I wasn’t sold on “Mind MGMT” after the first issue, but I am always willing to give a comic until two issues, or even three, to win me over. This time, though, writer/artist Matt Kindt better win me over, because I’m reviewing it as well as reading it. How embarrassing for him if he fails! I know no one has faced negative internet feedback before and gone on to live comfortable in normal society.
Written and Illustrated by Matt Kindt
Matt Kindt’s cutting-edge spy-fi series continues!
Young journalist Meru’s investigation into MIND MGMT, an espionage unit of psychic spies, and the rogue field agent whose defection nearly destroyed the entire operation becomes even more complicated when the CIA takes an interest! But whose side are they on? As the story takes her from Mexico to Zanzibar, Meru discovers more clues about MIND MGMT’s history and encounters some of its victims, all while pursued by tireless Immortals!
Of course, “Mind MGMT” is getting more attention for its interesting plot and secrets, which are certainly alluring, but that is not the true secret to this series’ strength. For a comic that is all about the crazy bits of a life that are lurking just underneath the surface, creator Matt Kindt is doing a great job of not making his story seem too “out there.” Perhaps on of the comics greatest, yet subtlest, strengths is how naturally the characters react to the madness that is unfolding about them. Notice that the word of choice is “naturally,” not “casually.” A common rookie mistake for comics like this, that try to subvert the reality of our own world, is that the writer tries to make the characters under-act, in order to not call attention to the fictive nature of their world, but this actually does the opposite. Kindt strikes the optimum balance: Meru is neither exaggeratedly astounded out what is going on around her or nonchalant, but responds just as well to the events that are unfolding as anyone else would — which, granted, is not very well at all, but Kindt avoids over-doing it. While Kindt’s “Mind MGMT” is probably going to be remembered for its wild plot twists and equally wild ideas, which is understandable, it is this great hold on character and voice that holds the comic together.
Visually, “Mind MGMT” is a masterwork. The combination of watercolor and pen can be difficult to master, especially when it comes to comic art, but Kindt does an expert job in crafting some truly marvelous comic artwork. His panel-to-panel motion is excellent in spite of his medium; many other comic artists who attempt to work in watercolor often end up with rather static imagery, but this is not a problem with Kindt’s artwork. The placid colors avoid ever coming off as ostentatious or as an eyesore, but they are not so subdued as to cause everything to be washed out into one clump of substance. This is particularly helpful when something is occurring in the background: the eye takes the image in as one, and then realizes what is going on in the background without it either jumping right out at them or ending up completely passed over. Kindt’s composition is excellent; every building, every limb, every word balloon is placed in just the right place for the purposes of sequential image reading. Being the only person working on the comic, asides from editors and other bullpen personnel, certainly has its advantages, for both creator and reader.
Some reviewers do not consider price at all — the comic stands as itself, the price is just a variable that the purchaser has to judge themselves. Here at Multiversity, though, our grading scale is based on “Pass,” “Browse,” or “Buy,” so it would be remiss of us to tells us to buy something if, while good as a comic, was not worth its price tag. At first, “Mind MGMT” seems like it might be one of those comics that is a bit too pricey; if $3.99 is too much to pay for a 22-page company-owned comic, it is only fair to say the same about a creator-owned comic, too (though, granted, the inside covers of “Mind MGMT” make it technically 24 pages). The difference, though, is not decided by copyright ownership. Read straightforwardly, “Mind MGMT” is already a pretty thick read. This is not a comic where the ratio of price to time spent reading is an even 1.0 — Kindt nearly forces the reader to slow down and take their time with what they are reading. But that isn’t all: the comic is filled with minor details in the background, and even outside the frame, that reward the reader for reading the book a second time. Sure, $3.99 is a bit pricey for a 22-page comic that you might read once and in less time than it takes to decide whether or not you like Nickelback, but for a comic as packed with information, story, and — primarily — entertainment as “Mind MGMT,” it’s a steal.
“Mind MGMT” not only tells a story, but tries to pack as much information into a single, 22-page issue that it can without seeming too crowded, and in this effort it succeeds with high marks. More comics should strive to give readers the experience that “Mind MGMT” does, rather than provide their hopelessly loyal fan base with yet another comic that is not even close to worth its cover price. “Mind MGMT” has it all: solid writing, beautiful art, and a cost that makes sense — to the point that even if the reader is not crazy about it, that $3.99 cost hardly seems like a waste.
Final Total: 8.5 – Buy it!
