Agents of Atlas #11 – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Dan Panosian & Gabriel Hardman (art), Elizabeth Dismang & Sotocolor (colors), and Tom Orzechowski (letters)

The Story: The final battle is waged between the Agents of Atlas and the Great Wall.

What’s Good: M-11 really comes off as the star of this issue.  In fact, the robot is more fun this month than he’s ever been.  A lot of humor comes from Ken’s placing a personality microchip into the robot, leading to some utterly ridiculous rhyming trash-talk from the usually silent M-11.  The revelation of who M-11 is impersonating was also unexpected and enjoyable.  All the more wonderful still was how the chip ultimately led to M-11 showing perhaps the most sentience we’ve seen from him in the series, proving that there really is a personality and character underneath all the metal.

Naturally, this issue also has a good deal of action, and it’s all gloriously rendered.  A lot of this is thanks to Elizabeth Dismang’s efforts on the colors, making it all take on a particularly fiery hue.  Again though, M-11 steals the show, with by far the best action scene of the book.  The robot brawl/boxing match is all kinds of awesome, with M-11 bringing back some classic Menacer robot quips.

Beyond M-11 though, the other character who really shines this month is Temugin.  The character has spent a lot of the series as uneven, unlikable, and oddly underpowered for his skills, and while the last point isn’t rectified, the other two definitely are, as Temugin becomes a strangely engaging character that I really had no problem cheering for.  I’ve always been a sucker for formerly villainous characters showing heroic qualities, and ultimately transitioning form bad guy to bad ass.  Temugin’s actions are some of the most heroic this issue and the sequence is almost heartwarming.

What’s Not So Good: While he’s a good artist, I still don’t like Panosian on Atlas.  While last month’s issue was glorious thanks to its being heavier on the Hardman side of the team than the Panosian side, the opposite is true this time, and the comic suffers as a result.  Hardman is perfect for the series, and is just a league above Panosian, whose angular, cartoony, and at times pin-up styled artwork just doesn’t jive with the comic.  His angular faces in particular at times feel just a bit too comical.

I also have to add that the first third of the comic is an incredibly frustrating experience overall.  Opening this month’s issue, I actually felt as though I missed a book, and it’s irritating and disorienting.  Last month, Atlas was holding their own against the Wall, but at the start of this issue, Atlas is crippled and near a route.  Huh?  Worse still, last month ended with the cliffhanger of the newly upgraded M-11 showing up to kick ass.  Now, this book opens up as though that never even happened.  Why even bother with last month’s ending and the extended mad scientist scene if the upgrades accomplish nothing and are never even to be shown in use?

Lastly, I’m wholly disappointed with Jade Claw.  As a former lover of Jimmy, she had such potential as a character.  Instead, Parker seems sadly content with keeping her a completely one-note character who sounds like any clichéd female villain.  There’s absolutely nothing that makes her special and the character’s voice is monotonous and unchanging.

Conclusion: Great character moments in a flawed issue that sadly hints at future story-arcs that probably will never come.

Grade: B –

-Alex Evans

Agents of Atlas #10 – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Gabriel Hardman & Paul Rivoche (art), Elizabeth Dismang (colors), and Tom Orzechowski (letters)

The Story: Jimmy Woo and company prepare for round two with Jade Claw and the Great Wall.

What’s Good: This is quite possibly my favourite issue of the ongoing series thus far, as it demonstrates why Atlas is at its best when allowed to dwell in its own fringe corner of the Marvel Universe.  With no Dark Reign, Captain America, New Avengers, or Hulk in sight, this issue is nothing but the sort of unrestrained, pulpy, sci-fi retro chaos that we should be getting from the Agents of Atlas

A key example of this is the scene with Dr. Zu, the mad scientist responsible for many of the Menacer robots.  It’s total mad scientist territory here, with rows of dormant robots and crackling Tesla coils.  It’s a perfect blend of kooky 60s sci-fi and classic matinee horror that reminds us of what this series is capable of.

I also really liked how Parkman paced this series, dividing the book into separate little scenes/ vignettes, each one or two page sequence getting its own title.  It only added to the comic’s already dynamic feel.

While all the characters were flawlessly written this month, Temugin was done exceptionally well.  Early on, he’s called out for his idiotic, arrogant bravado, but later, his arrogance actually leads to him sounding and acting like a hero in some very well-played outrage.  It certainly helps that he also finally comes off as the legit badass that he is.

