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Think Tank (Collected Editions) #1
Think Tank, Vol. 1
Dr. David Loren is many things: child prodigy, inventor, genius, slacker... mass murderer. When a military think tank's smartest scientist decides he can no longer stomach creating weapons of destruction, will he be able to think his way out of his dilemma or find himself subject to the machinations of smaller men?
Collecting the original series (issues 1-4) in its entirety.
Collecting the original series (issues 1-4) in its entirety.
122 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2011
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385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 11, 2012
This book is awesome! In contention for the best book ever written this book assures world peace and end to hunger and sexual satisfaction for all! Of course since I wrote this book I might be slightly biased =p. Give it a read and tell me what you think, it was a labor of love. Very proud of this book!
Here is a link to the video trailer for the book;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmAVRO...
Here is a link to the video trailer for the book;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmAVRO...
December 4, 2012
Redefining F = ma one issue at a time…
The Top 5 Reasons you should pick up this awesome new series:
1.It will make you smarter… or at least you will start to get a small grasp on what is going on in the story that makes you feel stupid.
2.The creative team on this is fantastic. If you are not following them yet, you should be: @topcowmatt and @RahsanEkedal
3.The story is unique, officially classified as non-superhero, but as you will see, there are some pretty super things about the main character.
4.As the first story arc completes (the first four issues in the series) we almost immediately have a collection. That is fast… and perfect for new readers!
5.It’s Science. Plain and simple. Yes, there may be some exaggeration here and there, but nothing fantasy about this, really. It is a solid piece that can appeal to genius and layman alike.
---
It has been a while since I felt stupid reading a comic book. I realize that statement alone sounds stupid, but this book covers topics, and handles the content in such a way to make you feel intellectually inferior. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a bad thing. Growth never happens without a challenge.
I am not going to give away anything in the story, it speaks for itself. What I am going to do is praise a couple things already touched upon above…
The simple fact that Matt takes the time to add a section called “Science Class” illustrates his dedication to the book. So many books just show us some fantastic thing, without grounding them in reality. Matt provides both, with a twist. Each of the fantastic things portrayed in the story has a little explanation (well as much as he can fit within the pages of the book), to include whether or not it exists in “real life”. He then gives you links to YouTube videos proving that fact… Very nice.
The Top 5 Reasons you should pick up this awesome new series:
1.It will make you smarter… or at least you will start to get a small grasp on what is going on in the story that makes you feel stupid.
2.The creative team on this is fantastic. If you are not following them yet, you should be: @topcowmatt and @RahsanEkedal
3.The story is unique, officially classified as non-superhero, but as you will see, there are some pretty super things about the main character.
4.As the first story arc completes (the first four issues in the series) we almost immediately have a collection. That is fast… and perfect for new readers!
5.It’s Science. Plain and simple. Yes, there may be some exaggeration here and there, but nothing fantasy about this, really. It is a solid piece that can appeal to genius and layman alike.
---
It has been a while since I felt stupid reading a comic book. I realize that statement alone sounds stupid, but this book covers topics, and handles the content in such a way to make you feel intellectually inferior. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a bad thing. Growth never happens without a challenge.
I am not going to give away anything in the story, it speaks for itself. What I am going to do is praise a couple things already touched upon above…
The simple fact that Matt takes the time to add a section called “Science Class” illustrates his dedication to the book. So many books just show us some fantastic thing, without grounding them in reality. Matt provides both, with a twist. Each of the fantastic things portrayed in the story has a little explanation (well as much as he can fit within the pages of the book), to include whether or not it exists in “real life”. He then gives you links to YouTube videos proving that fact… Very nice.
