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A review by ultranurd
The Life and Times of Martha Washington in the Twenty-first Century by Frank Miller
4.0
This was quite enjoyable. It's nice to see Frank Miller's writing in a context that isn't as dark as Sin City or as gory as 300. I think what makes it work is the heavy emphasis on action, combined with an occasionally goofy sense of humor. The various behind-the-scenes bits worked in between the chapter/series breaks were interesting. I also liked some of the amusing references and crossovers; I spotted a mention of the Silver Surfer, and Big Boy made an appearance (I'd only watched the short-lived animated series).
Most of the story arcs were enjoyable, if a bit over the top in their emphasis on extreme political views. I was a little sad to see that Ayn Rand was a big influence, on account of the community of übermensch going off to create a better world, but it worked in the allegory I think. My biggest disappointment was with the last issue, the way they wrapped up her story, leaving a big gap. I would loved to have seen more of the Martha character, but I guess at this point they've moved on to other projects.
Also big points to putting together all of the series in one big volume, in an appropriate chronological order, with edits as needed. Really wish other comic book titles would take that to heart. I know they're supposed to be episodic, but I much prefer to consume the stories in bulk, to see the characters evolve and the plot move forward, without having to wait for the next issue.
Another note I'd make is that this is another example of recent past depictions of the near future going too far in some tech areas (hard AI, energy weapons, space travel, etc.) and yet mostly missing the cultural impact of the Web and mobile communications. Granted, Martha's world is kinda screwy compared to ours, but I wonder if the authors just didn't picture the changes we have experienced.
Overall quite a fun read.
Most of the story arcs were enjoyable, if a bit over the top in their emphasis on extreme political views. I was a little sad to see that Ayn Rand was a big influence, on account of the community of übermensch going off to create a better world, but it worked in the allegory I think. My biggest disappointment was with the last issue, the way they wrapped up her story, leaving a big gap. I would loved to have seen more of the Martha character, but I guess at this point they've moved on to other projects.
Also big points to putting together all of the series in one big volume, in an appropriate chronological order, with edits as needed. Really wish other comic book titles would take that to heart. I know they're supposed to be episodic, but I much prefer to consume the stories in bulk, to see the characters evolve and the plot move forward, without having to wait for the next issue.
Another note I'd make is that this is another example of recent past depictions of the near future going too far in some tech areas (hard AI, energy weapons, space travel, etc.) and yet mostly missing the cultural impact of the Web and mobile communications. Granted, Martha's world is kinda screwy compared to ours, but I wonder if the authors just didn't picture the changes we have experienced.
Overall quite a fun read.