MIND MGMT was a mind-bending spy thriller that spanned 36 issues between 2012 and 2015 and was, from what I understand, pretty popular. I will admit that, though I’ve read and positively reviewed a number of other comics by Matt Kindt, until now, the only thing I knew about this one was the title. If you find yourself in the same boat, worry not. You are exactly the target audience for this New and Improved version.
This first issue begins with a disclaimer about why it’s fine if you, the reader, haven’t read the original MIND MGMT. More than that, it explains why the original version, as popular and important as it was, does not matter and why you not only don’t need to read it, but in fact, shouldn’t want to read it. The explanation why will feel a bit like a cop out at first, but I respect the way it’s done. It’s also your first clue to what kind of comic you’re reading and what kind of experience you’re in for. Then, the further you get into the issue, the more the explanation actually starts to make sense.
Our disclaimer out of the way, we dive into the story. Detectives Swon and Delphi are investigating the murder of a popular podcaster who was poisoned in a coffee shop. Only the two are actually MIND MGMT agents, and, apparently, so was the victim. What does it mean to be a MIND MGMT agent? Without the original comic to go on, it’s hard to say, but again, the further you read, the more you’ll understand.
Swon also has a special power. He can identify absolutely any smell, no matter how faint, and use those smells to create new smells. He also seems to be having problems with his memory, which may be the result of a sinister conspiracy, or it may be the result of living with the 24-hour news cycle.
The story is only a small part of this comic, though. There’s a ton of supplemental material that doesn’t just build the world, it immerses you in it. It introduces you to the agency, some of the people in it, and just what they can do, which then gives you a clearer understanding of the story you’ve just read.
I’m sold on this comic. It’s a world unlike any I’ve seen before, explored through a host of different narrative styles and storytelling techniques. I’m absolutely hooked, and I can’t wait to explore it further.
Creative Team: Matt Kindt (writer, illustrator), Sierra Hahn (editor), Joelena Despard (assistant editor), Winston Gambro (designer)
Publisher: Oni Press / Flux House
Click here to purchase.
*Be sure to pre-order your copy of MIND MGMT: New & Improved #1 at your local comic book shop today! (It’s the last day to do so!)
