Broken Frontier

The Madman Giant Size All-New Super-Ginchy Special is fantastic!  Longtime fans that follow Madman writer/artist/creator Mike Allred’s blog have been getting tiny teasers from this book for a while and I, for one, could not have been more excited.  I am pleased to say that it was well-worth the wait, and it lived up to the hype.

Although Allred only contributed one story, it is a very good story.  Though only one thing actually happens (and most of it seems imaginary), the brilliant and unique nature of the characters utterly charms the audience.  While Frank Einstein does engage in his trademark trippy inner monologue, most of the charm comes from the artwork, which seems to have achieved a new level of depth since earlier Madman works.  The older stories felt like they were always being driven forward with manic energy and a funky rhythm, but this felt like a more mature (if that’s possible) version of the character.  The storytelling style is much more paced, and it takes its time with dramatic moments by using dramatic angles.  Also, Madman looks older and more masculine, too.

Allred’s feature is followed by three very different stories. The first, “It’s All in the Song” by Emi Lenox, has a very teenage emo feel to it, and is actually very cute.  Its dialogue is loaded with subtle humor, and it makes some not so subtle jabs at some modern bands.  The artwork fits the story perfectly.

“On the Road” by Matt Kindt, is a slightly trippy story (though not in the same way that Madman usually is) about a very minor character’s weird acid trip-like journey through life.  The art and the writing are strange and offbeat, and a little confusing, but Kindt’s admiration for the Madman style of storytelling is apparent, and that has to count for something.  

Finally, “Bang” by Tonci Zonjic gives us a slightly more serious look at the Frankenstein aspect of Frank Einstein.  After being shot by a microscopic bullet, Frank’s life is in danger and it is up to Joe and Dr. Flem to save him.  This story focuses on the mad science of Madman, and has very little humor.  It’s very similar to the style of storytelling in Cowboy Bebop, in that the threats are grave but the responses are somewhat quirky.

These stories are followed by one of the most impressive sets of pin-ups you will ever see.  My only complaint about this issue is that for a giant-size super ginchy special, it’s kind of short, and does not deal with Madman all that much.  Still, this issue is VERY worth the time and money if you’re a fan of the series, and if you’re not, still pick up the issue! It’s not the best introduction, but you can still enjoy the stories without knowing the characters, and there are (relatively) no spoilers.