By Michael Fitzgerald Troy
Fans of brawny men, brainy yarns, and drug addicts will rejoice as DC/Vertigo FINALLY released a collected version of the Flex Mentallo three-issue miniseries, which was originally released some 15 years ago. Apparently, Flex was tied up in litigation with Charles Atlas’ people. Tarzan, Conan, dirty knees, look at these. It’s not as if strong men in animal frocks are the most original thing since canned beer.
Flex has auspicious roots as a dirty old man’s answer to Superman in a very tongue-in-cheek wink and a nod and an obscure association to the Doom Patrol.
An early Grant Morrison (having a tie to the Doom Patrol in a wacky and wonderful way) and Frank Quitely (closer to his edgy indie roots) collaboration, this would be one of the earliest of many a legendary tale. This is Morrison at his WTF best.
As a total dinosaur, I own the original series from whence it came out. (Almost around the time I came out.) It’s nice to have this gorgeous, over-sized hardcover collection showcasing Quitely’s lovely art, beautifully recolored for this edition. A nifty intro detailing Flex’s sordid journey and an eye satisfying Quitely bonus sketch book make for a handsome edition.
Morrison, while unassuming yet mesmerizing in person (I’ve had the privilege more than once), is well known to imbibe in hallucinogenic inspiration. And, this time seems no exception.
I will say little of the story, as it is truly is a gem to be polished upon your own; however, I will tell you that Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery is worth the elbow grease.
Michael Troy is a deeply superficial person. Born in the midwest in the ’70s, Michael came to Los Angeles to pursue his bi-polar career path as an actor and artist. 2005 saw the release of Michael’s first published book, Homo-Hero’s Big Book of Fun and Adventure (www.greencandypress.com). Michael has contributed to the Lady Gaga comic book from Bluewater Productions and has his hand in various other upcoming projects. Michael has performed stand-up comedy at all of the major comedy clubs in Los Angeles and is making his triumphant return to the main stage of The Comedy Store in September. Michael offers an off-beat sense of humor as the star of such youtube cult classics As The Gays on Film (www.youtube.com/fullfrontaltv), A Minute With Margot, a loving tribute to Superman legend Margot Kidder (http://www.youtube.com/user/rktcommander), and currently hosts a vlog style series Lethally Blonde over at www.monsterburg.com. Sitting alongside industry heavyweight Phil Jimenez at the “Divas and Lassoes” panel for the 2010 San Diego comic-con, Michael maintains and cherishes his “underground” status. A staunch believer in Blonde Ambition, Michael hopes his new comic about shallow blonde super heroes in Los Angeles, The Blonde Squad, will set the world on fire (or at least brighten it a bit). Check out Michael Troy and Lethally Blonde updates here!!!
