Mondo #1

Mondo is written and illustrated by comics veteran Ted Mckeever and published by Image Comics on their darker and more adult-orientated Shadowline imprint. It is a three-part mini-series about a quiet, introverted everyman named Catfish Mandu who much like the protagonists of many, many other comic tales before him becomes something much, much more.

Catfish is an abattoir factory worker who is the subject of much bullying for his unkemptness, emaciated frame and extreme shyness. His job is specifically with chickens, radioactively enhancing them to make them bigger and tastier. As well as dealing with the constant taunts and bullying of his co-workers, Catfish is suspicious of and haunted by a stray menacing chicken stalking him wherever he goes, a landlady threatening his eviction for not making enough noise and a magical egg that will change everything. Of course there is an accident at the factory and whenever radioactive material comes in contact with the main character, you can be certain there will be life changing results for Catfish who subsequently becomes the all-powerful superhero, Mondo.

Mckeever does a great job here in the first issue where much of the story is told through the black-and-white artwork with little to no dialogue spoken by Catfish and just news reports, his co-workers and landlady making all the kerfuffle. The story doesn't progress heaps and is your basic first issue bare bones plot but I am definitely intrigued and want to read more.

His art is oft-time otherworldly in its minimalist stylistic brilliance. It goes from basic black and white pencil with thick black lines to entire pages of dark murky shadows and possibly even some charcoal etchings thrown in there for good measure. It really is a sight to see. Sure it's not for everyone and definitely not what I'm used to but something different out there is always good for business and you can usually rely on Image to be the ones delivering it.

I heartily recommend Mondo for indie comics and graphic novel fans looking for something a little off-kilter and from what I've read about Mckeever, Mondo is definitely worth your full attention.