Agents of Atlas pt. II
Agents of Atlas by Evan "Doc" Shaner
I hate to start every post with an apology, but this truly has been the week from Hell. Here, at long last, is the overdue second look at Agents of Atlas:
Collected Agents of Atlas
When last we parted company, I was going to tell you guys a little about the mini-series that led into the current ongoing. I’m going to do my best not to spoil things too much, but if you want to approach the material tabula rasa, stop reading now and buy the book for yourself
Right. So, in the present, SHIELD agent Ken Hale, aka Gorilla Man, is interrogated by his fellow agents on the history of his association with Jimmy Woo. The impetus behind the questioning involves a rogue mission led by Woo against the mysterious Atlas Foundation, that has left him brain dead and covered in burns. Hale leads a bust-out (which features, perhaps, the greatest thing ever drawn in a comic book, ever — a sentient gorilla firing four machine guns with all hands and feet) with the help of M-11 and Marvel Boy, and they’re able to restore Woo according to Bob’s memory to a much younger version of himself.
SHIELD agent Derek Khanata takes over the position vacated by Woo, and takes on the investigation of Woo, the Atlas Foundation, and the bust-out. Through his investigation, he joins Woo’s team as they collect old friends, preparing for a final face-off with the villainous Yellow Claw. The only thing is…Yellow Claw seems to want Woo to succeed.
Writer Jeff Parker, interior artist Leonard Kirk, inker Kris Justice, and cover artist Tomm Coker pull out all the stops. The book is well-written, the art is gorgeous, and the story hits all of the right vast international conspiracy / espionage / Sax Rohmer homage notes along the way. Here’s a page of original art from the mini-series that I’m lucky enough to claim as my own. Additional art by Jeff Parker!
Agents of Atlas art
The latest series builds off of the amazing conclusion of the series as the Agents of Atlas assert their position in the Marvel Universe. The series has ostensibly kicked off as part of the Dark Reign storyline. But if you think that knowledge of Marvel continuity is necessary to enjoy the book, never fear. While it might help, I honestly stopped reading most Marvel books just after the Age of Apocalypse, which happened when I was in junior high school. Here’s what you need to know: Norman Osborn, aka the Green Goblin, is alive, and is running part of the government. Also, after Captain America’s death, his long-dead sidekick Bucky took over. I think.
Like I said, it doesn’t matter, especially as the best parts of the new series take place in the 1950s, with fantastic art by Gabriel Hardman.
If you still haven’t signed up for the series and want another taste, then you’re in luck: Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited (DCU, but not the DCU — hilarious and nefarious) has an exclusive 1950s-era Agents story by Parker and artist Benton Jew, starring Wolverine! Also, chat with Agents of Atlas member Ken Hale @ Twitter!
Tomorrow: we’ll wrap up the long Costumed Adventurers Month (which has maybe now stretched into two) by unveiling the final silhouette, and announcing a contest in honor of our 75th post!
