Atlas #2 – Review

By: Jeff Parker (writer), Gabriel Hardman (artist), Elizabeth Breitweiser (colorist), Ramon Rosanas (backup story artist and colorist), Nathan Cosby (associate editor), Mark Paniccia (senior editor)

The Story: The new 3-D Man (Delroy Garrett) is flipping out and his mysterious memories are challenging everyone. Whose memories are right? In the meantime, another Atlas evil empire rebellion is in full swing in Iceland.

What’s Good: Parker’s character work is always fun. Particularly well done are Lao (chewing on a bull hindquarter like I’d chew on a chicken leg) and Hale (who has no end of snappy one-liners and smart-ass remarks). And the tremendous world-building that has to go into every issue of Atlas (the underground culture, the hidden conspiracy-filled past, the weirdness of the characters’ origins, the weirdness of their foes) generates that sense of wonder that I look for in comic books, fantasy and science fiction. It’s the brain-stretching “I-wish-I’d-thought-of-that” feeling. Nice work, Mr. Parker.

Artwise, Hardman, Rosanas and Breitwesier carry a strong issue with dynamic action, expressive faces and gritty scenery. The underground stonework looks textured and stony. Lao looks wrinkled and tactile, as do the zombies with power generators on their back. The art teams make the story look real, which is one of the highest compliments I have for art.

X-Men Vs. Agents of Atlas #1 – Review

By Jeff Parker (Writer – Both Stories)

“The X-Heist” Art Team – Carlo Pagulayan (Pencils), Jason Paz (Inks) and Wil Quintana (Colors)

“Atomic Age Heroes” Art Team – Chris Samnee (Art) and Veronica Gandini (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: The X-Men/Agents of Atlas crossover seems a bit unnecessary. That said, I can’t help but support it if it helps to grab more readers for the next volume of the Agents of Atlas ongoing.

The Story: In “The X-Heist” the Agents of Atlas attempt to steal Cerebro from Utopia in order to use it in their search for the missing Venus. “Atomic Age Heroes” is decidedly old school in tone and style as the X-Men and the Agents of Atlas fight it out because of mutant wildlife.

What’s Good And What’s Not So Good: X-Men Vs. Agents of Atlas #1 (lead by the “X-Heist” story) is, somewhat surprisingly, a fine start to what looks to be an entertaining bridge between the Atlas ongoing and the eventual monthly Incredible Hercules bonus feature. The X-Men and the Agents have a confrontation for a logical reason and that goes a long way towards making the limited series feel more meaningful than your typical cash/reader grab-fueled crossover right from the start. The “Atomic Age Heroes” story, meanwhile, is a fun slice of retro comic goodness that proves to be a nice little addition to the book.

While the storytelling and character work by Jeff Parker is as strong as expected (it’s what has made Atlas a favorite of mine) for both stories, Parker’s use of Matt Fraction’s now signature character information boxes in “The X-Heist” is, in a word, annoying. I get that the limited series is designed to get Uncanny readers interested in the Agents, but by using Fraction’s style it seems as though Parker (it might be Marvel’s fault) is setting up a bait and switch move. Agents of Atlas has never read like an “X” book, so maybe it would have been a better move to let the limited series read more like an Atlas book. At the very least it would have given new readers a better taste of what the Atlas series is really like. At least “Atomic Age Heroes” makes up for it somewhat by reading like long like comic from Marvel’s past.

Carlo Pagulayan’s work for “The X-Heist” is very impressive and does both teams justice. The X-Men look iconic, the Agents look appropriately pulpy, and the action makes good use of all the characters battling it out. Everything looks slick, modern, and polished during most of the “X-Heist,” though I’m not quite sure that’s exactly the best style for the comic. It makes the Agents look really out of place and, I hate to say it, but a bit silly. Two scenes employ a more familiar Atlas style however, and it makes me wonder why the look couldn’t have been used for the entire book.

Chris Samnee’s work for “Atomic Age Heroes” is a perfect fit for the way the short bonus tale plays out. It’s retro and old school without ever giving off the sense that someone was trying to hard. In short, Samnee’s art hits pretty much all the right notes and helps “Atomic Age Heroes” to be a lot of fun.

Conclusion: More Atlas is always a good thing, but I can’t help but be disappointed by the fact that someone felt that the Agents needed to conform to the X-Men style.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

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 #6 – Review

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

The Story: The team heads to Oceanus to see if they can get something on Osborne from his Cabal-mate, Namor.

The Good: After the balls to the wall slugfest in the last issue, this month gives a really nice change of pace for the series, being more based in political intrigue, personal tensions, and team dynamics. This also allowed for Parker to do some character work, which has always been strong point. As always, every member of the team is distinct and their relationships with one another are front and center. The major conflict of the issue appears to be Namora’s place in Oceanus, her possible departure for the team, and the alliance with the Atlanteans that may result. It’s a very interesting situation that sucked me in far more than the explosions of last month.