June 6, 2021
Man child escapee driven with heavy science and military presence. I didn’t particularly care for the art or writing and the subtle racism/misogyny didn’t help matters BUT! aaaah that final twist, that got me wanting to read the next issue
April 6, 2018
The artwork is black and white, but highly detailed, so that's a plus in my book. Even though there are references to plenty of existing technologies, this book is not really restricted to geeks who have heard of them before. In fact, it's more like a high-school movie starring the genius who does good via not-so-good means. The setting is mostly inside a state-of-the-art research facility for the defence department and it's believable if you can ignore that one genius who makes everyone look like impotent dorks. Or am I the only one rooting for the professional army instead of the immature inventor?
David Loren is an annoying genius doing research for the defense department. He is also a disordered slacker which I have nothing against if it weren't for his pacifist nature. I just hate characters that suddenly decide that life matters most, so 'I'll work for the betterment of mankind even if these bad people in the defence department want me to build guns.' The guy can build a thought-reading machine in a day, but still acts like a hormone-ridden teenager who doesn't want to harm people. Still the author doesn't let me down. What David will consider a victory against the defence department will in fact be a fully-controlled game where the score ultimately becomes defence 1 to genius 0. He'll probably win in the end, but it won't be easy.
Colonel Mark Harrison is tasked with getting David to finish another research project. Dr. Manish Pavi is David's colleague who was brought to the research department against his will to try to motivate David, but he is unsuccessful. He is afraid for his family if the defense department fires him too. Dr. Sejic was one of their professors at Cal Tech and is now working as a researcher. He is more respected in the department and has a personal grudge on David and Manish since their college days that he covers up with being worried that they are sabotaging their work.
David Loren is an annoying genius doing research for the defense department. He is also a disordered slacker which I have nothing against if it weren't for his pacifist nature. I just hate characters that suddenly decide that life matters most, so 'I'll work for the betterment of mankind even if these bad people in the defence department want me to build guns.' The guy can build a thought-reading machine in a day, but still acts like a hormone-ridden teenager who doesn't want to harm people. Still the author doesn't let me down. What David will consider a victory against the defence department will in fact be a fully-controlled game where the score ultimately becomes defence 1 to genius 0. He'll probably win in the end, but it won't be easy.
Colonel Mark Harrison is tasked with getting David to finish another research project. Dr. Manish Pavi is David's colleague who was brought to the research department against his will to try to motivate David, but he is unsuccessful. He is afraid for his family if the defense department fires him too. Dr. Sejic was one of their professors at Cal Tech and is now working as a researcher. He is more respected in the department and has a personal grudge on David and Manish since their college days that he covers up with being worried that they are sabotaging their work.
September 23, 2023
This is a mostly cool book. There are a couple small hurdles. The art is middling (and the design choice to make the protagonist look like Dollar General Kurt Cobain is odd). Also, the "never wrong unappreciated supergenius" character archetype can be pretty boring.
All that said, the plot kept me very interested, and the use of sci-fi tech in terms of military development is well placed. I think the whole story is best taken at face value and enjoyed as an action piece that moves point to point without slowing down.
All that said, the plot kept me very interested, and the use of sci-fi tech in terms of military development is well placed. I think the whole story is best taken at face value and enjoyed as an action piece that moves point to point without slowing down.
November 30, 2012
Comic books are a "I get it, or I don't get it", a form of literature and entertainment. Science is a " I get it or I don't get it" discipline and/or form of academic study. And Think Tank is one of the best comic books that uses science that I've ever read. It reminds me of the movie " Real Genius", and puts a darker and more exciting spin on the concept. And creating a wholly original, take on the scientists responsibility to mankind, and the pursuit of intellectual challenge, and work done for commerce, or the country. It's fun, funny, and chock full of real science facts, that don't in any way bore the reader. I love this book and I look forward to more that might come. I couldn't recommend this book more.
December 3, 2012
This is one of the best new comic books out there. Perfect time to jump on as this trade collects the first 4 issue arc. The tag line on the cover is on the mark. It's made me smarter as I learn something each issue and it also seems to have made me notice more science and technology posts and articles since I started to read it. Matt Hawkins is a talented writer that gets you to care about the characters. And Rahsan Ekedal brings the story to life with his art. Read it, you won't regret it!
