Think Tank #12 Advance Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins
Artist: Rahsan Ekedal

How will the first season of Think Tank end? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

“OUTBREAK,” Conclusion

What will war take from Dr. David Loren?

After twelve brilliant issues the first season of Think Tanks comes to an end. With the world on the brink of World War III the issue gives a very intense and dramatic finale to the first season, with some suspenseful outcomes.

Matt Hawkins produces his best work from this series yet, with this conclusion being very intense and exciting. The pacing of the issue is simply amazing, with Hawkins' narrations being even better than they usually are (and they're usually great as it is). Hawkins also gives some extreme developments, going from a rather casual start to a frantic and impactful finish. The ending of the issue was also very suspenseful and dramatic, having a lot of depth and layers to it. The ending is also very fitting considering the events of the series, and I for one will be anxiously waiting for season two to come.

Rahsan Ekedal also produced some of his best art yet on this issue, matching the immense tone of Hawkins script. The layouts of Ekedal's art has a lot to do with this, as despite usually being amazing, this time they'd be pure gold, giving a dramatic tone whilst also helping with the issues overall pace. Ekedal also once again handled the characters facial expressions perfectly, with David's expressions setting the overall variable mood of the issue, with it at times making the issue more upbeat, and other times making it more grimacing. On top of this Ekedal's inks and grey tones continue to give the perfect finish for his art, and I question whether the move to colours in the second season will be the right choice.

Think Tank season one ends with a bang. We do however have to wait a few months for the second season (this time in colour) but that'll just build-up the anticipation even more. Highly recommended.

Rating: 10/10

Preview

Think Tank #12 is on sale 12th February.

Think Tank Volume 2 Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins

Artist: Rahsan Ekedal

How will David react to being manipulated and lied to? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

"GENETICS" Two months after the flashy and brilliant escape from the DARPA funded military think he used to call his home, slacker/genius Dr. David Loren has willingly returned to his lab to continue his work that he not long ago wished to be no part of. When a weapons designer loses his moral compass, who are the true victims of his creations?

Think Tank Volume 1 was simply magnificent, proving that science can be fun. This volume however takes things a little more seriously, as despite finding time to add fun events, whilst also continuing to show science in an exciting way it does take a very serious step with the overall plot development.

Matt Hawkins continues from where Volume 1 left off brilliantly (actually re-printing the last issue of it as well) showing David's reaction to Mirra's betrayal brilliantly. What I loved most was how Hawkins showed the psychological affect that this had on David, showing that despite his denial he's very heartbroken over the recent events. Hawkins also develops an very interesting new plan for David, moving from pure escape to something much more dramatic. The volume was however not quite as good as the first, as it had a lack of definitive ending to the volume, feeling too much like an interlude. It is still nonetheless a fantastic read.

Rahsan Ekedal also continues to do a tremendous job of the artwork on this series, with the black and white tone giving gritty and deep tone to the story. Ekedal's layouts were also once again extremely impressive, being very dynamic and impactful, as well as helping keep the story at the right pace. Ekedal also handled to the characters expressions brilliantly, with it giving a very emotional and realistic tone to the story (especially with David's expressions). Added to this the fantastic scenery along with his amazing inks and grey tones and it's hard to think of this series without Ekedal's art.

Think Tank takes a very dramatic and serious turn of events, continuing from the first volume perfectly, whilst also setting up the next one brilliantly. It also keeps science fun with the plots being very thrilling and gripping. Highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

Think Tank Volume 1 Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins

Artist: Rahsan Ekedal

What will happen when scientist David Loren tries to escape from a government facility? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

Dr. David Loren is many things: child prodigy, inventor, genius, slacker... mass murderer. When a military think tank's smartest scientist decides he can no longer stomach creating weapons of destruction, will he be able to think his way out of his dilemma or find himself subject to the machinations of smaller men? Collecting the original series in its entirety, this trade paperback also is jam packed with a complete cover gallery, bonus articles, behind-the-scenes sketches, and more!

