From Aspen Comics, Scott Lobdell, David Wohl (Writers), Alex Konat, Cory Smith (Pencils), Beth Sotelo (Colors).

For long time readers of Fathom there is a lot of explanation and reveals in this issue and it would be a tragedy to reveal this to you and spoil this Wednesday’s official release.  However, the explanations are done so well, and with much more logic that a usual super hero comic, that it is worth raving about.

The great thing about this issue is that it takes the “this happened off panel” lazy writing gimmick and devotes an entire issue to explaining everything on the page.  It is a full issue of “Meanwhile….”  So many times across all media a plot hole is filled by a character saying, “Oh I took care of that while you were (doing the action that was on the screen)”.  Well sometimes the fans feel cheated and want to know more about that adventure.

Judith Banyanski and Doctor Woreth and every other character become more interesting throughout the issue.  Before there was an explosion, and then Aspen’s adventures.  Now we learn more about that explosion and it enhances the entire story.  A brilliant move by the creative team.

It really is crazy how rarely comic books let the side characters take center stage.  If these are graphic novels then lessons need to be taken from novels.  Sometimes the main character backs off for a chapter or two so other things can be set up.  It makes the characters more interesting and the world richer for it.

Woreth grew in this issue to become a more likable character for me.  Sorry if you already liked him, I wasn’t sold yet.  While not at the level of the Doctor, Judith is growing on me although every word balloon summons the voice of Cheryl/Carol from Archer in my mind.

I’m not telling you to buy this issue.  Because you shouldn’t buy just this issue.  You should buy many.  With every issue of Fathom the story becomes grander and you’re missing out if you only read one issue.