Give Me More!
What are the Mystery Men? What is this comic about? It's about the damn comic you'll be reading this week.
The Good
We didn't have very much information about this book prior to its release. Marvel fittingly kept it a...mystery. Set in 1932 New York City, it's a different world than what we read everyday in comics. When I started reading, I actually forgot who was writing and drawing the book. I left it that way so I would fully be unbiased by anyone involved.
This isn't a world full of superheroes. There is a real-life element to the story even though we get hints of superpowers with one of the characters. When a character is set up for a crime, there isn't many people he can turn to. As much as I love today's comics, it's this feel that superheroes are not running rampant that gives the story a special edge. You get a feel for the mood and atmosphere being set up.
David Liss and Patrick Zircher do a great job in creating this new world of characters and heroes for us. We don't know a lot about what's going on and that's what makes this the perfect book for new readers. You can jump in and immediately you will get hooked. Crime, mystery, action, thrills and more are contained in just this first issue.
The Bad
Now that the excitement over these new heroes has begun, the question is whether that excitement will continue. It's easy to believe it will and there's no reason to think otherwise. There is the possibility things could fall into the obvious cliches but I'm sure I will be on board for all five issues.
The Verdict
Are you looking for a new comic to read? Do you want a great story with art that truly captures the feel of New York City in 1932. The fact that this world isn't filled with superheroes makes it feel like a more dangerous place. There are shadows everywhere and corruption is all around. Being here at the beginning gives a wonderful feeling that I can't remember when I last felt this. If this is any indication of what we can expect from David Liss, Patrick Zircher and Andy Troy for the rest of the miniseries, I already know I will be buying the hardcover when it's released.
