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Title: Fathom #2
Publisher: Aspen Comics MLT
Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Alex Konat and Beth Sotelo
Covers: Alex Konat and Peter Steigerwald (Cover A), Michael Ryan and Peter Steigerwald (Cover B), Alex Konat (Cover C), and Jason Fabok and Peter Steigerwald (Cover D)

“United Notions“: Aspen is shooting out from all barrels now, with titles like Lotus and Soulfire. And of course, Fathom, one of their flagship titles.

If you’re familiar with Aspen Comics, then you should be familiar with one element that goes with any of their comics. The artwork kicks ass. Really, I have yet to find an Aspen comic that is disappointing with the artwork. The penciling (Alex Konat), coloring (Beth Sotelo), and lettering (Josh Reed) is very reminiscent of Soulfire without it being in any way a copy cat. The art is simplistic, clean cut, and no nonsense without it being dull or lacking. And most importantly, it’s not just that it’s pretty art trying to hide its flaws. Konat has a good grasp on anatomy and can provide a wide enough range of emotions.

While the art was good, I felt the story was lacking. Not bad, there was nothing terribly flawed with it. It jut felt like there wasn’t something special to the story. It felt like it was more on shallow shores than deeper tides. For longtime Fathom fans, this might be a fresh serving of a new story arc, but newcomers might not get pulled into the story as much. The story won’t turn you off, but it felt like a lot of clichés already in modern comic books.

However, this is not to say that the writer is bad. Lobdell can deliver good lines while keeping it economical. And when that once in a lifetime Fathom story comes along, he’ll be the first one to deliver it.

In the meanwhile, though, if your main love of comics has to do with the art, you might want to check this one out. Pretty good artwork out there. Everyone else can check this one out, too, but just don’t expect an Alan Moore story. However, from what I have seen, I wouldn’t be surprised if Fathom develops a really great story in the near future.

Andrew Hudson
ahudson@comicattack.net
@Hudsonian