The Manhattan Projects #2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 9 The scientists have a meeting to decide on using Nazi scientists, and Feynman is sent to get them.Issue #2 is not quite the adrenaline rush and mind-blowing experience as issue #1. However, we get a few more prominent scientists introduced as major characters ... including letting Einstein out of his "cage." I love that each of these men is based on the real person and then given a twist that fits this strange world of magic and science. While most people recognized the name Einstein, and some will recognize Oppenheimer, most of the other names will need to be looked up by most readers. The two we get to know best in this issue are Feynman and Einstein. Basically, we learn that Einstein is cold and callous and a bit of an arrogant jerk, but it's presented like he's almost god-like, so it works. I especially like when he tells Feynman to not bother with the strange object we've seen Einstein studying, telling Feynman "it is beyond you." Feynman is conceited and sees himself as perfect ... which makes seeing him beg for his life due to his cowardice and then recover once he knows he's safe even funnier. For the most part, the characters look pretty much like the men they're based on. Hitler makes an appearance in this issue, and while they nailed him in the first panel he's in, the second doesn't look like him at all (and his head looks like it's a balloon coming out of his collar). I do love seeing the various Oppenheimers, of which we see five in this issue — in just one panel, but it sums it up so well! If you've read issue #1 (which I recommend), you noticed that there were quotes by Feynman at various points in the comic, same as here. They are from a fictional book, made up to further serve this story, giving little hints about things and tying in well. Through these quotes and many other aspects of the story, it's obvious that Hickman has done his own research to make this historical fiction feel as real as possible, and give us history junkies a few minute facts to secretly grin at and point out to others. Rather than fully taking the traditional "steampunk" route to give this historical fiction its unusual technologies, The Manhattan Projects adds a touch of magic. So, we get things like Death Monks who power Stargate-like gateways between places on Earth, as well as robotic arms. It's pretty epic. This is easily one of the best historical fictions I've read. That's partially due to it being based on the real Manhattan Projects, which truly were so secretive they could have been doing anything. The show Eureka did a similar but more light-hearted twist on this secret city and its projects. This series is not to be missed! Written: April 24, 2012
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