What do you think?
Rate this book
MIND MGMT #3
MIND MGMT Volume 3: The Home Maker
With Meru and Lyme’s partnership destroyed, the players go their separate ways in a series of interconnected one-shots revealing each character’s hidden past! As the former team continue their investigations separately, the Eraser sets her sights on a valuable new recruit—Meru! Collects The Home Maker from MIND MGMT #13–#17 and The Zoo Keeper from #18.
* New York Times best-selling series!
* Foreword by Brian Michael Bendis (All-New X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy)!
* Includes special gatefold image.
* Optioned for the big screen by Ridley Scott!
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2014
15 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 8, 2019
I didn't enjoy this volume as much as the previous two. The storytelling is somewhat scattered and hard to follow as a gazillion new agents are introduced and given their own backstories. I had a hard time following the stories over the first 3 or 4 issues as they began, dropped for a couple of issues and then picked back up. I did really enjoy the last story about the girl who could communicate with animals greatly, but the storytelling was straight forward there. The advertisements in the back of each issue were interesting. It was a combination of subversive ads and ads for real comic book stores including one a few miles from me, 4th World Comics.
August 29, 2017
This started off slow and a bit disappointing but after a while like the rest of the story, the bigger picture is revealed and the realisation is that this whole Volume is about recruitment. I loved the girl that could speak to animals.
Another great addition and spin to the MIND MGMT mythos.
Another great addition and spin to the MIND MGMT mythos.
September 19, 2016
The whole series I like very much. This one is a collection of back stories that I assume come together in Volume 4.
July 22, 2017
I could not help myself. I read this from cover to cover in one sitting. I went to bed late sorry.
January 28, 2017
Still the best comic involving people with psychic powers ever. Meru and her team keep gathering recruits, and, while we may think we've got a handle on where this is all going, I wouldn't put it past Kindt to throw a reversal or three at us. This is only about the halfway point after all, or at least the halfway point in terms of the number of volumes currently available (six.) As always, there are a ridiculous number of layers to each page that will have the reader peering intently at every square inch of each page to make sure they're catching all the nuances.
August 3, 2018
I didn't like this volume as much as the first two. The story kind of lost me here — there are new agents being introduced, but they are not that interesting, and the storytelling got somewhat less refined, more sporadic and impatient, as if Kindt wanted to dump a whole bunch of new information as quickly as possible before going into the next arc. I still like the series, but this volume was definitely not my favourite.
September 15, 2016
It's like Matt Kindt took all of his best ideas he'd be holding onto for decades and threw them all into one series. Can't wait to see what else he's got in store.
April 21, 2016
Alright, Matt Kindt. You better not be pulling a LOST on me here. I'm trusting you, man.
July 15, 2014
'Mind MGMT, Vol. 3: The Home Maker' feels a little uneven compared to previous volumes, but it's still manages to mess with your mind. If you're not familiar with Mind MGMT, you can't start with this one. It closely follows events in the last volume and even that is a bit hard to grab onto at first.
The book starts with a series of clever recipe cards for explosives and ricin laced sweet tea, then zooms in on what seems like domestic bliss. Sort of bliss. There are some missing valuables and a kleptomaniacal housewife is accused. She has her own way of silencing her accusers.
We then move back to Henry Lyme and Meru. We learn that Meru and the Eraser both grew up loving books. We see Lyme's regret at his attempts to woo and recruit Meru. The Eraser eventually falls in love and marries an author whose name seems familiarly to be Philip K. Dick, an author that would seem to be an inspiration for this mindbending series. Teams are recruited but it seems like it's all building up to something later. Not much happened here, but it happens in typical Kindt Mind MGMT style.
