“MIND MGMT” returns this month as an 8 page short story in “Dark Horse Presents” #31, which means another hunt for clues and Easter eggs in an abbreviated edition of Minding MIND MGMT, the column where you’ll find an in-depth analysis and help you navigate the intricate, overlapping plots.
Billed as an intro the the “Magician” arc of the main series, this is all about Anthers Kindle, the dream walker first seen in issue 10’s Second Floor. That brief introduction explained her abilities and indicated the agency wasn’t sure how to utilize her. She also made appearances in issues 14 and 16 as a messenger for the Eraser.
At the outset of this chapter, we learn two things about Anthers: she’s Irish and bored. She works at the Broken Quill bookstore in Londonderry as a front, and MIND MGMT communicates her missions through books she takes to a second book store in Inistoge. One of the panels includes a rough map and describes the two places as being about 4 hours apart. According to Google Maps, it’s four and a half, so Ms. Kindle must be a speeder. The last panel on the first page shows some of the books she’s transporting. All three are P. K. Verve books, including “The Beast with 1000 Faces” which was previously seen in issue 16 and in “Revolver.”
On page three (page 19 of DHP), she says “there aren’t many of us.” Assuming she’s talking about dreamwalkers and not agents, this is a very significant bit of information. According to issue 10, she was the first and only dreamwalker. However, at least part of this story was out of date because it was set prior to the agency using her as a messenger. This isn’t confirmation there are others, but it opens the door for more agents like her.
The spread on pages 4 and 5 is where Anthers’ story really begins to connect to the main narrative as we know it. Assuming it’s chronological, it also raises serious questions about what we’ve been told happened in Zanzibar. Specifically, the immortals received orders to assassinate Lyme before the massacre. Anthers also tells Lyme to stop…something…but he’s unable to do so because of his paranoia. She also warned Natasha about Lyme, and Natasha’s desire to stay and help him underscores the tragedy of her death.
If Lyme’s large, shadowy figure looks familiar, you’re probably thinking of another great Matt Kindt joint:
The captions running down the page to the images of Dusty, Corridor, Perrier, Brinks, and Links, reveal why she’s such a valuable asset to the Eraser – her ability allows her to locate any agent. She’s so valuable in fact, it seems likely the Eraser planted the bomb in Anthers’ car and then warned her about it to gain her trust. The trees Anthers walks through look to be the same trees in issue 14.
The Gutter Text
Instead of a field guide, the gutters are filled with notes from Anthers’ therapy sessions. Aside from hinting this is all a delusion (we know it isn’t), there’s not much of note here.
Reviewing the art
This column doesn’t normally comment on aspects ordinarily covered in reviews – namely, the quality of writing and art – because there’s no point in me telling you how great it is every month. If you’re reading this column, you don’t need to be told anyway. This month is slightly different however, because Matt’s wife Sharlene is in charge of the colors. It’s especially interesting to compare their styles since she taught him to use watercolors. It’s also a very fitting time for her to get a credit, considering Anthers Kindle is an anagram of Sharlene Kindt.
Even a passing glance will reveal a different look to the art. Part of this contrast is DHP’s glossy pages and the series’ more pulpy paper, but Sharlene uses deeper, richer colors instead of Matt’s more washed out palette. She also – and this is in no way a dig at Matt, who’s art always impresses – she does a better job of staying in the lines. Sharlene’s work here is very effective and professional. While I like the idea of Matt continuing to make “MIND MGMT” entirely by himself, it would be exciting to see more coloring from Sharlene on any future project.
Continued below
If you’re still looking for one of the limited sketch covers for issue 13, this one dropped in price from $199 to $169. Still too high in my opinion, currently the only one available on eBay.
Around the web
We weren’t the only site doing best of 2013 lists, and “MIND MGMT” made appearances on some other lists as well.
Something to look forward to…
Matt has a new series of graphic novels coming in 2015 from Dark Horse with “Sixth Gun” artist Brian Hurtt. These are being billed as children’s books, but I expect top quality material adults will enjoy in the same vein as Dr. Suess’ better works.
And that’s all this month
I know I didn’t catch everything, so please let me know what I missed in the comments. Thanks for reading!
Previously, on Minding MIND MGMT…
Issues: #0 #1 #3 #4 #5 #6 DHP #19 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 DHP #31 #18 #19 #20 #21 #21 #22 #23
Interviews: Matt Kindt Brendan Wright Matt Kindt (2)
Annotations: Volume one
