Review: Manhattan Projects #11

In the aftermath of the Oppenheimer-centric tenth issue, we find more about the irradiated form that Harry Daghlian has become. Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra take this tale of bad science and make this issue one that focuses on the little things that can make two people great friends and make one man feel human again.

The story opens on Daghlian and Fermi musing on food and how much Daghlian misses it. It’s then that the leader learns of how Daghlian came to be in his current state through a flashback. Daghlian’s new form caused many to fear him, but Fermi was different and accepted his new friend. It’s back in the present that we see the duo journey to the moonbase of the Manhattan Project/Star City cooperative and learn of Oppenheimer’s plans for the future. And it’s on a friendly stroll that Daghlian reminds Fermi that Fermi will soon have to reveal his differences to the rest of the group.

Jonathan Hickman writes the story of this group of wayward scientists in such a way that it’s more than just a story of potentially great men doing bad things. It’s about desires and fears and relationships. Daghlian’s story in particular is sad. Hickman has made him a man apart, isolated by his unique condition. It’s only the friendship of another outsider that helps Daghlian feel human again. It’s a nice breather from the last arc which was full of action and intrigue as the group consolidated their power. Daghlian’s warning to Fermi in the last panel is something that is sure to cause some conflict later on, which should be interesting to see.

Nick Pitarra’s art has only improved as the series has gone on, and this issue is a great example. The design of Harry Daghlian and the setting of a secret moonbase let Pitarra have some fun in this issue and it shows. His attention to the little details and all the little things he adds to the characters really adds to the overall story.

This issue is a bit of a slower pace, but still a great one. It’s more about the characters and their relationships than some of the earlier issues, but the series loses none of its charm.

 

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