Matryoshkas Field Guide. 15.21. Retired agents may or may not be forcibly visually impaired at the discretion of Home Office

Mind MGMT #15
The Exile
Writer/Artist: Matt Kindt
September 2013
Darkhorse Comics

***SPOILER ALERT***

5...

4...

3...

2...

1...

0.5...

0.1...

GO!


It's Lyme's turn for the spotlight. What a disgusting human being. I feel sorry for the guy. It's kind of messed up, but I relish in his decision to let himself be punished for his actions; it's respectable in a way. I feel kind of sad looking back at that scene, but at the same time he clearly wanted to be punished (since he said that he had control over the Immortals). I get the vibes that since he tormented Meru so much over the years that he will somehow save her later on. Probably from the Eraser and her crew of Mind Misfits. I'm greatly looking forward to reading all the issues back-to-back and putting the pieces of the puzzle together.

I have a soft spot for Lyme now... Even though what he did was unforgivable, he's such an openly flawed character that it's hard to not sympathize with him. Perhaps there are subliminal messages encoded in this issue that are telling me to feel this way. Or could it be Matt Kindt's superb storytelling techniques? Maybe the MGMT is telling me what to write here...

I will never know...

Matryoshka's Field Guide. 14.1. Many of the conceptual identities you will find useful as an adult agent were planted early in your development.

Mind MGMT #14
"Meru and Bill"
Writer/Artist: Matt Kindt
August 2013
Darkhorse Comics

The third arc of Mind MGMT consists of single-issue stories that fit into (what I imagined will be) an all encompassing conclusion. #13 was about the new character Megan (story titled The Home Maker) and now this issue sees Meru and Bill's new-old relationship take the spotlight.

Meru and Bill get into an altercation with one of the Eraser's goons. Their encounter is a reminder to readers that something strange is up with Meru. She is mentally stronger than pretty much everyone else (as far as I can tell) and is causing panic for both Lyme and The Eraser. There are hints that a type of war is on the rise between the three parties and it's becoming clearer who Meru will side with. Meru herself doesn't look so good by the end of the issue...

It's hard to say what is going to happen next. I feel like it's hard to judge with only having read a couple of issues of the arc. Mind MGMT is the type of series that even having read all the issues in an arc, one still has so many questions lingering around in the mind as nothing is ever clear. It's that great of a story that the reader actually has to think about what they've read and piece it together for themselves. It's not too far from being a surrealist comic (actually I think it is now that I mention it). More could be said about the contents of this issue with having read the entire arc. It seems that the story will be easier to understand down the road. Must. Read. Issue. #15.

Matryoshka's Field Guide. 13.6. Use Enhanced Listening techniques to expose and exploit the mental weaknesses of those around you.

Mind MGMT #13
Writer/Artist: Matt Kindt
July 2013

Darkhorse Comics

It has been a while since I've read Mind MGMT (hence this November review of the July issue). Time to jump back on the wagon.

This issue is filled with cryptic easter eggs (or what I assume are easter eggs/plot seeds). The new character Megan, at least inasfar as her current predicament, reminds me of Meru: woman who has seemingly been mind managed and is now "awakening" from her mind-controlled slumber. She even says that she has been awake for about a month now and knows that something is up. The reader is placed in as just a mysterious situation as Megan is since we are not made aware of what is going on (we are along for the ride).

Things tend to just sporadically happen in this issue (perhaps they do in previous issues and somehow my memory has been wiped by the management; reread previous issues to be sure). The surrealism element is definitely upped here and to the series' advantage. Possessions have been stolen, neighbours are being murdered by fellow neighbours, Twin Peaks characters are inhabitants of the same world as Mind MGMT folk - there is lots going on here and it's hard to determine what it all means at this point. I'm certainly intrigued by this series and I'm a huuuuge fan of Matt Kindt's artwork, but upon rereading this issue, my mind is still sore from trying to figure out what is going on. Not many comic book series (or television or films as well) are capable of building such a world of mystery and surrealism as that of Mind MGMT (and are still pulling readers in to [try to] unravel the mysteries at hand) so kudos to Kindt for still boggling minds after a full year has past since the debut of Mind MGMT.

Some things of interest:

- the sidebar Field Guides in this issue were highly amusing. I need not tell you which was my favourite one... - I think Bill Falls is seen in one of the last pages; however, he has blonde hair now and has a clean shaven look (read future issues to determine the validity to this)
- the inevitability of the hot tub
- Leland Palmer!!!
- the striking similarities of Megan and Meru's stories/characters; again, follow up with future issues to see where this goes

"Oh God!"

Trillium #3
"Chapter 3: Telemetry"
Writer/Artist: Jeff Lemire
October 2013
Vertigo Comics

Jeff Lemire experiments with page layout presentation once again as a means of storytelling... and it's freaking awesome. The pages are upright and presented in a "normal" reading experience during Nika's scenes, whereas in William's story the pages are flipped, resulting in the reader needing to physically flip the comic in order to read it. It may seem simplistic and silly at first, but upon thinking about the choice to do this it is rather symbolic for their existences in two separate time periods (1917 and 3797). Duality is an important theme in this story and it is tackled masterfully by writer/artist extraordinaire Jerff Lemire (yes, he changed his name to Jerff).

I'm enjoying how the story being told keeps flipping back and forth: in the first issue, Nika and William's stories were told separately and met up in the final scene, and issue #2 told a story with both of them together. Now, in issue #3, the two have been separated and their current predicaments find them colliding through time and space to be reunited. The whole cat-and-mouse aspect is, while being an old trope, feels fresh in Trillium. Three issues in, I'm never quite sure what to expect of this series. With only five more to go, we're almost halfway there and I've yet to come up with any sort of prediction as to what is going to happen to Nika and William (and friends). Call it a poor imagination on my part or call it excellent storytelling on Lemire's part, this series is a mystery and a great one at that.

Downside up or upside down?

Jeff certainly packs in a lot of material within the twenty pages of Trillium #3. Nika's backstory is fleshed out just a little bit, with the reader being shown a brief sequence of her family's separation when she was a child. Surely this will be played out in future issues and will somehow save Nika during a time of trouble... This issue packs a lot of punch and feels like there's no filler; it's all meat with this story. Lemire doesn't waste any of the space on the pages for forgettable story elements; everything serves its purpose.

As for the art: do I really have to say anything? It's Jeff Lemire folks. While I can understand that his artwork is really hit or miss, I do think it needs to be taken into consideration that he has defined himself so well with his technique and style that no one else's artwork really looks like his. At least give the man credit where it's due. There is one page in particular that blew my mind: it's the double-page spread where Nika and William reunite. Not only is it a gorgeous piece of art but it's also such a strong and effective storytelling device. It's reminiscent of the first issue flip-book cover, which Trillium fans will surely never forget.

"Jon... is your dick glowing?"

Sex Criminals #1
"Suzie Down in the Quiet"

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Chip Zdarsky
September 2013
Image Comics

Holy fuck, did I just read that?! This comic is fucking fantastic. 

There is so much greatness contained in this 32-page story that I'm not even sure where to begin. Sex Criminals #1 is the epitome of independent comics done right. The pacing is absolutely brilliant, the development of the characters and story are equally wonderful, and the art by Chip Zdarsky is a phenomenal joy. Writer Matt Fraction makes a lot of twists and turns in the narrative and fleshes out protagonist Suzie Dickson (geez, these sexual puns just don't stop coming, do they?.. oops, there I go again...) but the story never stops being interesting. You really feel for Suzie and come to sympathize with her strangely unique dilemma.

Sex Criminals #1's self-awareness is one of its key strengths. There's a scene early on that harkens back to Woody Allen's Annie Hall and it could not be more helpful in setting the tone of this series. The reader immediately knows that this is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously and that's all for the better in our world that's oversaturated with hyperserious/gritty superhero fare. At one point Suzie further breaks the fourth wall by mentioning that "that's the magic of editing" in regards to all the chronological shifts from scene to scene. Then there are the various sex scenes... One of them even includes drawings on a bathroom stall wall... 

You didn't think I'd post a photo of the actual drawings now did you?

I haven't even mentioned Suzie's "superpower" yet: she can stop time simply (or in some cases, quite contrarily) by having an orgasm. I'd prefer not to spoil the book for you, fellow reader, any more than necessary, so I will stop my doing so here (despite that not really being a spoiler, I do think it best to enter a new story with as little knowledge of it as possible). This was about all I knew about the book prior to reading it.

There are little tidbits of narration that Suzie says that demonstrate her personal tone towards the reader that are fantastic. "Wait, scratch that, I have no idea what I'm talking about" (paraphrasing); it's stuff like this that humanize Suzie and make her a rather relatable character. SC's self-awareness is reminiscent of Scott Pilgrim's zaniness, however is a little less ridiculous and over-the-top while still being somewhat absurd in its own right. Like SP, SC has a keen sense of attitude and is an intelligently plotted narrative. 

Yep, it's exactly what you think.

 The artwork by Zdarsky is simple and effective. It's kind of cartoony at times and it shies away from being overly detailed like those pesky superhero books can be. The colourist (apologize my ignorance for not knowing your identity!) does a fabulous job here, as can be seen in the image above. The lens flares and the pinkish waves in space and time illustrate that Suzie has just orgasmed and that her superpower is in full swing.

I really cannot recommend this series enough. It's so refreshing and engaging that I will be buying the first volume for my own love interest as soon as it is released (I'd let her read my floppies, but us comic book readers/collectors are a bit anal about the condition of our comics) so she can understand my love for this sex comedy aimed at "mature" readers.

"Sticky Tricky"

Bedlam #9
Writer: Nick Spencer
Artist: Ryan Browne
Cover: Frazer Irving
October 2013
Image Comics


When was the last time anyone remembers reading Bedlam? This comic has been subjected to a bizarre release schedule but it couldn't be more fitting to this deranged ongoing series. It's likely due to the switch in artists but it could be a whole slew of things. At any rate, at least it's a new issue of Bedlam.