Perhaps boosting this issue the most, however, is Gabriel Hardman.  I’ve made no secret of my belief that Hardman is far and away the best fit for this series and also one of the best artists on Marvel’s roster.  Once again, he brings that retro, pulpy vibe that almost makes the comic feel like newsprint, in a good way.  Hardman is just so perfect for this book and everything looks grimy and old school, yet detailed and characterful.

Overall, this book is just pure fun, the sort of fun that is perhaps best encapsulated by its ludicrously awesome final image, which I won’t spoil.

What’s Not SoGood: Unfortunately, Hardman had some help on the art from Paul Rivoche and the frames which see Rivoche’s assistance are occasionally pretty glaring, particularly when they involve close-ups.  It’s not bad or anything, just a bit off-putting at times to see facial features being drawn differently in a couple of frames.

Also, while it’s by no means a major focus, Parker’s hinting and foreshadowing Atlas’ upcoming second feature in Incredible Hercules is a little irritating given that the plot has absolutely nothing with the Great Wall or Jade Claw.  It’s poorly placed self-promotion that feels a bit digressive.

Finally, a minor quibble, but where the hell is Khanata?  We get one image of him getting a massage, and then he disappears.  Even when the team goes to battle, he’s not there.  Did I miss something?

Conclusion: Excellent characterization, atmosphere, and a little bit of good old action make for some of the best Atlas we’ve gotten in some time, proving that Atlas is at its best when allowed to do its own thing.

Grade:  A-

-Alex Evans

Agents of Atlas Vol. 1 – Review

By Jeff Parker (writer), Carlos Pagulayan (artist), Jason Paz (inker), Jana Schirmer (colorist)

Following Norman Osborn’s rise to power and abuse of the peacekeeping organization now known as H.A.M.M.E.R., James Woo and his comrades use the vast resources of the Atlas Foundation, the criminal empire Woo was destined to control, and take the only course of action that make sense to them.

They become the bad guys.

Although “Dark Reign” has been a largely an underwhemling storyline, it has nonetheless produced a handful of incredibly fun, inventive comics, of which Agents of Atlas has proven to be one of the best.  This assemblage of D-list sci-fi heroes from the 50’s first caught peoples’ attention with Parker’s 2006 miniseries, and enough people noticed to sanction the release of this ongoing series, which has thus far defied description with its deft blend of spy, superhero, and science fiction genres.

At the heart of this quirky comic is genuinely wonderful characterization that resonates through every page.  Under Parker’s guidance, the Agents of Atlas are written with great intelligence and gusto.  You can tell from the nonchalant way members interact with each other and the seeming ease with which they oppose the Marvel Universe that this is a team of old, dear friends that have been in the superhero business for longer than most; an advantage that has enabled them to find all kinds of clever ways to bend and sometimes break the rules in pursuit of their agenda.  In fact, Woo and his allies seem more like super-powered con artists than artists, walking a perilous line between order and chaos as they methodically work a long con that would make Paul Newman and Robert Redford grin with pride.

Being able to maintain such consistently strong writing over the six issues that comprise this graphic novel, while at the same time weaving in plot threads from “Dark Reign” as well as integrating the Agents into mainstream Marvel continuity, is a monumental task. Yet Parker pulls it off with ease and still finds time to make every issue entertaining.

If I have one critique of this title so far, it’s with the nauseating use of flashback sequences.  These moments were clearly designed to highlight the Agents’ past missions over the years as well as recount times when they have brushed up against mainstream Marvel society.  In theory I think that’s a fine idea and it opens the title up to a wealth of new stories that they can’t otherwise tell in current continuity.  However, in practice so far I have found these segments to be irritating and of little relevance to the rest of the comic.  Going forward, I would prefer to see any flashback sequences expanded in standalone issues or annuals where they can still be enjoyed, but not at the expense of the main storyline.

One disappointing thing with this volume was the included Marvel Adventures: The Avengers #1, an oversized issue in Marvel’s youth orientated line that was included here seemingly for no other reason than to increase the book’s page count (and because it happened to feature the Agents of Atlas).  Why couldn’t these pages have instead been used to include, say, Parker’s script to the first issue, or samples of Pagulayan’s original pencils and character sketches?  I always found that the extra features that highlighted the creative process were so much more interesting than wasteful filler issues. I strongly advise Marvel to consider such measures in the release of future graphic novels.

