The Manhattan Projects: 4

Hickman (East of West) blends World War II and 1940s history with disturbing sf. Volume 4 furthers the story of psychopath Oppenheimer, narcissist Feynman, cyborg von Braun, physicist Einstein, and several other players as the motley crew of scientists develop a plan to take over the world. Feynman and Einstein travel through the portal monolith to other universes and dimensions to acquire undiscovered technologies and capture unidentifiable life. As Oppenheimer has kills, devours, and assumes the personalities of more people and other beings, he begins to take on the upper hand in the group. The focus of the ensemble is world dominance, but their efforts go a little awry when they bite off more than they can chew. Oppenheimer's conflicting and expanding psyche interferes with his comrades' goals, and the future of the company of scientists is uncertain. Pitarra's art is intricate and a great fit for the details and frequent grotesque interactions. Verdict While the story in here makes jumping into the series difficult for the casual reader, the overarching plot is interesting and recommended to history/sf mashup enthusiasts.-Teresa Potter-Reyes, Helen Hall Lib., League City, TX (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Hickman (East of West) blends World War II and 1940s history with disturbing sf. Volume 4 furthers the story of psychopath Oppenheimer, narcissist Feynman, cyborg von Braun, physicist Einstein, and several other players as the motley crew of scientists develop a plan to take over the world. Feynman and Einstein travel through the portal monolith to other universes and dimensions to acquire undiscovered technologies and capture unidentifiable life. As Oppenheimer has kills, devours, and assumes the personalities of more people and other beings, he begins to take on the upper hand in the group. The focus of the ensemble is world dominance, but their efforts go a little awry when they bite off more than they can chew. Oppenheimer's conflicting and expanding psyche interferes with his comrades' goals, and the future of the company of scientists is uncertain. Pitarra's art is intricate and a great fit for the details and frequent grotesque interactions. Verdict While the story in here makes jumping into the series difficult for the casual reader, the overarching plot is interesting and recommended to history/sf mashup enthusiasts.—Teresa Potter-Reyes, Helen Hall Lib., League City, TX (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.