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March 12, 2005
review: "Atomika #1"
This is the first Speakeasy Comics book I've read (they are publisher for Mercury Comics, who created this Atomika book). I am very impressed. This has been described "an alternate past -- where the Revolution has become the State -- Liberty has been destroyed and the gods now walk the Earth", but I think they are selling themselves short by saying it's an "alternate past". It seems like this is about power and corruption (which we see every day). It's about how goals get lost and the machine--no matter how noble the intentions originally were--builds up steam and crushes those it meant to free. I see the dynamics of this story all too much in our current world politics, both at home and abroad. In short, even if this story is supposed to take place in the past, it is very timely right now.
Having made my little political soapbox statement, I loved this book. Writer Andrew Dabb has created a mythology that's compelling and disturbing. Sal Abbinanti images are equal parts dream and nightmare; powerful and evocative. The images, story and storytelling set it apart from alot of what comic book readers might expect (it's a bit more fablist than others), but it still has the feel of a mainstream book. Its more metaphorical than, say Superman, but that doesn't make it bad. The artwork is stylized as well, but it fits the story and is emotionally evocative. This book has left me wanting more.
I also look forward to seeing more Speakeasy books. From the looks of this one they know what they are doing.
(Highly recommended)
(review by Sean Ferrell)
Posted by sferrell at March 12, 2005 4:07 PM
