Agents of Atlas Review

[Tim Veselka]

Agents of Atlas #1 by Jamie Primas

I've never read the acclaimed Agents of Atlas run by Parker over at Marvel proper, but I've always loved the characters he has used to form this ecclectic team. I just haven't had the cash to invest, which is just another reason I've been excited to read Jamie's title.

The issue begins with the team already involved in a mission involving a mysterious island that has risen overnight. Though this issue is rather short it does a good job of introducing the characters and their various personalities with a few exceptions. A great mystery is set up and we begin to see various aspects of the Atlas Corporation the new seemingly benevolent version and the past seemingly evil version.

That being said I feel like Bob and M-11 got the shaft in this issue though I suppose that will easily be rectified next issue but for a first issue it seems a tad short and incomplete, though well written with a good mixture of humor, action and intrigue. I know it's also a little premature to ask but any chance of some form of 3D man in the future even if as a guest star? He was always a fun character and Triathlon was an interesting replacement.

The prose is clean and clear the plot a bit short but well done in the space given. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

I give this one a 3 1/2 stars out of 5

[Tim Veselka]

Agents of Atlas #2 by Jamie Primas

The Agents of Atlas meet Thor who wants to claim their island as his own while two agents try to get M-11 to the island in time to help but of course things never go as planned . . . Jamie's agents are a great cast as they actually outshine the god of thunder in this isse. Again everything was well written, easy to read with still a great atmosphere. Though I still have a harder time grasping Venus and her personality though her powers at least are clearer.

Obviously something is wrong with M-11 I know that this type of story is tons of fun to write but I usually hate to read a story about a good guy going bad or taken over etc in the very first arc, however as it seems to be a secondary storyline I think Jamie gets away with it here. Jamies descriptions of the eerie areas of Atlas is amazing really makes the mood stand out.

Overall a great story with good writing if a bit short

4 out of 5 stars

[Tim Veselka]

Agents of Atlas #3 by Jamie Primas

This issue seems a little longer and I am glad that it is as the Jade Claw attacks while the Agents of Atlas attempt to save the World Tree all while M-11 is going haywire. I love that things are never simple for the Atlas gang as they try to focus on one disaster and several more pop up along the way. I also love the addition of Tagak as he is the kind of pulp character that fits in well with the Atlas world in general.

Once more the action and storyline are clean and fun with easy to read battles that leave you seeing the action. Jamie's world building skills here are in full swing and he proves himself an expert with giving you the information you need to know without anything resembling an infodump. I look forward to each new issue with growing anticipation.

Overall a very enjoyable issue where things just begin to come together with a nice little twist at the end of the issue that will leave you wondering how the Agents of Atlas can possibly hope to survive let alone win.

I give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5

[scottenkainen]

That's two votes now for some inclusion of 3-D Man, even if he is a retconned ringer. I liked issue #1 a lot more than you did, Tim, though I agree with you much more on the 2nd and 3rd.

~Scott C.

[jamieprimas]

The process has begun with 3-D Man over in Avengers #10, where , amidst the overlying story arc going on there, Triathlon has become the 3-D Man. I'm kneeling to the suggestions and he'll be in Atlas within the next storyline.

Thanks for the reviews, I hope I keep it up with further issues.


Jamie

[scottenkainen]

Thanks, Jamie! I'd like to see some attempt to combine the "history" of Marvel's 3-D Man with Simon and Kirby's classic 3D Man (http://kirbymuseum.org/blogs/simonandkirby/archives/1207) -- especially if it leads to a confrontation between the Agents of Atlas and the secret race of Cat People!

I finally own the first three issues of the Agents of Atlas mini-series that started it all and couldn't wait to read the rest, so I checked out Marvel's hardcover volume reprinting the whole series, with reprints of all their original appearances, from the nearest library that had it. What a great read! Now I'm wondering...do all dragon's stomachs lead to the same place and...could this be how you plan to bring back Yellow Claw...?

~Scott C.