Nothing ever goes well for this town. After the end of the first arc (which alluded to something even more horrible being plotted from the shadows of the city's underworld to appear in a future arc) a new set of killings immediately emerged for the police to investigate, and of course, Fillmore Press is somehow still aiding them in this search for the truth.

The story structure is the same as always (opening scene is a flashback to the days of Madder Red's reign, followed by a double page background spread with the title of the story, then the return to the present) and I can't help but feel the reader deserves an entire issue dedicated to fleshing out (no pun) Madder Red's history; it is always the most enjoyable part of reading Bedlam. The investigation moves along in a relatively slow-paced fashion so as to set up other plot points in the story. Some intriguing information is revealed about a certain character whom we don't know very much about. Plus, we learn that something concerning his/her fate is at stake by the end of the issue. Cryptic? Yes I know... wouldn't want to spoil the issue entirely.

Isn't he a sweetheart?

Ryan Browne's artwork is similar enough to Riley Rossmo's (the original artist of Bedlam) but it lacks the same gruff and grit that this series has become known for. Browne certainly fills Rossmo's shoes well, but this issue feels too clean at times and then becomes statically scratchy at others; it's inconsistent. Perhaps that is the point, but I'm not sure. I have yet to read his creator-owned God Hates Astronauts so I do not know what his own style looks like; I've only seen how he imitates Rossmo. To his benefit, Browne has great storytelling chops: he excels at framing/placement of characters within the panel, he draws facial expressions well, and also nails the body language of the characters. After the last three issues with the new artist, I am overall content with Browne being onboard; Browne's art and Spencer's words align very nicely.

This issue lacks Madder Red. He's certainly in the book (I'm not including the presence of Fillmore Press here by the way), but not to the degree that makes this series so morbidly fantastic. It can be forgiven of Spencer since he is trying to develop the story and the other players within it. However, this issue is a prime example that Madder Red is what drives this book. Bring on the Red folks, and we'll be back in a perfect bedlam in no time.

"...Trillium."

Trillium #2

Written/illustrated by Jeff Lemire

September 2013
Vertigo Comics

"Chapter 2: Binary Systems"

---- ----- -- -----!!

This series has me on board for the long haul. The debut issue was a strong first issue and there was lots to love about it, however there was quite a lot of set-up and exposition which was difficult to take in upon the first read. However, Trillium #2 jumps right into the story and continues where the cliffhangers of Chapters 1 and 1.2 left off. 

Nika and William are two strangers from different millenia (the second millenium and the fourth millenium, respectively) who discover each other by accident after each character experiences a separate life altering encounter. It's neat to see their relationship unfold without the reliance of language; it's also interesting how Lemire develops this notion. The first page has William speaking coherent English for the reader's sake, with Nika not understanding any of it. Then the scenario switches on the second page: Nika is speaking coherently (whatever language it is, it's translated to English) and William is the one confused. The two characters do their best to communicate sans-language and it's a joy to watch them. There is a moment when they discover there is a word they both understand (which further sets up mystique about this comic's title and what exactly the flower represents):

"...--------."

Plot wise, there's not a lot of movement with this issue. This episode serves the exploration of the two lead characters and the building of their relationship, which in my humble opinion, is a nice change of pace from the expansive and epic opening chapter from last month. The choice to zone in on developing Nika and William's relationship was a smart move and is highly commendable of Lemire. An example of Lemire's brilliance occurs just after Nika punches the temple door. William makes a remark that Nika has quite the temper, and a few panels later she apologizes to him for losing her temper. It's the little things like that that Lemire handles extremely well. There's also a panel shortly after where the two future lovers (does that even make sense in this story - "future" lovers?) begin flirting and smile at one another in a romantic way, serving to set up what will likely come of their interaction together. Another plus on the writing side is that this issue isn't bombarded by lengthy expositional text-bubbles; Lemire balances the dialogue between the characters and the use of the imagery to tell the story, and does so effectively given the circumstance that the two protagonists have found themselves in.

On the art side, I can't express properly how much I love Lemire's style. He is by far my favourite artist. In this issue he draws faces exceptionally well; even in panels where the characters' faces are small, the amount of expression they exude is impressive. Again, Lemire has a knack for the little things and he puts the time in to make sure these minute details are executed with precision.

I was a bit uneasy with the cleaner look to the art in issue #1, but this time around the slight change is sitting well with me. There is the familiarity of Jeff's style in the art obviously, except compared to his older works it has a cleaner finish to it. His inking has become tighter this time around and colourist Jose Villarrubia seems to be experimenting here as well. I was a bit slow to accept this last month, but after finishing Trillium #2 I can't get enough. Luckily issue #3 is in my possession so I'll be reading that soon!

Overall, I'm impressed with this new series from Jeff Lemire & co. It's a shame it's only eight issues long. On the bright side, at least it's eight issues of  Lemire greatness! I shall conclude with this fantastic double-splash page. Hopefully this image entices you to pick this book up: