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Madman Comics
Madman Gargantua
Mike Allred and Image Comics are proud to present Frank Einstein's earlier exploits, complete in one gargantuan volume! From Madman to Madman Adventures to Madman Comics - it's all here, complete and unabridged in one of the snazziest hardcover collections yet. Whether you're a new visitor to Snap City or a longtime fan of its most famous hero, this 852-page tome is d to rock your socks off!
852 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2007
About the author
Mike Allred
725 books177 followersMichael 'Doc' Allred (Also Credited as M. Dalton Allred) grew up in the 60's and 70's and was surrounded with the best in pop culture and a steady diet of music, movies and comic books including the three B's: Beatles, Bond and Batman to the point of obsession.
So it should come as no surprise that he keeps a hand in film and music (He's the lead singer and guitarist for The Gear), but comic books have always been a seminal source of joy for Mike and that joy remains the main ingredient in most of his work.
Allred first tasted success in the comics field with his wildly popular MADMAN series, which is currently being developed for a live action film with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. His earlier work from GRAFIK MUZIK was turned into the cult hit movie G-Men from Hell directed by Christopher Coppola (featuring Robert Goulet as the Devil). Other work includes Red Rocket 7, his history of Rock and Roll told in the context of a sci-fi adventure storyl the Madman spin-off THE ATOMICS and his magnum opus, THE GOLDEN PLATES, where he's illustrating the entire Book of Mormon.
Mike counts the secret to his success to be his wife, and creative partner, Laura Allred, who is is considered to be one of the best colorists in the business.
So it should come as no surprise that he keeps a hand in film and music (He's the lead singer and guitarist for The Gear), but comic books have always been a seminal source of joy for Mike and that joy remains the main ingredient in most of his work.
Allred first tasted success in the comics field with his wildly popular MADMAN series, which is currently being developed for a live action film with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. His earlier work from GRAFIK MUZIK was turned into the cult hit movie G-Men from Hell directed by Christopher Coppola (featuring Robert Goulet as the Devil). Other work includes Red Rocket 7, his history of Rock and Roll told in the context of a sci-fi adventure storyl the Madman spin-off THE ATOMICS and his magnum opus, THE GOLDEN PLATES, where he's illustrating the entire Book of Mormon.
Mike counts the secret to his success to be his wife, and creative partner, Laura Allred, who is is considered to be one of the best colorists in the business.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 20, 2020
This one didn’t quite work out...I got half way through the book and, while I liked some elements of the character, I just dreaded going back to finishing this book.
Here are some positives:
The art is good; it’s a bit less ‘refined’ than current Allred, but it’s still fun and vibrant. Also, the characters are really interesting. I’d love to get to know more about these characters. I’d love to see them develop and learn more about their lives.
Bu here are some negatives:
Ultimately, that last piece on the positive column leads directly into the negatives. Yes, the characters are interesting, but there’s no characterization, no plot development, next to no character development (or a very, very slow burn), and a plethora of confusing elements just thrown in together.
Allred seems to have big ideas, but he also has some weird pacing that seems like aimless writing at times - it’s as if he were trying to fill 40 pages with 15 pages of content. It seems like the story would have been better served by having another (more capable 🙈) writer at the helm. It all feels like a forgettable episode of Seinfeld. A bunch of stuff just happens, but at least Seinfeld was clever.
I know the book is supposed to be fun and goofy. I know that it’s not meant to be intellectually challenging. That’s sort of why I got it in the first place - it reminded me of Freakazoid (which as I understand was heavily inspired by Madman), but like I said at the start - it just didn’t work out.
I know I’m in the minority here and it’s hard to properly rate this since I didn’t finish it, but I’ll stick to a 3/10 for story and 8/10 for art. Overall, 4/10.
Here are some positives:
The art is good; it’s a bit less ‘refined’ than current Allred, but it’s still fun and vibrant. Also, the characters are really interesting. I’d love to get to know more about these characters. I’d love to see them develop and learn more about their lives.