With every passing issue, I feel that each character gains a stronger voice. This idea is widely evident in this issue, as the cast’s personality traits grow onto you; from Venus’ optimism and supporting attitude, to Gorilla Man’s humorous interjections, and to Namora’s pained history… I also continue to enjoy Parker’s depiction of the Uranian’s psychic powers. Bob continues to exude this weird aura of surreal menace, and his powers in this issue manage to share that. More importantly, however, is that this also leads to Bob not being “just another Marvel psychic;”  his abilities are all his own.

Gabriel Hardman’s art suits this new, more subdued tone perfectly. One part retro and one part noir, his dark and shaded work is a sight to behold, also making the structures of Oceanus at once beautiful and pulp. Hardman continues to be a perfect fit for Atlas, giving this unique comic the equally unique artistic feel that it needs and deserves.

The Not-So-Good: Agents of Atlas #6 threatens to cement several changes to the Atlas formula that take some getting used to, or at least a willingness to accept. Firstly, while Hardman’s art is great, until now, his art has been very appropriately limited to the flashback sequences and 1950s parallel stories. Seeing his art now being applied to the present day is a bit off-putting at first, given how it’s come to be associated with the past. It is a good fit, but it takes some getting used to.

Also, after lamenting the absence last month, it looks like I’m going to have to say goodbye to the parallel story structure. I do miss it, but thankfully, this issue showed me that the comic is capable of standing up without that gimmick.

In the end, this is a very good comic, but truly enjoying it requires one to leave behind the creative status quo that the series had established for itself in the past issues.

Conclusion: Agents of Atlas #6 is a much more nuanced, subtle issue. Which isn’t a bad thing. Certainly, a more intelligent story is the best way to get readers to accept a simpler creative method (one artist and one story instead of two of each).

The 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 #4 – Review

by Jeff Parker (writer), Gabriel Hardman & Clayton Henry (pencils and inks), Jana Schirmer & Elizabeth Breitweiser (colors), and Nate Piekos (letters)

The Story: Atlas battles Captain America and Bob & company take a trip into Bucky’s mind.  In 1958, the mystery of the ghost pilot comes to its conclusion as the team travels “the Dragon’s corridor.”

The Good: The art is absolutely amazing.  This is a beautiful comic and also one of the most distinct looking books being put out by Marvel.  The 1958 portions look like a comic pulled out of a time machine while the modern portions look slick and bright with a grain of old school sensibility.  Both sides look completely opposite from each other, and yet both completely succeed.  Cap’s “dream sequences” are also really spiffy and introduce yet a third art-style into the issue.

The resolution of the mystery of the ghost pilot is nothing less than a gut-punch.  It’s a really satisfying surprise that’ll make you slap your forehead for not having seen it coming.  Really clever work here by Parker.   I also continue to enjoy Parker’s depiction of the Suwan/Jimmy relationship in 1958.  It comes off as cliché, but this is obviously a self-conscious throwback to classic, sensationalist comics (at one point, as damsel in distress, she’s literally being tied to a tree).  I also love how distinct and well-defined every member of the team is, and this month is no different; Bob’s aloof “eccentricity” is particularly well-highlighted and Ken’s regretting his attack on Cap was a nice touch.

A special mention must also go to how well Parker juggled the modern day and the 1958 sides of the issue.  At one point, the two sides of the comic even fuse, with the modern day Jimmy and Ken entering a 1958 scene we just saw in order to watch themselves; Parker is clearly not satisfied with a simple “Side A/Side B” dynamic and my mind was blown.

The Not So Good: Agents of Atlas is one of the most unique titles put out by Marvel.  Unfortunately, this also means the comic ends up in the somewhat awkward position of being an indie comic in the middle of the Marvel Universe.  The characters just seem to belong somewhere else.  This wouldn’t be a big deal if they were placed on the outskirts of the Marvel Universe, like Punisher MAX or perhaps Ghost Rider, but of course, without any big names on the team, this is not conducive to sales.  As a result, Agents of Atlas has “Dark Reign” slapped on its cover, Captain America showing up, and a showdown with the Avengers next month.

It doesn’t work and this may very well be the most awkward Dark Reign tie-in on the shelves today, which is a crying shame, as it’s a good comic.

Captain America’s reasons for attacking Atlas are still weak at best.  Sure it “makes sense,” but it doesn’t have anything at all personal behind it.  Furthermore, Cap is written terribly in this issue, coming across as an incredibly bland and even bumbling character.  Cap fighting Atlas just looks absurd and it isn’t convincing.  Atlas is just doesn’t fit in the central Marvel Universe, and as a result, you get unintentional comedy like Captain America getting sucked up by a flying saucer’s tractor beam or Cap whining about a “Day the Earth Stood Still-esque” robot’s arms hugging him too tightly.  It just looks ridiculous and doesn’t work in the slightest.

