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