ENIAC #3 continues the mission to stop an out-of-control artificial intelligence. But, it’s beyond the action that really stands out. It’s the paranoia that permeates throughout the storytelling that’ll keep readers at the edge of their seat.

For those catching up, ENIAC is the story of an artificial intelligence developed during World War II that has been growing its reach through the decades. Now, in modern times, it has launched a countdown until something. What that is is unknown. But, it’s expected to be bad. A team has been gathered to track down ENIAC and stop it from its mission. In the previous issue, we discovered that Fletcher’s mother was involved somehow and may hold the key to stopping ENIAC.

Writer Matt Kindt continues a great mix of storytelling in the issue. There’s a tense nature about it with a little bit of action but it’s really the setup before the confrontation. Kindt plants seeds in the reader’s mind forcing them to question some of what we know and where things are going. It’s all a bit too convenient and pre-ordained. Is ENIAC ahead of everyone or is there something else at play here?

A lot of those twists and reveals are fun but ENIAC #3 has some minor bumps in its storytelling. It’s a little too convenient that Fletcher’s mother is involved. The world is a bit too small in a way. But, with some teases and hints and one key moment, that might be part of the point of it all. There’s also the use of the Challenger Explosion which felt a little in poor taste. It could be the fact it’s an event I lived through and witnessed live on tv but it being a part of the narrative doesn’t quite work. The series has weaved real history in and out of its narrative for a while but this is the first time that has given me pause.

Doug Braithwaite’s art continues to impress. With color by Diego Rodriguez and lettering by Dave Sharpe, the issue lets it all hang out. There’s some solid emotion driven by the images and it’s use of nudity creates an interesting dynamic with the very tech driven nature of the series. There’s also some great perspectives in what’s delivered that brings a cinematic quality to the visuals. With beautiful color and sharp lettering, it all comes together with fantastic visuals that continue to shine and pop on the page.

The issue also features another B-side of The Hero Trade. Matt Kindt continues to deliver intriguing stories along with artist David Lapham. Each story has felt like something from The Twilight Zone or Tales from the Crypt and is beyond entertaining on its own. This one features the selling of parts of a missing superhero. Gruesome stuff and a twist that’s solid. My issue continues to be not with the quality but the disconnect between each story as far as focus. One is a techno-thriller, the other a horror story involving superheroes. The lack of theme is a bit head-scratching.

ENIAC #3 continues a quality series from Bad Idea. The production quality is excellent from the card cover to the quality of the paper within. It features a solid story with fantastic art. The series has its followers and deserves far more delivering the high-quality entertainment I’d expect from this creative team.

Story: Matt Kindt Art: Doug Braithwaite, David Lapham
Color: Diego Rodriguez Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

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Purchase: Zeus Comics