4. The Manhattan Projects #12
Writer: Jonathan Hickman Artist: Nick Pitarra
Jonathan Hickman may be doing ambitious and big things with Marvels various Avengers titles, but I think his best writing is in his creator owned Image series, The Manhattan Projects, with artist Nick Pitarra. Taking the concept that the atomic bomb was just the tip of the iceberg for the team of scientists at Los Alamos, The Manhattan Projects will make you think differently about Einstein, Oppenheimer, and Feynman, not just as they go on fantastical scientific adventures, but in the way that Hickman has re-imagined their personalities (Oppenheimer, for example, is a schizophrenic cannibal). Issue #12 sees a traitor in the ranks emerge on the teams new moon base. As they fight it off, we see more of the creatures backstory and a larger, more shadowy conspiracy begin to emerge which threatens to ensnare our anti-heroes. This issue is a lot more action-oriented than usual and has a distinct 70s/80s sci-fi vibe to it, accentuated by Jordie Bellaires muted colours that make it look like Aliens (a fitting theme). Nick Pitarras art continues to be top class from the aliens design to Daghlians brief space odyssey, to the murderous finale, Pitarra can do it all with originality and flair. A particular highlight of the issue was Feynmans pretty boy response to having his nose broken! If youve not heard of The Manhattan Projects, definitely check it out - Vols 1 and 2 are out now in trade paperback and are well worth reading.