December 3, 2012
Fabulous new series that puts the science in science fiction. Smart book that keeps you entertained. Gorgeous artwork throughout. Kudos to Matt Hawkins & Rahsan Ekedal.
October 29, 2017
A genius trapped into creating futuristic weapons for the army attempts to break out of his secure military lab (read: prison). Packed with intense action and moral dilemmas, one of the coolest things about this book is that most of the science is real and actually being researched and used today (thought-readers, chameleon suits, etc.).
October 17, 2017
Yakın gelecek bilimkurgusu ile politik gerilim arasında güzel.
March 16, 2014
AH! I love, LOVE LOVE this story!!! So, if I could have a super power it would be to be a physics genius. Well, that and control the weather or be Emma Frost. Ok, but anyway, for about ten years I've had a physics hot spot so when I found this comic I was sooo excited. Of course, as is my timing on most things is bad, the run was almost over so I had to wait for the graphic novel to be published.
So worth the wait!!!
This is a great series and as soon as I get a little cash I'm going to buy the next book.
Every chapter begins with a quote from Einstein and every top of the page or first panel of action has F=ma in the top left corner. F=ma is Newton's second law of motion and signals action or important motion in the story. It's a great little nod to one of the great minds of humanity and a perfect detail for the story - one of many that make this book so well done.
In graphic novels it's important to have a solid story AND great art. The art and story must work together, each providing details and concepts to feed the other - the balance is difficult. Superhero books are just good fun and the balance is important but not in the way that literature-like stories need. Hawkins and Ekedal strike a beautiful balance and the pages turn themselves.
David Loren is a brilliant guy and a great anti-hero but he could very easily be dislike-able. He makes weapons that kill mass numbers of people and he creates gadgets that destroy humanity's illusions of privacy and freedom - yet, you really don't hate dislike him. David is searching for a better a way to live, a way out but he gets so caught up in his ego and curiosity that instead of not making these weapons, he continues to do so. He says that if he doesn't someone else will so it doesn't matter as much. Yet, he's upset and doesn't want to them because he doesn't want people to die. It's a classic debate of morality waged within the young and brilliant mind of a physics genius.
The end of the graphic novel Hawkins includes pages of information on the science. He fills you in on the declassified inventions he knows about and scares you just a little because his comic reads like science fiction but it's actually either reality or near future. This is a scary element of the comic that I wasn't sure how to feel about - yes, I'm glad that it's there because it's important to be informed but ugh! It's scary! It makes me feel a bit helpless because there are all these weapons, inventions, that can do things only imagination should be able to do and they are in the hands of man.
This is another must-read graphic novel. If you have any interested in sci-fi, military science, science, the future, or just like a good story - this is your book.
So worth the wait!!!
This is a great series and as soon as I get a little cash I'm going to buy the next book.
Every chapter begins with a quote from Einstein and every top of the page or first panel of action has F=ma in the top left corner. F=ma is Newton's second law of motion and signals action or important motion in the story. It's a great little nod to one of the great minds of humanity and a perfect detail for the story - one of many that make this book so well done.
In graphic novels it's important to have a solid story AND great art. The art and story must work together, each providing details and concepts to feed the other - the balance is difficult. Superhero books are just good fun and the balance is important but not in the way that literature-like stories need. Hawkins and Ekedal strike a beautiful balance and the pages turn themselves.
David Loren is a brilliant guy and a great anti-hero but he could very easily be dislike-able. He makes weapons that kill mass numbers of people and he creates gadgets that destroy humanity's illusions of privacy and freedom - yet, you really don't hate dislike him. David is searching for a better a way to live, a way out but he gets so caught up in his ego and curiosity that instead of not making these weapons, he continues to do so. He says that if he doesn't someone else will so it doesn't matter as much. Yet, he's upset and doesn't want to them because he doesn't want people to die. It's a classic debate of morality waged within the young and brilliant mind of a physics genius.
