From the Slings and Arrows Comic Guide, 1997
When Jack Kirby returned to Marvel Comics in the mid-1970s, expectations were high. He was, after all, co-creator of a cast of characters that had seen Marvel very nicely through 15 years and was just coming off what many felt to be a career peak with New Gods at DC. The Eternals was the high spot of what was an unhappy return. It concerns itself with familiar Kirby themes. Two races who've lived among humanity since the dawn of time are the godlike beings who've inspired myths of the Greek deities, and the ugly Deviants living beneath the planet's surface. The impending arrival of the Celestials, creators of mankind, to sit in judgement on humanity draws the immortal beings into open conflict. Unfortunately, great plots, wonderful ideas and expansive artwork are monumentally flawed by Kirby's often terrible dialogue. The best samples of the original series are 11, in which the Soviets attempt to topple a Celestial while the Eternals gather to communicate, and the annual. Stay away from the saga of the cosmic-powered Hulk in 14-16, though. It's a stinker. Dangling plotlines from the prematurely cancelled first series were resolved in Thor.
For the revival, writers Peter Gillis and Walt Simonson and pencil artists Sal Buscema and Paul Ryan wisely opt not to imitate Kirby, and settle on political intrigue and the pursuit and responsibilities of power as themes. Although very different from the original, it's initially okay, but drags over 12 issues. The 1991 special, "The Herod Factor", is plain daft. Among other plot holes you could drive a bulldozer through, everything hinges on the deceit of someone who had no way of knowing the information that sets events in motion, there is silly expository dialogue throughout, and Mark Texeira's figurework is very lax.
- Frank Plowright