The Bottom-Line: The 1958 side of the issue is lots of fun, but the modern day portion is a laughable mess.   That said, this is still a relatively enjoyable issue in an incredibly unique title and the art is more gorgeous than ever.  That said, considering how bad Cap was, I’m really not looking forward to the battle with the Avengers next issue.

Grade:  C+

-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

The Incredible Hercules #124 – Review

By Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente (writers), Clayton Henry & Salva Espin (artists), Raul Trevino & Lee Loughridge (colorists)

The Story: “Love and War” continues with this hilarious issue that pits Hercules, Namora, and Athena in a battle royale with the baddest Titan of them all, Atlas.  Amadeus uses his love of refined sugar and hot Gorgons to escape from the Amazons, but with the heavy hitters preoccupied, Artume is free to pursue her vendetta against the world of man.

The Good: Some of the gags in this issue are the funniest to date, and I applaud Pak and Van Lente for making this a consistently amusing title.  From George Washington’s bizarre visions and Namora showing Atlas where the capital of Thailand is, to Hercules being bludgeoned with the Washington Monument and visions of everyone’s fondest desires, you’ll be hard pressed not to chuckle when you read this one.

The Not So Good: I was satisfied with this issue up until the end when I realized that, no, “Love and War” still wasn’t over yet, and I would be forced to endure what has proven to be a string of wonderful gags and ideas held together by a mediocre story. This plot about the Amazons’ quest for yet another reality-changing MacGuffin who isn’t nearly as interesting as say, their initial quest to find the hidden location of Atlas.  In fact, the Amazons themselves are easily the most boring part of this story, and I had hoped Pak and Van Lente would end “Love and War” with this issue. However, I was wrong. Now I’ve officially had enough of it.

Conclusion: An issue of great ideas that could have ended the storyline on a satisfying note, but chose to drag it on instead.  Since Pak and Van Lente seem to be writing this for a graphic novel release, you might be better off waiting to read that instead.

Grade:  C

-Tony Rakittke

Incredible Hercules #123 – Review

By Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente (writers), Clayton Henry and Salva Espin (artists), Raul Trevino (colorist)

Is it just me, or has 2008 been the year that Marvel Comics finally did right by their B-list characters?  Incredible Hercules has by far been one of the most entertaining titles I’ve read this year, and I never thought I would say that about about a comic starring a man wearing a skirt and leather stockings.

This issue is part three of the “Love and War” storyline, which so far hasn’t been the strongest arc in the series.  Having just rescued his uncle Poseidon from a gun-toting Amazon with the help of Namor and Namora, Hercules learns the nature of Hippolyta’s plans against the world of man.  Meanwhile, Amadeus is still imprisoned on board Hippolyta’s submarine as she and her Amazons race towards the artifact that will grant them control over the axis of the world. However, that doesn’t stop him from finding the time to score with a youthful Gorgon.

Something about this storyline seems underwhelming, especially since Hercules just got done beating on a Skrull god in the earlier Secret Invasion tie-in issues. But I have a feeling that’s going to change soon when the cast finally reaches the Axis Mundi.  Even if the action is a bit more subdued, Pak and Van Lente still know how to pen a really entertaining story, and that’s where Incredible Hercules succeeds.

This is a title that delights in huge action and fantastic villains, where Hercules and Amadeus seek adventure with a wink and a smile.  Artists Henry and Espin perfectly convey that lighthearted tone with clean art that looks like animation and does a great job of expressing emotion.  What can I say?  Incredible Hercules is a pleasure to read!

Grade: B+

-Tony Rakittke

The Incredible Hercules #122 – Review

By Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente (Writers), Clayton Henry & Salva Espin (Artists), and Raul Travino (Colorist)

The Story: Namor and Hercules are at it toe-to-toe up until Namora informs the two men that they are on the same side for the time being. The three go off to investigate the disappearance of Poseidon and start the search by heading straight for the Amazonian queen, Hippolyta. Meanwhile, Amadeus Cho remains a willing captive of the Amazons as he tries to decipher an Atlantean tablet for Hippolyta.

What’s Good: The second chapter of the Love and War arc is notable for how well it brings together all the elements that make The Incredible Hercules so enjoyable as a series. The cartoonish visuals prove to be a perfect fit for scenarios that put the series’ trademark humor to good use. Simply put, the book is an entertaining package.

What’s Not So Good: For as fun as the storyline is, there is no denying that it lacks some of the weight found in other arcs. It proves to be quite disappointing in that respect simply because I have come to expect a bit more from the series. Also, it is worth noting that some people are probably going to be turned off by the visuals, especially when the darker elements of the storyline are introduced.

Conclusion: If you just want to be entertained, you really can’t go wrong with this one. That said, be sure to keep your expectations in check. This arc is not exactly a high point for the series.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny