Mondo #2

by Ted McKeever

People read comics because of the sheer potential of the medium for telling stories, despite the fact that fewer creators begin to even scratch at the surface of what can be done with matched words and pictures.  Not Ted McKeever though - he's able to tap into a level of comics goodness that few can ever hope to achieve.

Mondo is pure comics.  The story doesn't make a lot of sense, but each and every scene in this issue is incredible when read in its own right.  The series is two-thirds finished, and I don't feel like I have a clue as to what is going on, but I'm loving this book.

Much of the issue is given over to the series's star, Catfish, who has been mutated in a radioactive chicken factory accident into a hulking man.  He's being pursued by a giant chicken (a six-foot cock, says the newsman, smirking).  Also, there is a satellite set to crash to the Earth near Venice Beach, which is being dismantled and excavated by the mayor, who believes that there is a giant Ferris wheel buried beneath its sands.  Also, a newsreporter basically loses it on air, adding some very colourful commentary to his telemprompted recitation of the day's events.  As well, there's a girl on rollerskates who doesn't like themed diners (or giant apes).

McKeever's often been very improvisational in his work (read META 4), but seems to be moving into a new area of stream of conscious comics making.  His art is horrendously beautiful, as always, and his writing continues to challenge and entertain.  You don't need to understand a McKeever comic to enjoy it, and therein lies his genius.