Other than that, it’s hard not to love the hell out of this book.  The art of Pagulayan, Paz, and Schirmer is lush and dynamic, as it captures perfectly all the bizarre nuances that is making this book such a critical success.  Whether you choose to buy this comic in monthly issues or graphic novels, Agents of Atlas is an entertaining story that will not disappoint.

Grade:  B+

-Tony Rakittke

Agents of Atlas #7 – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Gabriel Hardman (art), Jana Schirmer (colors), and Nate Piekos (letters)

The Story: A devastating secret comes out about Namor and Namora’s budding relationship.  Will Atlas lose one of its own?  And in a back-up story, Mr. Lao does battle with a genie.

What’s Good: I’ve really loved this two-part Atlantis arc.  After the Cap and Avengers issues, it’s good to see this series regaining its voice, which is a retro, weird one with a unique set of lovable characters.

In this issue, it’s nice to see Parker trying to add to Marvel continuity by messing about with Namor’s history.  While Atlas continues to be a series unlike any other at Marvel, I’m glad Parker managed to make it more than a fringe series with little impact.

That said, Namor continues to be a great fit for the series and, unlike Captain America, does not seem out of place.  Thus, this issue manages to feel important without losing its voice.  I loved Namor in this issue, speaking to Jimmy Woo from one leader to another.  Not only is Namor a good fit for this comic, but this exchange also gives Atlas and Jimmy some Marvel Universe credibility that feels natural and not at all forced.  The best part of Namor’s advice?  He basically tells Jimmy to distance the comic from Dark Reign.

Beyond that, it’s hard to say much more other than that this issue/arc of Agents of Atlas is nothing but pure fun.

No Agents of Atlas review would be complete without some raving about Gabriel Hardman’s artwork.  Marvel has a real star on its hands here and I hope they know it.  The artist hits a high point with this issue, completly capturing the weird, retro sci-fi feel of Atlas, while lending the comic a pulpy, 60s B-movie tone that is nothing short of magnificent.  Every frame looks like a painted cover from a pulp novel.  In fact, Hardman almost makes you feel like the comic you’re holding is something you found in the bowels of a used bookstore, some long forgotten piece of your father’s (or grandfather’s) childhood.  Considering what Atlas is about, that’s just what this comic needs.

What’s Not-So-Good: Gorilla Man feels a little off this issue.  Don’t get me wrong, most of everything he says is comedy gold, but it just doesn’t quite sound like Gorilla Man.  Fun yes, but it feels just a bit too modern or culturally aware.  Somehow, I just don’t buy Gorilla Man saying “I’d hit that.”

I also think that the Mr. Lao back-up is a little lacking.  Other than the last page, showing how Lao ended up with Atlas, a lot of things are left  hanging.  What is Lao’s plan?  Why did he want to take human form?  We never find out and I doubt we ever will.  The battle with the genie could’ve been a bit more drawn out as well.  It just feels like it’s a bit crippled by the page count restriction.

Conclusion: A team comic unlike any other at Marvel, it’s another solid book for Atlas.

Grade: B

-Alex Evans

Agents of Atlas #5 (Dark Reign) – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Carlo Pagulayan (pencils), Jason Paz (inks), Jana Schirmer (colors), and Nate Piekos (letters)

The Story: Atlas takes on the New Avengers in one big, mighty brawl.

The Good: Well, after how awkward the whole Captain American debacle was last issue, I expected this to be a complete disaster.  After all, if one non-Atlas character was poorly written and out of place, surely the presence of that character’s whole team would only make for an even worse affair, right?

Well, that should be the case, but thankfully, Parker writes a fantastic Spider-Man.  Spidey sounds like and acts like Spidey and his naturally humorous character and zany edge actually make him a very good fit in an Atlas comic.  Parker seems to realize this and also appears to recognize that Spidey is easily the Avenger he is best able to write.  As a result, Spider-Man probably says more and does more of consequence in this issue than the rest of the Avengers combined.  And that’s just fine.  Parker is just fore fronting his strengths and hiding his weaknesses.  The Spider-Man/Atlas dynamic is funny and superb; watching a lovesick Spidey be hypnotized by Venus or hearing Gorilla-Man yell threats at him is just funny.