The end of the graphic novel Hawkins includes pages of information on the science. He fills you in on the declassified inventions he knows about and scares you just a little because his comic reads like science fiction but it's actually either reality or near future. This is a scary element of the comic that I wasn't sure how to feel about - yes, I'm glad that it's there because it's important to be informed but ugh! It's scary! It makes me feel a bit helpless because there are all these weapons, inventions, that can do things only imagination should be able to do and they are in the hands of man.
This is another must-read graphic novel. If you have any interested in sci-fi, military science, science, the future, or just like a good story - this is your book.
January 13, 2013
A NetGalley first reads
The author of this review received an advance copy for an honest review
I'm casual in my knowledge of science, so from the reviews I was worried whether I'd enjoy this series, so for future readers, if you enjoyed say, the first three seasons of the show "Eureka," you'll be able to enjoy this. And the author does take time to explain the real science behind the story, but its in the after bonus content, but there's not much that'll go over your head otherwise.
The story is fast-paced, and I could sympathize with his circumstances (speaking as someone who graduated high school at 14, I can very much see how he ended up where he did and how, even if other reviewers can't. Believe or not we ALL make stupid choices as teenagers, especially the smart ones) And I believe the relationships. There's a few cliches, the man who seems to be flash and no substance, the soldier serving the good of his nation, etc... But its not heavy handed and the ones who don't break the mold immediately are set up to do so. Its a deep game kind of story, where motives are not on the surface, but played out. Its also one of those stories where the protagonist starts in so much trouble you can't imagine how he's going to get out if it.
The art is fantastic! The style is black and white with a touch of watercolor and I loved the cover art for each issue. With a lot of comics I have a problem of where the artist chooses to cut the action or how they focus a scene because it can either confuse the action or break the cinematic feel. Not so here, Rahsan Ekedal knows what it means to illustrate, the shading is masterful and the expressions leap off the page.
I can't wait to pick up issue 5!!! I can tell this is going to be one of those comics where waiting for the compilation is akin to a unique torture.
I'd recommend this to fans of 'Eureka' 'Transmetropolitian' Barry Longyear, David Weber, and John Ringo, but its got a much broader appeal to anyone who loves a great story and believes in the possibility of science.
The author of this review received an advance copy for an honest review
I'm casual in my knowledge of science, so from the reviews I was worried whether I'd enjoy this series, so for future readers, if you enjoyed say, the first three seasons of the show "Eureka," you'll be able to enjoy this. And the author does take time to explain the real science behind the story, but its in the after bonus content, but there's not much that'll go over your head otherwise.
The story is fast-paced, and I could sympathize with his circumstances (speaking as someone who graduated high school at 14, I can very much see how he ended up where he did and how, even if other reviewers can't. Believe or not we ALL make stupid choices as teenagers, especially the smart ones) And I believe the relationships. There's a few cliches, the man who seems to be flash and no substance, the soldier serving the good of his nation, etc... But its not heavy handed and the ones who don't break the mold immediately are set up to do so. Its a deep game kind of story, where motives are not on the surface, but played out. Its also one of those stories where the protagonist starts in so much trouble you can't imagine how he's going to get out if it.
The art is fantastic! The style is black and white with a touch of watercolor and I loved the cover art for each issue. With a lot of comics I have a problem of where the artist chooses to cut the action or how they focus a scene because it can either confuse the action or break the cinematic feel. Not so here, Rahsan Ekedal knows what it means to illustrate, the shading is masterful and the expressions leap off the page.
I can't wait to pick up issue 5!!! I can tell this is going to be one of those comics where waiting for the compilation is akin to a unique torture.
I'd recommend this to fans of 'Eureka' 'Transmetropolitian' Barry Longyear, David Weber, and John Ringo, but its got a much broader appeal to anyone who loves a great story and believes in the possibility of science.
