The first issue was a sinister yet beautiful analogy of Russia’s rise to power and then the creation of the Soviet Union. During this creation, they forged a power of force, greed, pride, patriotism, and socialist might that forged a massive country based on the tenants of Carl Marx. In the comic, this power or force is Atomika. The second issue is a representation of how that force changed from a means to an end into an end itself. The power they used to exist became the reason why they existed. The leader, Arohnir, introduces new demigods to represent and defend their country with Atomika, sort of a Soviet super team. These, including Sputnik (whom I believe represents the space program) and Magnarac (who represents the campaign to make the common worker fell empowered), represent the different aspirations and endeavors of the Soviet Union. But Atomika will not stand to be replaced, and Arohnir sends his new team to destroy Atomika.

Talk about some heavy yet wondrous stuff. Writer Andre Dabb and Creator Sal Abbinanti have made a story that is worthy of becoming a historical novel. This kind of writing reaches a height of literature that I have never before seen in comics. The writing is so profound and amazing that I am literally shocked and awed. The artwork deserves no less praise. Sal Abbinanti’s drawings are as profound and frightening as the story and works in perfect unison with the writing. The bizarre mechanical giants, the twisted and curving faces, the terrifying scenery, and the blank, raceless Atomika come together to create a hushed and awed inspiration inside the reader. I can’t really explain it better than that, but let me say that Dabb and Abbinanti truly make feel the terror and majesty of such a powerful social force that only those who have experienced it could know it better. Also, notice the super cool and meaningful cover by Glenn Fabry (Atomika is nailed to the sickle and hammer).

Whew, what to say. This is the kind of stuff that might change you forever, or at least have you looking at society in a different way. This is what comics are supposed to be; to address the troubles and endeavors of society through a medium of heroes and villains. A simplified version of reality and right and wrong. This is what comic books were made for.

-Fumanchu