Also, I really enjoyed Parker’s use of Spider-Man’s spider-sense here.  If Atlas is faking, how would this work with this power?  It’s a very, very clever and interesting situation.

Other positive things going on in this issue were Temugin beginning to cement his place on the team and M-11 recognizing Wolverine’s voice from the team’s run-in with Logan in Cuba in 1958 (way back in issue 1).  Seeing Temugin cooperate made him strangely likeable and creates a more interesting, less directly adversarial.  Meanwhile, the M-11/Wolverine thing was just damn smart.  I knew they’d be facing the New Avengers this issue, but I’d forgotten that they’d already met Logan once before.

Art-wise, Pagulayan’s pencils are solid, pretty, and sleek.  Nothing groundbreaking, but they get the job done.  The real star though, is Schirmer’s work on the colors, which take Pagulayan’s art to the next level.  Everything is bright, beautiful, and glimmering; making the art go from solid to very good, while managing to add a more unique look.

The Not-So-Good: Well, giving Spider-Man the heaviest place on the Avengers works well, because while he does carry it, there are still moments where Parker has trouble writing the other Avengers.  Luke Cage in particular, though only saying 2-3 lines, has some particularly poor moments, especially at the beginning of the issue.

Also, I really do miss the parallel 1958 flashback story.  The parallel story structure was what made this series unique, and it all feels a little more typical without that element.  I truly miss it.  The last couple of issues have seen the 1958 portion as probably the most interesting, so it’s a shame that it’s gone at the moment.  I really hope that this removal isn’t permanent.  The parallel stories really added something unique, both from a writing and art standpoint, particularly as I enjoyed the art in the flashbacks more as well.  The longer the 1958 segments are removed, the more I worry about this comic getting lost in the shuffle.  The interlocking stories were probably the freshest part of this comic, and they need to be brought back.

Conclusion: A really fun comic.  The Spider-Man/Atlas dynamic is no small amount of fun and the action sequences are definitely enjoyable.  I’m really looking forward to the very logical conflict with Namor next issue.  With Namor and Dark Reign, it makes a lot of sense.  That said, with this issue, I can’t overstate how much I missed having a 1958 story.  I feel like the comic, while still having the same great characters, has lost a part of what made it special.

Grade: B

-Alex Evans

Agents of Atlas #1 – Review

By Jeff Parker (writer), Carlo Pagulayan (artist), Jason Paz (inker), Jana Schirmer (colorist)

The Story: The quirky sci-fi heroes of Marvel’s 2006 surprise hit miniseries are back in a new ongoing series!  Taking a page from Norman Osborn’s Book of Irony, Jimmy Woo, Namora, Venus, Marvel Boy, Gorilla Man, and the robot, M-11, have assumed control of the Atlas Foundation, and are leveraging their perceived status as villains in an effort to attack Osborn’s own nefarious operations.  But when Woo and Osborn discuss lending support to each other’s empires, it seems even the youthful undercover agent may have succumbed to his own dark reign.

The Good: “Gorilla Man’s Continuity Catch-Up” had me in tears, as I was laughing so hard.  Funny beyond belief, it recaps Marvel’s last five event stories in a way that would have put Bendis, Millar, and Pak out of work if it had come out any sooner.  This issue was well-written and incredibly friendly to new readers by explaining who the Agents of Atlas are and what their agenda is, but in a way that doesn’t detract from enjoying the story.  By taking what is essentially a motley crew of goofy, throwaway characters and treating them seriously, Parker writes a story that can successfully be both silly and dramatic without ever feeling forced.  I love the idea of a group of heroes trying to beat Osborn at his own game by pretending to be villains, and can’t wait to see Woo’s machinations unfold in future issues.

The Not So Good: I was not a fan of Jana Schirmer’s colors.  Warm, fuzzy, and soft, her palette seemed overly-saturated in light, to the point where characters looked self-illuminating and radioactive.  Also, I could have done without the backup story featuring Wolverine.  While I like the idea of exploring the Agents’ history and past missions, this was an incredibly dull way to go about doing it.

Conclusion: There’s no reason a comic like this should work, but it does and I’m grateful to have something new and different to read!

Grade:  B

-Tony Rakittke