Comic Book Review: The Manhattan Projects #’s 1 and 2 by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra, Published by Image Comics
Reviewed by Sean Stoltey


And this is why I waited until the second issue came out to start this book. I had a feeling it was going to be enjoyable for me and Hickman knows how to leave you wanting more. Also, I know it is poor grammar to start a sentence with and. I’ve allowed myself to do it here because it seemed right for the point I was making. After the holy s#!+ ending of issue one I dove right into issue two. The point made at the end of the first issue is reference at one point in the book but is not the main story, and that’s okay. Because once again we are off and running into the wild and crazy alternate history of the Manhattan Projects. Einstein made a brief appearance in the first issue and there’s quite a bit more of him here. Which means this is a comic I am going to try to share with my Dad. A rare occurrence, believe me. In issue two we are introduced to the other scientists that are part of the Manhattan Projects. At least one of which needs to have his back story become a future issue. You’ll see what I mean. The main plot in this issue is centered on whether or not the members of the Project are okay with recruiting Nazi scientists to their cause now that World War II is winding down. Richard Feynman is sent to Europe to accompany the U.S. Army as it takes the Nazi stronghold housing said scientists. As usual I’ve been vague with details because I am adamantly opposed to spoiling a book. Let’s just say you should never trust a Nazi scientist with a robotic arm. More threads are sewn for future plots and I for one am quite excited to see where this all goes. Since there’s pretty much one story going on this issue, no flashback biography, Pitarra takes a bit more advantage of his pages. The layouts take more advantage of the page than before. That’s not a complaint about the first issue. The layout styles employed there serviced that story perfectly. That’s one of the highest compliments I think, the art perfectly serves the story it’s telling. So many times panels seem to be static shots in some comics. Not so here. The panels serve the pace of the story and the story itself quite well. The line work reminds me very much of Quitely and Darrow without seeming like Pitarra is apeing anyone.
![]() |
Jonathan Hickman – Ideas so large, he needs two computers |
All in all, there’s some great storytelling going on here in both story and art. As usual with something of this type, the devil is in the details so pay attention while reading. Another thing I feel I may not have really put across is how fun the book is. There’s a lot of concept and science and history being thrown around, but don’t let that scare you off. It’s a really fun book, whether you know any of the history or not. Hickman tells you what you need to know to enjoy the hell out of this book. I cannot recommend it enough. Both issues are available now, go and get them!
About the Article Author: Sean Stoltey
Sean Stoltey, writer, raconteur and retired rabble rouser, hails originally from California’s Central Coast but currently resides in Southern California’s BEAUTIFUL–San Fernando Valley. Screenwriter, Comic Book author, these are things he does because he’s too poor to be a Producer or Publisher.
Sean has been reading comics, watching movies, reading books and selling his soul (or at least his hearing) to Rock’n’Roll for as long as he can remember. He has been discussing and arguing about these things for almost as long.
So now he has come here to throw his opinions in your face as well and hope that, even if you don’t agree, hopefully you will enjoy them. For the record: Kirk was the greatest Enterprise Captain, Han was the only one that shot, Led Zeppelin was the greatest Rock band to walk the Earth and Keith Richards is the coolest undead person to walk the Earth. Coolest living people are my sons and my Mom and Dad. My Dad F—in’ rocks, and my Mom can kick your ass.
You can ask Sean anything at http://www.formspring.me/WWest3001 contact him via twitter @WWest3001 or boring old e-mail at SeanStoltey@yahoo.com
Leave a Reply