Bu here are some negatives:
Ultimately, that last piece on the positive column leads directly into the negatives. Yes, the characters are interesting, but there’s no characterization, no plot development, next to no character development (or a very, very slow burn), and a plethora of confusing elements just thrown in together.
Allred seems to have big ideas, but he also has some weird pacing that seems like aimless writing at times - it’s as if he were trying to fill 40 pages with 15 pages of content. It seems like the story would have been better served by having another (more capable 🙈) writer at the helm. It all feels like a forgettable episode of Seinfeld. A bunch of stuff just happens, but at least Seinfeld was clever.
I know the book is supposed to be fun and goofy. I know that it’s not meant to be intellectually challenging. That’s sort of why I got it in the first place - it reminded me of Freakazoid (which as I understand was heavily inspired by Madman), but like I said at the start - it just didn’t work out.
I know I’m in the minority here and it’s hard to properly rate this since I didn’t finish it, but I’ll stick to a 3/10 for story and 8/10 for art. Overall, 4/10.
May 12, 2020
The art is incredible! I love the characters, but the writing is where it lacked growth. I got sick of the “Who am I?” narrative rather quickly, but apparently that was the everlasting them of these book. Loved the beginning and end, but the middle took some time to get through. Overall, decent read.
September 2, 2015
The art is this book is absolutely a 5. Really, I’d give it a ten if I could. Mike Allred is just too good. His design sense, his layouts, the emotion and motion he packs into each page – it’s all topnotch. Laura Allred’s colors, in the issues that are colored, is perfectly suited for the retro art style that feels ripped from the best of Ditko and Kirby.
However, the story and dialog is a little tough to get through. The titular Madman is a mystery man, brought back to life in a modern day take on the Frankenstein (Madman goes by the name “Frank Einstein” in civilian life). But most of the issues, outside of the excellent arch, are very “faux philosophical” – a lot of “what is life” stuff that meanders more than it inspires. I want to like it more because the art is so fantastic but the story really drags in parts.
However, the story and dialog is a little tough to get through. The titular Madman is a mystery man, brought back to life in a modern day take on the Frankenstein (Madman goes by the name “Frank Einstein” in civilian life). But most of the issues, outside of the excellent arch, are very “faux philosophical” – a lot of “what is life” stuff that meanders more than it inspires. I want to like it more because the art is so fantastic but the story really drags in parts.
August 12, 2010
I originally owned just one section of this wealth of art and story, in comic book form. I decided as I liked the characters, plot and hip pulp-fiction feel, that I would purchase the entire collection.
I would suggest this to anyone who wants to read a comic with a quirky yet binding story. With elements of classic comic illustration and a strangeness that stays with you till the end, it really is a masterpiece.
I would suggest this to anyone who wants to read a comic with a quirky yet binding story. With elements of classic comic illustration and a strangeness that stays with you till the end, it really is a masterpiece.
September 2, 2016
Quirky and fun, as comics should be. With some added ginchy. Even though getting the book is worth it for Allred's amazing art alone, the stories don't hurt either. Allred has the ability to write stories as bonkers as they are profound, having Frank Einstein fight mutated beatniks as well as his own past. Highly recommended.
July 20, 2007
Madman is my favorite superhero. He's like a cross between frankenstein and James Dean from rebel without a cause, and he only wears a costume 'cause his girlfriend made it for him and it covers his gross scars.
August 10, 2007
Ginchy
June 22, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyed this compendium of the early comics put out by Mr. and Mrs. Allred. If you are a fan of Mr. Allred you can't go wrong with this collection.
September 17, 2008
My favorite comic book. It combines all the things i love about weird shit. You know what I'm talking about.
October 28, 2009
i love madman. read it - it's totally groovy.
July 4, 2012
150.00
July 24, 2016
never a superheroe was so fun like this !!!!!
July 30, 2021
Mott the Hoople and the Game of Life
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews