The Middle Man

(Viper, 2005-2006)
™ and © Viper Comics

Continuing the trend of recruiting talent from other entertainment media, this offering from Viper Comics features the writing talents of Javier Grillo-Marxuach, a producer on the hit show Lost. This action comedy also showcases a bold, pop-art style by artist Les McClaine that’s heavily shaded with big bold dots. Middle Man follows the exploits of Wendy Watson, a temp worker who is suddenly sucked into an organization that goes by the motto “fighting evil so you don’t have to.” The hyperkinetic story tackles monsters, espionage, and mobsters with a light, humorous touch.

— Colin Chan

From the Comic Buyer’s Guide:

Um, does the reading public really need another comic with a suave, debonair hero? Or a sassy, butt-kicking damsel? How about an intelligent monkey?

Maybe, maybe not. But what readers can always use is a witty, attractive, and well-written comic book, regardless of its ingredients, and that’s exactly what creators Javier Grillo-Marxuach and Les McClaine cook up. The hero of note calls himself The Middleman, referring to both his moniker and his place in the scheme of world-saving. The damsel is Wendy, whom he first rescues and who later becomes his sidekick. And the monkey? Well, that’s more complex. And it’s also one of the major elements of the story, one that’s better seen than explained.

Imagine what super-heroes would be like in a Men in Black-type world and you get the general idea. While Grillo-Marxuach’s story is clever, his real wit shows in the form of his characters’ interactions, especially their biting dialogue. McClaine’s art is clean, simple, and light, like G-M’s story. Hey, you can never have too many heroes, damsels, or monkeys, so have a look.

— Jim Johnson

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