Madman and the Atomics

(Image, 2007)
™ and © 2007 Michael Allred

Mike Allred’s 2000-2001 comic series The Atomics is collected here in trade paperback for the first time, making this long out-of-print 15-issue series finally acquirable for fans of Allred’s distinctive style and characters. In this series, Allred’s signature character, Madman, teams up with his former enemies, a group of mutated homeless beatniks-turned-super-heroes, in order to fight evils that besiege Madman’s home of Snap City. Along the way, Madman and his friends meet giant monsters from inner-space (a microscopic version of outer space), time-travelling aliens, ridiculously costumed supervillains, and even Erik Larsen’s Savage Dragon, all while trying to maintain the balance of space-time, and just figure themselves out a little bit more.

Those who enjoy Allred’s distinctive art and writing cannot miss this collection, as it showcases Allred doing what he does best—the art is colorful and action-packed and the story manages to provide homage to silver-age greats like Lee and Kirby while injecting modern sensibilities. In addition, this collection includes interesting bonus features, including pieces both written and painted from star artist Alex Ross, a cover gallery, and a bonus mini-comic from Allred and fellow creator Jay Stephens.

— Eric Garneau

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