Reuniting the legendary Ultimate Spider-Man creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, Brilliant is a grounded, "real-world" thriller that explores the consequences of human genius. Published under Marvel's Icon imprint for creator-owned works, the story follows a group of college-age geniuses who treat the mystery of superpowers not as myth, but as a scientific problem waiting to be solved. When they finally crack the code, the group is forced to confront a terrifying reality: the intellect required to create power does not guarantee the wisdom to use it.
The series is a sharp, fast-talking departure from the duo's Marvel Universe work, leaning into "whip-smart" dialogue and the psychological toll of overnight godhood. As one member of the group, Amadeus, chooses to exploit their discovery for selfish gain, the internal dynamics of the friendships fracture. Brilliant is a cautionary tale about the destruction of innocence in the face of absolute power, featuring the trademark cinematic pacing and character-driven drama that defined the Bendis/Bagley era of the 2000s.
⭐ Why This Series Stands Out
The first creator-owned collaboration by the duo who spent a record-breaking 111 consecutive issues on Ultimate Spider-Man.
A Mature Readers take on the superhero genre, stripping away the costumes to focus on the ethical and scientific fallout of superpowers.
Features stunning variant covers by notable Bendis collaborators David Mack (Daredevil) and Michael Avon Oeming (Powers).
Showcases Mark Bagley's versatile art style in a non-superhero setting, emphasizing character expression and urban environments.
Published through Marvel's Icon imprint, representing a significant era of mainstream creators expanding into independent storytelling.
Essential for fans of high-concept sci-fi thrillers like Chronicle or Bendis' other indie hits like Scarlet and Powers.
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