Madman/The Jam #’s 1 & 2 (1998)
Writers/Artists: Mike Allred & Bernie Mireault
Colorist: Laura Allred
Rating: 
This week, I’ll look at “Madman/The Jam” the two-issue mini-series that came out courtesy of Dark Horse Comics and features two of the most quirky and surrealistic heroes teaming up for a bizarre adventure that will dazzle the readers.
This two-issue mini-series, crafted by both Mike Allred and Bernie Mireault, sees Madman (aka Frank Einstein, a former hit-man who died in a car accident and was stitched back to life by two doctors while his name is taken by both Frank Sinatra and Albert Einstein) finds himself in Montreal, Quebec where he’s searching for a woman who keeps appearing in his dreams with an envelope for him with an address and the words “Help Me” written on it so once he gets to Quebec he runs into Gordon “Gordy” Kirby, otherwise known as The Jam, Canada’s resident superhero. The two then enter a house of optical illusions where they fight off giant insects, spiraling staircases, and every kind of disorientation.
Allred and Mireault prove to be quite the creative force as they really took the weirdness of their story and made it unique to where they never dumb things down nor go overboard in their plotting. I love how everything is mystifying in a charming way that somehow makes it feels normal, but that may be difficult for some creative teams. Allred and Mireault, however, rise above it all to find success. 
The use of M.C. Escher’s house is a great touch but only adds to the surrealism of the story. Might I point out that the chemistry between Madman and The Jam genuinely shows how two heroes who have mutual respect for each other can face the odds no matter what crisis they
This is a series that any fan of independent comics should own due to the quirkiness and weird aspects of the story that separates it from the average superhero romp. Mike Allread is always at his best when handling Madman on his own thanks to his collaborations, particularly this one with Mireault, this is truly a crossover that should be looked at with joy and genuine excitement for anybody that wants to experience the weirdness for themselves.
Well, that’s it for me this week. Thanks for sticking around. I will see you all next time.
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