American Mythology Productions 2016
Written by Mark L. Haynes & J.C. Vaughn
Illustrated by Greg LaRocque
Coloured by Gene Jimenez
Lettering & Production by Jonathan Swinney
Something has gone desperately wrong and Atlantis’ presence on Earth now presents a threat to the very planet it was assigned to protect. An unexpected danger from the past appears to be orchestrating a devastating event that may very well change the course of history in two galaxies.
I have to say that i’m enjoying the way the book flows story wise. It really does have that whole television show pacing which means it’s fast and yet entertaining. No unnecessary story elements added or dragging out something too long it’s very precise and for something like this that’s based on the show as if it’s a continuing season that’s great to see.
I also like how the guys are able to weave in multiple storylines into one conversation. I mean we open with the Wraith they have not so much prisoner and the team talking about both the aliens that attacked the Alpha Site and the “human” that knocked them unconscious so effectively catching the reader up on what’s been happening without the need for that previously on… This not allows for them to split their forces up and head in different directions to deal simultaneously with both situations. This is the kind of writing that many just can’t seem to get the grasp of as well as they have here.
I’m also such a huge fan of the work Greg and Gene are doing here. Each issue has gotten progressively stronger and that’s a huge thing considering how talented they already are. The likenesses are sharper and the attention to detail just amazes me, including the effect that gate has when it’s active that watery style on that opening page was a wow moment. The way the book flows through it’s pages and panels is so well done in helping tell the story. I always want to see more backgrounds but what we get to see are strong and well utilized for helping tell the bigger picture and get the whole mood, tone and feel of what’s happening.
This has always been a very fast paced franchise with fights alongside discovery and plenty of times when they have to work themselves out of trouble in the midst of chaos. So it should come as no surprise that we get that here. The way they think they know whom it is that knocked them unconscious, that they’ve set out to capture not to mention the Wraith walking around being an essential member on that alien intelligence all mixed in what ultimately this huge ending just keeps me glued to the pages.
As far as television franchises continuing on in comic books I think this one is definitely the most authentic to the series. For those of you who haven’t seen the television programme don’t worry you can still enjoy this as a stand alone entity. There’s enough background information given that you won’t feel lost or confused. I have to say this is one of those that you should definitely be reading.