Ehmm Theory #2
Written by Brockton McKinney
Illustrated by Larkin Ford
Colored by Jason Strutz
Cover by Larkin Ford
Action Lab Comics
Release Date: July 17, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

Gabriel Ehmm is back and he’s as confused as ever. Ehmm Theory #2 is a revelatory yet unresolved entry into the miniseries from Action Lab. Writer Brockton McKinney, illustrator Larkin Ford, and colorist Jason Strutz place flashback upon flashback in an action-packed maelstrom of wonder and violence.

The recently deceased and revived Gabriel Ehmm, along with his whimsical talking cat, Mr. Whispers, along with the mysterious, old, Russian woman, Alyona, travel in pursuit of Gabriel’s father. Alyona reveals how she and her sister knew Gabriel’s father, Aaron, and the dangerous research that the three were involved in. Attacked by a giant, robotic crab and rescued by a group of super-powered beings known as the Guardians of Dimensional Defense (G.O.D.D.), Gabriel must come to terms with his new reality and figure out who to trust in his abnormal afterlife. Meanwhile, it would seem that some higher forces are concocting devious plans for Gabriel.

McKinney’s story is, well, just okay. The concept behind Ehmm Theory is intriguing to say the least; however, now two issues in (out of four), there are still plenty of questions remaining without enough payoff between issues. My biggest problem with the story is the protagonist himself, Gabriel Ehmm. Gabriel is way too naïve. He’ll follow anyone who might ask him to with barely any hesitation. How am I supposed to root for a character who makes irresponsible decisions all of the time? Mr. Whispers, on the other hand, is hilarious and a brilliantly developed anthropomorphic side-kick whom I have no problem getting behind.

The illustrative team of Ford and Strutz continue to shine. With defined features, dark shades of reds, yellows and browns; creepy looking monsters and heroes, the duo continue to pull me into the story with their imagery.

I can’t really recommend Ehmm Theory. It is ultimately subpar. Even considering Mr. Whispers with his cute little kitty face and sarcastic sense of humor, I don’t think I can continue reading. Maybe in another life.