Chopping Block Review: It Girl and the Atomics #1
Review by Nolan P. Smith-Pastrami Nation
Writer: Jamie S. Rich
Artist: Mike Norton
Release Date: August 8th, 2012
Publisher: Image Comics
Website: www.imagecomics.com
Mike Allred’s Madman is an independent staple in the comic industry. The zany world of Frank Einstein is one of the most original, colorful worlds seen on the four-color page. The Atomics are a part of this world, which includes the bubbly It Girl. Gaining powers from alien spores, a group of beatniks became the Atomics, and they are back with an all-new series.
Story: By the name of the title, one can easily see that the focus is on It Girl, who has the power to take on the properties of anything she touches. If you aren’t familiar with the Atomics and the world of Madman, then don’t worry. I am only familiar with Madman’s existence, and I had no problem in diving right in to this quirky tale. The book is an excellent jumping on point, with characters that are extremely likeable. It Girl is a hero you root for, yet you can’t help at laughing at the situations she winds up in. Jamie S. Rich writes this poignant first issue perfectly, setting the stage for more stellar stories from the world of Madman.
Art: Mike Norton, who also works on Image Comic’s Revival, provides the interior art for the book, and does a stellar job. I was a little worried at first, as I am a HUGE fan of Allred’s style. However, Norton’s pencils provide the perfect platform for this fun and spontaneous book. The crazy costume designs are something to marvel at, especially the animal based villains of the book.
Overall: Like I stated before, I am not very familiar with the Atomics and the universe they live in. That didn’t stop me from enjoying the heck out of this entertaining book. This has the action, the humor, the off the wall attitude that I love about comics. Not everything has to be serious and about life or death. Sometimes, you just want to read a comic that leaves you smiling at the end. This is that book. Highly Recommended, I give It Girl and the Atomics #1 a perfect ***** out of 5.