’s our little piece of home in a world we can’t possibly recognize. All we want is for her to get to her mom back home.

Weirdworld #1 by Mike Del Mundo and Sam Humphries

Mike Del Mundo is perfectly suited to tell this story. Serious, perfect. His painted style is unlike anything you’ll find in a mainstream superhero book, which is good because this is definitely not a superhero book. He draws the fiendish nightmares of Weirdworld with a storybook like quality. It’s looking at concept art for the best animated movie you’ve never seen. Truly, Marvel Comics fan or not, you need to at least look at this book. It’s gloriously strange and hideously beautiful. Weird, in all the best ways.

Weirdworld #1 is another big step for Marvel. It shows they are embracing visions beyond the traditional tights and fights. This might be the best comic you read all week, and considering how much good stuff is out there right now, that is saying something. Even if you have no other Marvel books on your pull list, you should pick up Weirdworld #1. Keep Marvel weird.

Rating: 5 out of 5 deeply weird burritos