September 29, 2014
Got it after reading the NPR review. I knew I was in for trouble when I saw the tag line "Warning: reading this will make you smarter." More eye rolling ensued as I read it. As another reviewer said, it's basically just nerd pandering and wish fulfillment for people who want to see the military get what they dish. The protagonist is self-absorbed and even obnoxious, his only redeeming quality being that he's "smart" and feels guilty about what he's doing, though the author doesn't do a convincing job of establishing this guilt as a motive for his actions.
The plot shows signs of taking some interesting turns that could potentially redeem the story in later issues, but I've lost interest and don't really want to pay to see what happens next.
As far as being educational or scientific- I mean, maybe if you haven't heard of DARPA, sure, but other reviewers are really overplaying the "smartness" of it.
The plot shows signs of taking some interesting turns that could potentially redeem the story in later issues, but I've lost interest and don't really want to pay to see what happens next.
As far as being educational or scientific- I mean, maybe if you haven't heard of DARPA, sure, but other reviewers are really overplaying the "smartness" of it.
September 11, 2015
Read as purely escapist fiction that uses real science as a basis, this book is entertaining and enjoyable. The main character is so smart that he isn't really believable, since he is able to make major theoretical and practical advances in multiple fields of research, i.e., the kinds of things that would be accomplished by multiple teams in the real world, but he is clearly an idealized avatar for the author. Putting that aside, he acts in many ways like an actually techie, dropping the occasionally stupid joke, and being a touch arrogant. The ending helps make the absurdities of the entire escape sequence make sense. Fun, light adventure fare.
December 21, 2012
One of the most intelligent and interesting titles of the year, maybe even the decade. I strongly suggest picking it up, but don't read it all in one sitting... If you do read Think Tank from start to finish, there's a chance your brain will explode and rain down knowledge and brain matter all over the place*. You want to be around for volume 2 don't you? You've been warned!
*DISCLAIMER: This book won't really blow your brain into tiny fragments.
It will make you more awesome after reading it though.
Go be awesome, go get Think Tank.
*DISCLAIMER: This book won't really blow your brain into tiny fragments.
It will make you more awesome after reading it though.
Go be awesome, go get Think Tank.
November 12, 2015
I read one issue of this and noticed the info at the end detailing the authors research and the tech (and other things). That blew me away with some of the things that I read were actually real.
July 14, 2016
Great art but not really my cup of tea.
July 27, 2020
4
The main reason I found this series was when I was looking to purchase all the Postal series and discovered there was a crossover with Think Tank, Postal and Thithe. Think Tank immediately stood out as I enjoy these military thrillers. I must admit I haven't read a lot of Matt Hawkins but my local comic store has mentioned him with high praise.
Why the 4?
The volume is fun without being too graphic. I was expecting something violent and out there but what we have is a comedic and chase style storyline. The lead character is interesting but this uneventful volume 1 should've been better. I liked it enough to stay engaged for the next volumes and there's a twist that will keep us readers on our toes until volume 2. Hawkins is clearly having fun and there's some harmless storytelling to keep you invested. I honestly did enjoy the book and will start on volume 2 soon enough.
The main reason I found this series was when I was looking to purchase all the Postal series and discovered there was a crossover with Think Tank, Postal and Thithe. Think Tank immediately stood out as I enjoy these military thrillers. I must admit I haven't read a lot of Matt Hawkins but my local comic store has mentioned him with high praise.
Why the 4?
The volume is fun without being too graphic. I was expecting something violent and out there but what we have is a comedic and chase style storyline. The lead character is interesting but this uneventful volume 1 should've been better. I liked it enough to stay engaged for the next volumes and there's a twist that will keep us readers on our toes until volume 2. Hawkins is clearly having fun and there's some harmless storytelling to keep you invested. I honestly did enjoy the book and will start on volume 2 soon enough.