Think Tank is a series that I've always wanted to give a try, as despite it having a talented writer like Matt Hawkins at it’s helm, the great reception and intriguing solicitations grabbed my attention. Now that I've finally read it, I can now say that it was in no way a waste of time, proving once more why Top Cow is one of the best comic book companies at the present.

Matt Hawkins' goal with this series has been to make science fun, and he has definitely achieved that. Hawkins utilises science in a subtle yet genius way, as he focuses on the main plot and character development the most, whilst adding some cool science facts and inventions in a way that improves the plot. Hawkins also gives a realistic and energetic tone to this story, having David showing an emotional side whilst also finding the time to be mischievous. On top of this the side cast also adds a lot to the story, with Colonel Harrison proving to be a brilliant bad guy, whilst David's best friend Manish adds some stability.

The artwork in this volume was also superb, with Rahsan Ekedal doing some outstanding work. The sheer detail of Ekedal's art, along with the unique layouts adds a very gritty and dramatic tone to the series, with the lack of colour also adding yet another level of uniqueness. Talking of the lack of colour, this was naturally the thing that I noticed the most, and despite having to get adjust to it, it actually made the series feel more natural, giving more depth to the overall tone of the series. Putting that aside however Ekedal also did a fantastic job of showing the characters emotions, giving yet more drama and realism to the series.

This opening volume of Think Tank has proven to be a exciting tale, as whether you like science or not, the fun and energetic nature of the series, along with it's eccentric main character makes it a must read. Highly recommended.

Rating: 9/10

Exclusive Interview with Top Cow President Matt Hawkins

I was lucky enough to get the chance to ask the President of Top Cow and current writer of both Aphrodite IX and Think Tank, Matt Hawkins a few questions about working in the comic book industry as well as the future of his series'.

What influenced you in becoming a comic book writer?

Mainly science fiction writers that write novels not other comic book writers.

What comics or writers inspire you?

Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke all the Sci-Fi greats from the late 20th century. 

How did you get into the comic book industry?

I was hired by Rob Liefeld in 1993 to do PR and marketing work for his company at the time.  I wrote Lady Pendragon in 1995 as a one shot for Maximum Press then later as a series through Image Central.  Been writing off and on ever since. 

How does it feel being the President of  a company like Top Cow?

It's both exciting and terrifying.  I've been doing it for a long time now, so not as daunting as it used to be. 

How do you feel that your run on Aphrodite IX differ from David Finch and David Whol's run?

Mine is a far worse future.  There's wasn't pleasant, but mine deals more with transhumanism and a dystopian future of genetic variation and exploitation and cybernetics.  The book ties in strongly with what Silvestri is doing on Cyber Force.

How does it feel to work alongside such a wonderful artist such as Stjepan Šejić and how easy do you find writer/artist relationships to be?

Stjepan is great one of the best!  His design sense is amazing.  I am one of the few writers that still writes old school Marvel style.  I write the plots first, let the artist put their polish on it, then write the dialogue after.

What do you love writing the most (dialogue, action, character interaction ect.) and what is your favourite genre to write?

Science Fiction definitely my favorite.  I like the plotting the best. 

What do you have planned for the future of Aphrodite IX and this new Aphrodite XV be a major player in the upcoming sixth issue?

I think I just sent it to you so you can read it! 

How many issues of Aphrodite IX do you have planned and will Stjepan Šejić be the artists for the entire run?

Yes and we've planned out at least through 12 hopefully much further. 

I've not been following Think Tank myself but have heard great things about it. What are your plans for the future of that series and when is a good jumping on point in the near future?

We're launching the second season of the title this summer in color, so that would be the perfect place to jump on. 

What do you prefer writing Think Tank or Aphrodite IX?

I like them both. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer about getting into the comic book industry?

Read stuff besides comic books and write every day.  Try to get a job in the industry doing anything and you can segway into creative.

Aphrodite IX Vol. 1: Rebirth is out the now (review here) with Aphrodite IX #6 coming out November 27th. Also Think Tank Vol. 1 & 2 are available now with Think Tank #11 coming out 4th December.

Aphrodite IX #6 Preview

I also hope to have a review for Aphrodite IX #6 up soon.