Location:

It would seem that Paul Pope is returning to one of his major story sources with THB: M³. THB is a series of stories based on a developed Mars, where Martians and Earthlings live together. With this the stories tend to focus on H.R. Watson and her guardian, the so called Mightiest Mek, THB - or at least her family and friends. Following a run of 5 issues and a number of special editions Pope has promised a 6^th issue for some time. This would appear to be a new THB series though, THB: M³ being the first issue of this Comics Reading Machine, a 64 page, colour, card covered, black and white paged comics display unit.

The first of these units being Mars' Mightiest Mek, containing 7 sub units. Sub Unit 1 is entitled Point Flatter Cut, wherein H.R. and her brother play the holographic game of the title. Characters chosen they square off, interfaces translating their commands to actions. When Percival looks to be too good at this mutation of the classic Paper, Stone, Scissors, THB is introduced. Sub Unit 2 is entitled Morpholine, and is a shorter piece dealing with the wide spread depression on Mars stemming from the ban on arts. While Sub Unit 3 is another short piece exploring aspects of Martian life in the form of Clothes On Mars. This leads to the second substantial Sub Unit, Survival Studies - having shown the frivolous, fun seeking side of Martian life, our guide decides we should perhaps see the more serious side. Showing how all Martian youth must undergo survival training to cope with the harsh realities of the environment. All portrayed in an adventurous reading machine format of course. This leaves the remaining short units - Rageous et Continuae (or The Argument Continues) discussing consciousness, Zaar provides information on obtaining Pope's previous reading units and drawn novels, and finally Next Pick Up continues promises for the fabled THB 6, due in the spring of 2000.

Another must have for Pope fans and as good an introduction to his work as any other. Light hearted and fun, but never skimping on the dosage of Paul Pope Design Ethics. Showing Pope's characters, and stylistic art application well and being admired as another step in his journey to destroy comics.

RVWR: PTR
January 2000

More Information

1: Paul Pope

Creators site, some nice web effects and info on current/future work.