Simon Roy shocked the comics world when he and Brandon Graham revived “Prophet,” creating one of the most imaginative sci-fi comics in years. Now, “Jan’s Atomic Heart and Other Stories” gives readers a terrific glimpse into the writer/illustrator’s own alien worlds. Which, if you can believe it, are even wilder.
Written and Illustrated by Simon Roy
From the mind of Simon Roy, co-writer and artist of the Eisner Award-nominated series PROPHET, comes a collection of tales that span time, space, and species.
Collecting about 5 years worth of work, “Jan’s Atomic Heart and Other Stories” shows Simon Roy’s evolution as an artist from his art school days to his current work on “Prophet.” The collection showcases variations in Roy’s style. For instance, ‘The Cosmonauts,’ Roy’s earliest work, features heavy inks, and simplistic characters and backgrounds. Conversely, the titular story features ink-washed pencils, with an increased attention to detail. Subsequent stories fall between the two spectrums, pushing the boundaries of what you would expect from grayscale.
Fans of Roy’s “Prophet” work will see many artistic similarities, particularly in the character and creature designs. The multi-mandibular Saul of ‘Hunter-Killer’ feels like a creature right out of that universe, as does the Time-Squid in ‘Bar Fight.’ ‘Bar Fight’ also features a roguish figure who bears an ever so slight resemblance to a bearded Prophet.
Of course, the more recent stories show a higher level of polish. However, even as Roy’s work becomes more finely detailed, he never abandons the loose sketchiness that defines his earlier works. You can even see Roy grow as a letterer, of all things. However, “Jan’s Atomic Heart” isn’t solely an academic survey of an artist’s growth, but a trove of well-written short stories that stand well both individually and as a collective unit.
There are several themes that tie the stories together; primarily, man’s quest for expansion and the disastrous results that ensue. However, some are just fun “slice of life” stories with a fantastical twist. Some are even a bit of both, as is the case of the collection’s namesake.
While each story is unique and brings something special, some stand out more than others. Simplistic stories like ‘The Cosmonaut,’ ‘Bar Fight’ and ‘Homeward Bound’ are fun diversions, offering up a quick punchline between meatier fare.
That would include the likes of ‘Good Business,’ a story about a group of soldiers selling arms to the residents of a newly colonized planet. The tale speaks to man’s fear of “the other,” as well as their own self-destructive tendencies.
“Shipwrecked with Dan The Gorilla,” on the other hand, is a take on “you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone,” wrapped in package that is equal parts Castaway and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. (Impressively, this is a redrawn version of story Roy created in 24 hours.)
However, ‘Jan’s Atomic Heart’ is the true show stealer. The story earns its place as the book’s namesake, not solely due to its length, but for its fantastic blend of mystery and emotion. Centered on Jan, the victim of a terrible car accident adjusting to his new prosthetic. Prosthetic body, that is. Roy quickly derails the story in a surprising direction, involving transplanetary terrorism and a struggle for self-identity. It’s a cinema critical darling waiting to happen, feeling right at home with the likes of District 9.
Like “Prophet,” “Jan’s Atomic Heart and Other Stories” is extremely obtuse, occasionally high brow, beautifully rendered, and quite unlike anything else out there. While not quite for everyone, the variety of stories contained in the collection are sure to strike at least a small connection with nearly any reader.
“Jan’s Atomic Heart and Other Stories” launches from Image Comics on March 26, 2014. For a mere $14.99, it’s would be criminal to overlook it.
Final Verdict: 8.7 – Buy. ‘Jan’s Atomic Heart’ is worth the asking price alone, and the other stories are icing on the cake.
