Barnum! (In Secret Service to the USA)

Barnum! (In Secret Service to the USA) 

By Howard Chaykin, David Tischman & Niko Henrichon (Vertigo)
ISBN 1-4012-0073-7

This fascinating and fun piece of steam-punk fluff comes from the always interesting Howard Chaykin and David Tischman, snappily illustrated by Niko Henrichon (best known for the superb Pride of Baghdad – ISBN 1-84576-242-8).

The plot involves the intended conquest of America by the Mad Scientist Nikola Tesla and a cabal of Robber-Barons, which can only be thwarted by that magnificent showman and patriot P. T. Barnum, with the aid of his Congress of Anomalies (which would pejoratively be deemed Circus Freaks in less distinguished circles).

The action and sly social commentary rattle along, blending comedy and thrills much in the way of the circus itself. Can President Grover Cleveland be saved? Will the Union stand? Of course, but the fun is in the accomplishment.

The creators have produced a fine Scientific Romance and you should ignore the similarities to the movie Wild, Wild West. If you were a fan of the TV show though, you might be happy to add this to your bookshelf. If you’re a comic lover looking for something light and a little less ‘mainstream’ then you too might be… Amazed! Enthralled! Enraptured!

Well, you might!

© 2003 DC Comics. All Rights Reserved.