Madman : The Oddity Odyssey
by Mike Allred
Comic Trade Paperback (SC, 7x10, 152 pages)
ISBN: 1-929998-28-7
Oni Press, $15.95
The Oddity Odyssey, which was originally produced 10 years ago, has been brought back to print for its tenth anniversary by Oni Press. Thanks to them, the world can again bask in the strange and wonderful world of Frank Einstein, a.k.a. Madman, as he sets out to find out who he really is.
Madman, a person brought back from the dead after a fatal accident, is hideously disfigured and has lost most of his memory. Through most of the book, he hides under his 'Mister Excitement' costume, and braves many foes in his search to uncover his past. Armed with only a yo-yo and his off-center outlook on life, he manages to find Dr. Flem and many other peculiar and interesting people throughout his adventures. All this is done so he can help bring his so-called creator, Dr. Boiffard, out of suspended animation after a car accident. Madman's path takes many twists and turns as he tries to help Dr. Flem (who's having problems of this own), save Dr. Boiffard, and fight evil doers along the way.
Mike Allred's talents bring to life a hero of sorts, drawn with a twisted but delightful style. I fell in love with this book ten years ago after reading the first few pages alone, where Madman fights off a small gang of thugs with only a yo-yo. Who needs guns, when you got speed, charm, and a compulsion to do the right thing in a rather bizarre and unique way?
If you're at all into comics (and even if you aren't), you should at least check out this book at your local comic shop. You'll be in for a treat.
(review (c) April 2002 / David Flemming)