Writing: A collection of some of the issues we've already reviewed and one we didn't with the addition to some bonus stories about middlemen throughout history. As usual with this title it was a good read with some really good subtle humor. The characters have some real heft to them as well. On the whole a very good enjoyable read. 

Artwork: (B/W) Very distinct art graces this Trade Paperback. Nice lines a definition work well with the stories in this issue.

Overall:  4 stars. A great read. If you like martial arts, Mexican wrestlers and good humor pick this one up.

Stefan Haas

Writing:  I have to salute any comic that manages to throw so many odd references into one storyline.  I'd say the combination of Mexican Wrestlers and a one-page Johnny Cash reference alone make my point for me.

Artwork:  Real straight forward black and white artwork throughout.  It's really sharp and a really nice mix of the more anime-styled manga comic art and the classic superhero art.  It's matched superbly to an action-driven storyline.

Overall: 4 stars.  Really well pulled off, very eccentric, and a lot of fun.  They aren't likely to be voted off my island...

Alex Haas

Writing: Previously, we had reviewed issues 2-4 of this story arc.  It was nice getting to read issue #1 and see how things were set up.  I really enjoyed the three bonus stories of the Middleman throughout history.  I thought they did a good job adapting the modern characters to the different time periods and stereotypes.

Artwork: I liked the stylistic variations for the bonus stories.

Overall: 4 stars. This title is always good for a thoughtful laugh.

Robert Weiman

Writing: Like the others, I enjoyed issues 2-4 when we reviewed them earlier.  This gave us a chance to read the first issue, which I enjoyed. I think I might have liked it even more had I not read the other issues first since I sort of knew what was going to happen, but as a true testamate to the quality of the books, it still held a good entertainment value to me.

Artwork: Good like the other issues.

Overall: 4 stars. Four for issue one, and four for the trade paperback.

Ron Miller