Review: The Chimera Factor
The impact of Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman, cannot be undersold, as its impact has a far-reaching impact on perceptions of women’s roles, behaviors and attitudes. The movie pretty much elicited a change in basic assumptions not only in superhero movies but action movies overall. Then came the movie adaptation of Atomic Blonde, which also changed perceptions of spy movies, and how do women as operators in this world would move in this world. This is not the first time we have seen female spies in action like, Salt and Mission Impossible, but both used their female protagonists as victims or love interests who turned out to be damsels in distress.
I mention, both movies, because they changed how the world viewed women as action heroes, as something formidable, without sacrificing their femininity or sexuality for gains. As societal perceptions have always played into popular opinion, as the widespread misconception that women can’t be leaders because they don’t think logically. Comics have further along as far as progress goes, as the supremely told Velvet uses the same premise as Atomic Blonde, but tells its better. So, when I heard that there was a graphic adaptation of Barry Nugent’s The Chimera Factor, I wanted to know if what I heard about the books translated into sequential art.
In this story, we find out about two organizations at odds with each other, one, Icarus, defending the world against dangerous cults, whose top agent, Major Steph Connisbee, is their best and Victoria Sullivan, an investigator for Icarus must both stop Cademus, who attempted to assassinate members of the United Nations. The organizations are both looking for a mysterious WWII aircraft is discovered by the UN but what is underneath can throw the world into complete chaos. Eventually they work together, as they soon realize they may be the world’s best chance at stopping both organizations. By book’s end, the world is better for these two women, as the choices they made in concert despite their differences have saved the world.
Overall, an excellent book, which imbues these protagonists, powerful qualities usually relegated to male protagonists. The story by Richmond Clements is action packed, mysterious and thrilling. The art by PL Woods reminds of the aesthetics of Archer but in a much more serious setting. Altogether, a great graphic adaptation that will have the reader clamoring for the source material.
Story: Richmond Clements Art: PL Woods
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy
