So far, Masterminds has been just as good as any tensely-paced, blockbuster tech-thriller you could see in the movie theaters. Issue #3 continues with the breakneck action as Edward and Angie desperately need to solve the life-threatening puzzles thrown at them by the elite and powerful club of so-called Masterminds. Published by Dark Horse Comics, Masterminds is written by Zack Kaplan, with art by Stephen Thompson, colors by Thiago Rocha and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
On the surface, Masterminds #3 can be enjoyed as a well-paced – if ultimately unrealistic – action-flick. One deadly puzzle set-piece leads to the next, with just enough breathing room in-between before the tension ramps up again. The story moves fast with everything happening on a single night, complete with appropriate lighting provided by Rocha’s colors. Thompson draws Edward and Angie as beautiful young action stars. He constructs the settings – whether tight containers or huge ballrooms – as elaborate movie sets. Kaplan utilizes the serialized format of comics well by ending each issue on an exciting cliff-hanger.
Courtesy of Dark Horse
It’s a standard formula executed to perfection by the creative team. And sure, you’ll have to suspend your disbelief on more than one occasion. We’re talking about a story in which success in the video game industry is determined by an elite and psychotic group of the richest people in the business, who create deadly puzzles as an initiation rite. Anyway, believability isn’t the point of Masterminds at all.
The main point may just be creating an incredibly fun comic. Besides that, if you look more closely, you’ll find layers upon layers of metaphors and symbols which Kaplan has intricately woven into the narrative. He’s taking on the theme of the relentless pursuit of financial success. Is it all just a game? Do riches and power mean you’ve won? And what do you have to do to win the highest levels of success?
Kaplan again opens the issue with dramatic irony. Narrative boxes explain why we enjoy gaming as a carefree break from reality, where the life-threatening risks are fun, because they aren’t real – after all, it’s just a game. Meanwhile, we watch Edward and Angie struggling not to drown in a sealed transport container filled with water – their only way out is solving a puzzle-game. On a meta-level, it’s fun to realize that we readers also enjoy watching the deadly situation Edward and Angie find themselves in, because it isn’t real – after all, it’s just a comic book.
Courtesy of Dark Horse
Each challenge set up by the Masterminds has a symbolic layer highlighting the ruthless things one must do to get ahead. In issue #2, Edward and Angie literally had to walk over the dead bodies of their co-workers (they were fake) to reach the next level. In this issue, the water-filled container symbolizes how they’ve gotten in over their heads. Other challenges symbolize Edward reaching too far and getting stung in the process, or having to tip the scales to their own advantage.
On top of solving these fatal puzzles, the Masterminds force Edward and Angie into committing criminal acts not uncommon in real-life tech-industry. This includes corporate espionage, stealing data-files as well as personal devices. In Masterminds #3, the protagonists justifiably start wondering if they are playing the game or if they are the ones being played.
I can’t underestimate how important the character work in Masterminds is to its success. I’m invested in Edward and Angie as they go through these highly unrealistic situations, because Kaplan and Thompson have made them so relatable and likable. Okay, sometimes Thompson’s facial expressions can look a bit static. But generally, they look, talk and think like people you could be friends with.
Look at this perfect word balloon.
Courtesy of Dark Horse
I want to emphasize again how great Thompson’s art fits with the action-movie premise of Masterminds. He excels at creating film-like scenes with a great eye for the right camera angle. Especially the double-page spreads showcasing huge sets are a delight to look at. I just wish there were more of the very creative double-page spreads that turn the comic on its side and experiment with the panel-structure.
This review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the excellent lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, my favorite letterer in the business. In Masterminds, his various word balloons give voice, intonation and personality to the dialogue. Some of his lettering choices are so subtle, but such a joy if you notice them. His name on the cover is often reason enough to check out a series.
Masterminds #3 continues to impress by keeping up with the breakneck pacing and tense puzzle-solving death traps. While you can enjoy it as a fun action-flick, a closer read reveals layers of metaphors analyzing the cutthroat nature of corporate success. The strong creative team keeps the momentum going from start to finish, ending on a cliffhanger that will definitely have you longing for the next issue.
You must be logged in to post a comment.