September 9, 2023
Think Tank Vol 1 is a well-crafted comic that is sure to appeal to fans of science fiction and thrillers. It is a thought-provoking story about the dangers of technology and the power of conscience.
Here are some of the things that I liked about the comic:
The plot is suspenseful and well-paced.
The characters are well-developed and relatable.
The art is stylish and dynamic.
The story raises thought-provoking questions about the dangers of technology and the power of conscience.
Overall, I thought Think Tank Vol 1 was a great comic book. It is a must-read for fans of science fiction and thrillers.
Here are some of the things that I liked about the comic:
The plot is suspenseful and well-paced.
The characters are well-developed and relatable.
The art is stylish and dynamic.
The story raises thought-provoking questions about the dangers of technology and the power of conscience.
Overall, I thought Think Tank Vol 1 was a great comic book. It is a must-read for fans of science fiction and thrillers.
August 22, 2020
Dr. David Loren, a genius working for the military, decides to quit making things that kill people.
David is a massively annoying character - smug, lazy, mentally looking down on everyone he doesn't see as equal to him (so pretty much everyone), and sure that he can solve any problem he sets his mind to. Watching him break out of the secured area he lives in/works in was fun, but I don't feel the need to continue in the series, because I don't want to read more about David.
David is a massively annoying character - smug, lazy, mentally looking down on everyone he doesn't see as equal to him (so pretty much everyone), and sure that he can solve any problem he sets his mind to. Watching him break out of the secured area he lives in/works in was fun, but I don't feel the need to continue in the series, because I don't want to read more about David.
October 18, 2017
Hated the main character, loved the twists and turns. A man is selected as a child genius to become a military weapons developer. Isolated from the world, he makes killing machines, although he doesn't want to. My question - how does an isolated geek, kept in a lab and fed junk food become a suave, handsome, worldly man with a 6-pack. Answer - only in a comic and I didn't buy it.
August 28, 2018
I’m coming to this series a little late thanks to POSTAL and the TITHE. Going all-in on the Edenverse universe means I needed to go back and read these. I like the story line fine, though it feels a little dated now, but the black and white art doesn’t quite land with me. Sticking with them but glad I can get the series as part of my Comixology unlimited plan.
July 7, 2017
Imaginative. Great storytelling and use of science, and a character who draws inspiration from movies. It has you wondering where is the story going to next? I can't wait for the next installment. It is entertaining, you'll get your monies worth. There's nothing else I can say.
December 21, 2020
I hate the protagonist but I think that's the point? I can't tell if the general air of douchiness is ironic or just upsetting, but I'm interested enough to read the next volume, so I guess that's something.
November 15, 2017
A fun start to a tale. The military science is fun, and the main character's stuggle is real. Excited to see where the twist ending takes this tale in volume 2.
December 9, 2018
70% Iron Man and 30% Bourne Identity. It was a fun ride and I’m looking forward to reading the other volumes.
August 27, 2022
Super cool artwork and story elements. Good pacing and well written overall. Did not expect the twist at the end - and it makes me want to read on!
January 1, 2025
2.5. A fine read, nothing showstoppikg or extremely memorable.
November 14, 2025
Interesting.
Informative.
The next few numbers are much better
Informative.
The next few numbers are much better
September 19, 2021
Someone compared this to Transmetropolitan and I think they're correct. The main guy here is a genius asshole just like Spider. It's just that this guy is also working for the government so when he has a genius moment, he's helping the government and when Spider has a genius moment it's usually in helping to bring down the establishment. Which is why he's more tolerable to read about.
Maybe I'm just too early in this guys story as he does stage a grand escape in this but apparently he just gets bored and goes back in the next one? So I'm not really that interested in reading more about him.
Maybe I'm just too early in this guys story as he does stage a grand escape in this but apparently he just gets bored and goes back in the next one? So I'm not really that interested in reading more about him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews