Broken Frontier

The Atom gets more than he bargained for when he encounters an all encompassing alien entity bent on eradicating human existence.

I have to say that upon reading this issue, I wondered aloud about writer Gail Simone’s mental state. This issue certainly had its fair share of weirdness and Gail seems determined to think up some of the most bizarre predicaments to put our newly born hero through his paces.

In fact, she starts this issue off by revealing that Ivy Town is a nexus for a clash point of magic and science. Now that’s followed up with the Atom’s bizarre encounter with an all encompassing alien entity called M’Nagalah. I’m still trying to process the connection between these two plot points, but let’s just say it made for some very effective story telling. Of course this is all just for starters, and when you digest that bit of recycled B-movie imagery the story kicks into high gear. There’s an interesting appearance by Giganta who is intrinsically tied into the plot and to top that off a new super-villain (introduced last issue) begins a reign of terror in Ivy Town.

In Gail’s defense though, she has woven an interesting tapestry and has dissected it convincingly within the plot. Some may think this an offbeat way to introduce a new character like the Atom into the DCU, but I beg to differ. In fact, Gail’s spin on the character allows for a more quirky point of view, and she has gone full tilt with the concept in a cheesy sort of way. A good example here is how she splices whimsical sayings and quotes to appear alongside her dialogue. At first I thought it to be a hindrance, but after three issues I’ve grown accustomed to it and I think it serves to give the story more flavoring.

This might be comical to some and it could also be a turnoff for many other readers, but the weirdness here screams cult hit. My only point of contention here though concerns the appointment of John Byrne as artist on this series. It’s not that I believe John is a bad artist, I just don’t think his work suits the tongue-in cheek themes being presented here. John relies heavily upon a more standard use of panels and he is of the old guard of sequential illustrators still working in the industry. I am finding the stories such a hoot to read through, so I think an artist like Justiniano would be a more suitable fit for this series. I’ve heard that John will be penciling until issue four and then artist Eddie Barrows will be coming onboard to take his place. Now whether or not this is permanent move remains to be seen.

Ultimately though, I am wondering how this series is going to fare long term. Especially since many of the ideas eclipsing the stories are offbeat and of a different variety than we have been accustomed to with this character. So far I like the weird angle being exploited to usher in a different kind of Atom, and I have to say that Gail’s writing has been a real treat. If you haven’t already picked up an issue, then I suggest you do and laugh yourself silly in the process.