Comic Book Review: Children of the Atom #3

Marvel Comics

Writer: Vita Ayala

Artists: Paco Medina & David Curiel

Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham

During my review of Children of the Atom #2, I expressed how much I loved these new characters, but felt like the issue didn’t do enough to push the narrative forward. Fortunately, the first two issues are still thoroughly entertaining, making it impossible for me to consider dropping the series. Those who stick around will be delighted with Children of the Atom #3, an issue that gives readers a better idea of where this series is going.

Children of the Atom #3 has just about the same structure as the previous issue. Vita Ayala uses this chapter to allow readers to get to know Carmen. Ayala does fantastic character work, making Carmen instantly relatable with a short monologue in the issue’s opening pages. Carmen has always wanted to feel special, but not in the normal way that most kids do before becoming superheroes. Anyone who has ever felt like they aren’t the favorite in the friend group, or is only loved for the services they provide will instantly empathize with Carmen. Her monologue feels like it could very well be the thoughts of a person struggling with finding their place in the world. There are still a few characters for Ayala to flesh out, but Carmen will likely be a favorite for most readers.

Ayala uses the rest of the issue to set things up for a larger story. There are a few interesting threads going on throughout the issue, including a space adventure and some shady characters that could be antagonists. I don’t want to give too much away, but the series makes some huge leaps when it comes to direction and the relationships of all the characters.

I’m a big fan of Paco Medina’s recent work in Fantastic Four, and seeing his work in Children of the Atom is delightful. This is an emotional issue, especially for Carmen. Paco’s art allows for her emotions to be completely visible with just their body language and expressions. Ayala and Medina have great chemistry, with both creators bouncing off of each other’s talent. Every character is instantly identifiable even without costumes, making it easy to follow the action throughout this issue. Even moments that are as mundane as a group of people sitting around and talking are exciting due to how gorgeous every panel looks.

David Curiel’s colors are exciting, with bold palettes that make the space sequence harrowing. Intense oranges and reds add a sense of urgency to the adventure. When they are combined with Medina’s bold lines and Ayala’s stellar script, everything feels like a complete experience. When you throw in Travis Lanham, who has given this series some stellar lettering, you have one of the best issues in Reign of X so far. It’s a visual masterpiece.

Children of the Atom #3 is one of the best single issues so far in Reign of X.