Written by Andrew Dabb

Created & Illustrated by Sal Abbinanti

145 pages, $19.99

Ever since I first covered Atomika back in 2009 (warning: facial hair), I’ve still been getting e-mails and comments from all over the world asking when volume two is going to come out. Ladies and gentlemen, I now can safely inform you that volume two has arrived in all its Red God glory.

It’s been a long journey for Sal Abbinanti and company, but now the second and last volume of the series has finally been released. While the first volume focused on Atomika battling gods of old and new and being the ultimate savior of Russia, we find this second volume taking a darker turn for our unyielding protagonist. His oldest mentor and divine leader Arohnir places the fate of Atomika’s son Chernobyl in jeopardy, while at the same time giving off the feeling of betrayal with an ulterior motive of sorts. This is a situation Atomika has never been placed in before, and now he has to go on a journey of self-discovery, trying to figure out if he’s truly a god, or in fact a monster.

I was fortunate enough to get a commission of Thor done by Sal at this past Emerald City ComiCon, and immediately it became one of my favorite pieces I collected that convention. When Sal illustrates a page, he really puts his heart and soul into it. There’s a gritty intensity that’s abundant in his work, and I can see bits of Bill Sienkiewicz and Jack Kirby flowing through his storytelling. Some of the double-page spreads are just completely mind-blowing, that it takes you a few minutes to really enjoy the page and take it all in.

Also in this volume are all the covers, back covers, and pin-ups of issues 7-12, by some of the biggest names in the comics industry; Eric Powell, Gene Colan, Simone Bianchi, Simon Bisley, Glen Fabry, Bill Sienkiewicz and many more.

It’s been a wonderful journey, and I feel the need to go back and re-read the first volume and this one in one sitting, and truly engulf myself in this perilous world once more. The story of Atomika’s rise to power, and the beings he has to battle throughout his quest leave me with a marvelous feeling of astonishment, for I’ve never experienced anything like it before. I hope one day that Sal is able to collect both volumes in an over-sized edition of sorts, but until then, I highly recommend you head over to UniversalOutpost to pick-up your copy today.

Even with a dull week for comics, a Pick of the Week rises to the top! From Greg Rucka & Matt Southworth, we have Stumptown #1 (Oni Press). Fast Five picks include Captain America: Reborn #4 (Marvel), Atomika #11 (Mercury Comics), Psylocke #1 (Marvel), The Mighty #10 (DC), and Strange Tales #3 (Marvel).

If you like crime comics, I highly recommend you give Stumptown a try! With Greg Rucka at the helm, how can you go wrong?

Cammy brings you coverage of Comic-Con 2009. Interviews with Ben Templesmith, Sal Abbinanti, Simone Bianchi, Thomas Jane, Chris Burnham, John Layman, Rob Guillory, and Rick Spears.

Special thanks to my sponsors Rising Sun Creations and Deadline Graphics.

Music: Ratatat – Wildcat

No Pick this week, but we do have a hearty Fast Five to cover! Picks include Blackest Night #2 (DC), Ultimate Comics: Avengers #1 (Marvel), The Walking Dead #64 (Image), Deadpool #13 (Marvel), and Atomika #10 (Mercury Comics).

Even though there isn’t a pick, there IS a contest thanks to Rising Sun Creations! Y’all like variant covers?

In this special episode, Cammy reviews Atomika from Mercury Comics. God created Man, then Man created God.  Special thanks to Sal Abbinanti!

Stay tuned at the end for a special Atomika Contest!