Marvel's newest foray into the past of the Marvel Universe is the pulp mystery miniseries 'Mystery Men'. Prior to actually getting my hands on the book I had little idea of what 'Mystery Men' was or how it fit into the history of the Marvel Universe; However, being a fan of the Marvel Noir's as well as Vertigo's 'American Vampire' I did have high expectations of what is rapidly becoming one of my favorite time periods for a comic to take place.
Writer Zach Liss went above and beyond my expectations by providing me with one of my favorite first issue experiences that I have had in quite some time. The story is beautifully written, it draws the reader in by providing a little bit of romance, a little bit of action, and a whole lot of mystery. Within the first five pages readers will be wondering aloud at what is happening and who i s behind it all!
The story is told mainly through the eyes of Dennis Piper, a wealthy, suave, gentleman who parties with the rich and powerful with a hobby in "philanthropist" activities, like a 1930s Robin Hood. Piper comes off as a striking character that readers will root to uncover the mysteries of the world Liss created.
Accenting Liss's great story is captivating artwork penciled by Patrick Zircher. His style tended to stray from the traditional pulp/noir, but it fits the book perfectly. The times when the artist stray from the template infused the book with a sense of uniqueness and give the reader's the feeling that those particular panels are of greater importance.
Mystery Men is a wonderful period piece about the corruption of the wealthy and the struggles of the unfortunate during the time of the Great Depression. At the end of the book readers will be clamoring for issue 2 so they may find out the fate of the debonair Piper.
This book is a must read for all lovers of pulp, noir and mystery. It has earned a glowing 8 out of 10.
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