MIND MGMT: Bootleg #4 Review – Unite Against Mister Hyde in the Epic Final Issue

MIND MGMT: Bootleg #4 Review – Unite Against Mister Hyde in the Epic Final Issue

Dark Horse Comics‘ and Matt Kindt’s Mind Mgmt: Bootleg is a psyche attacking excursion disguised as the adventure of three strange children or “Agents” of a secret company known as Mind Management. Issue 1-3 showcased the art of offbeat creative masters Farel Dalrymple, David Rubin, and Matt Lesniewski. Each breathing their own unique psychic fire into the series!

The fourth and final issue, MIND MGMT: Bootleg #4 sees Jill Thompson step up to bat hitting a home run with her stunning watercolor illustrations that bleed science fiction and reality into a beautifully crisp, clean illustrated masterwork.

The issue four story line opens with the Agents infiltrating the island to foil a plot to “End All Serious Thought.” They search for and are quickly apprehended by the story’s antagonist Mr. Hide and his cultists. Mr. Hide’s plot is to unleash a meme virus that will empty the minds of millions and his character seems to embody Nihilism itself.

Further alluding to this metaphor, the artist often depicts the character on a stark white empty background. The three main characters are confronted by Mr. Hide who tries to sway them with their own self-doubt and fears.

Thompson is a wizard with a paint brush casting Spells of color throughout the panels with a detailed focus on character figure drawing and clothing that give us an excellent sense of movement. While Kindt’s writing riddles readers with morsels of deep thought and rabbit holes of introspection through the art of storytelling. The lettering by Jim Campbell is simple but sleek with intentional color use, depending on the narration.

Issue four was a well-rounded end to the series leaving the door wide open for what I hope are many more stories to come. This issue even ends with the words “Never The End” and I am excited to see what comes next as I have personally loved the unfolding of the story in this series and issue four did not disappoint. Admittedly it may not appeal to everyone.

To fully enjoy this series, readers must remain open to seeing beyond what could be seen as a face value adventure comic on the surface and enjoy the beautifully layered depth. To do otherwise would be to miss out on what elevates this series into a true work of art! Take Mind Mgmt Bootleg with a more cerebral approach and allow the whirlwind of creativity to sweep you away.

Caleb Braxton

A hermit currently residing in the swampy woodlands of South Carolina. CNA by day artist and family man by night. Fantasy and board game nerd with an affinity for all things illustrated or animated. Resides with his wife, son and a pack of animals that out number the humans in his home.

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Source: Dark Horse