American Mythology Productions 2016
Written by Mark L Haynes & J.C. Vaughn
Illustrated by Scottie Watson
Coloured by Gene Jimenez
Lettered by Natalie Jane
After the first arc ended with Janus causing untold damage as well the whole panic effect that this has caused we’re finally back with the next installment. I am one of those people that think SyFy made a mistake by letting the franchise end and i’m thrilled that we’re getting the further adventures of the Atlantis crew.
I like that this literally picks up where the last arc left off as Atlantis is being taken into space to keep the Earth from possibly experiencing a catastrophic event. There’s something perfect about the way Richard and company take Atlantis out of the ocean an into space that really does feel like it’s part of the series. The writing, characterisation and dialogue totally fits into what I think the characters would say and do.
As the boys set up the gang up back where they should be they do a lot to establish their current predicament. Also there’s some great tension rising as Janus is being interviewed and his state of mind is coming back, the fractured mindset of being in stasis for so long and remembering Weir. Though Weir was in charge when he went into stasis it isn’t until this issue he finds out what happened to her and his reaction to that well that’s something which will come back to haunt them. That there are so many different versions, see aspects, of Janus that really make him this complex and utterly scary man.
I’m a big fan of the artwork Scottie does on the interiors. I love the attention to detail that he brings to the page and the ships, backgrounds and characters. The use of page layouts with their angles and perspective really are used to bring this to life beautifully. There’s just enough recognisability to the characters and their tv counterparts to make them instantly recognisable and yet still leave enough room for interpretation. Plus the use of water in panels is utterly amazing and is a great contrast to the technology we see and really makes quite an impact.
I like the way that this whole book is structured. We’ve got the all the multiple groups doing things that are “normal” for the crew as they search for ways to keep Atlantis up and running smoothly. All the while still having to face threats from throughout the universe as well as dealing with the Stargate programme back on Earth. This really is written like it’s still that same outer space soap opera style show that involves a large cast of characters all of whom get enough screen time.
This is a great continuation of the television series that really keeps the spirit alive and well. I love that the team is back where they belong, off Earth, and are up to their usual activities trying to not only survive but thrive and protect. This team has one of the absolute best renditions of television show converted to comics that i’ve had the pleasure to read.