I loved the suburban magazine parodies as well as the recipe cards. The tips and tricks embedded on the edges of the page are always a welcome sight in this series. There is what your eye first sees, then what it further sees, seeming to illustrate the plot line further to the reader. My favorite is still the first volume, but I look forward to future volumes of this series. The characters are complex and the story line is complex and trippy.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The book starts with a series of clever recipe cards for explosives and ricin laced sweet tea, then zooms in on what seems like domestic bliss. Sort of bliss. There are some missing valuables and a kleptomaniacal housewife is accused. She has her own way of silencing her accusers.
We then move back to Henry Lyme and Meru. We learn that Meru and the Eraser both grew up loving books. We see Lyme's regret at his attempts to woo and recruit Meru. The Eraser eventually falls in love and marries an author whose name seems familiarly to be Philip K. Dick, an author that would seem to be an inspiration for this mindbending series. Teams are recruited but it seems like it's all building up to something later. Not much happened here, but it happens in typical Kindt Mind MGMT style.
I loved the suburban magazine parodies as well as the recipe cards. The tips and tricks embedded on the edges of the page are always a welcome sight in this series. There is what your eye first sees, then what it further sees, seeming to illustrate the plot line further to the reader. My favorite is still the first volume, but I look forward to future volumes of this series. The characters are complex and the story line is complex and trippy.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
January 8, 2015
This volume takes a step back from the more story-focused second volume, going off in any number of directions. There's another agency like Mind MGMT, the Matryushka, that comes into play, and plots orbit that a bit, but it doesn't resonate as powerfully as the through line of Volume 2 did. Especially with digressions like Lyme's version of events hinted at in Volume 1, and an issue-long introduction of a new character who seems like she won't actually be important to the overall story (although to be fair, that was probably my favorite issue in the book). And the climax of the main story just didn't seem to be earned; I wasn't invested enough in the characters to have much reaction to the mayhem. It's still a good series, but I'm not feeling the ringing endorsements the forewords pepper it with. It's got a beautiful unique style, an interesting concept, and a couple of decently developed characters, but it doesn't feel focused...
March 24, 2016
It's losing me. The plot seems to be focused on picking up additional agents, but they aren't very compelling. The main character in this arc didn't interest me at all, and everyone and everything else felt clinical. I like the case files but I don't want the entire volume to read like a case file. It lacks emotion and connection, and there's no over reaching plot progression here either. Hoping for more with the next volume.
April 24, 2014
I love this series, but this volume just didn't work for me. This is the first time a story wasn't wrapped up at the end. In fact, it just suddenly stopped, mid-scene. Hopefully, that wrap-up is coming in Vol. 4, but it leaves this volume ( and this reader) hanging. I was disappointed, the first time this has happened to me with a Matt Kindt project.
November 27, 2014
I found this somewhat hard to follow because of the multithreaded storylines, but it continues to be a very innovative comic book, full of interesting storytelling, beautiful art, fun psychic powers, great backstory, and an intriguing through line. I look forward to seeing where it goes from here.
June 4, 2015
Sleeper agents awaken. This volume was much better than the previous 2. The story seemed more developed at this point. I love how they kind of hide some of the story on the sides of the pages and open to interpretation imagery.
January 5, 2020
This volume is a warm-up book that introduces us to even more agents of MIND MGMT out there and new twists like the Russian counterpart to the MIND MGMT organization with their own group of specialist agents. This is not a bad volume in the series, but in terms of the role it plays in the overall narrative structure, it's not quite as strong as the prior ones.
But you can certainly feel the tension as the factions aligned with Lyme gather strength while the faction aligned with the Eraser do the same. Meru initially has a life of her own but of course, given her unique power set, she can't quite stay out of the brewing conflict.
Beyond the intricate backstories of the individual agents and their fantastic abilities, the book's multi-layered narrative remains gripping and fascinating. There's so much to unpack here and you can feel the tension building as something even bigger than all the craziness we've already seen at this point is coming along further into the series.
But you can certainly feel the tension as the factions aligned with Lyme gather strength while the faction aligned with the Eraser do the same. Meru initially has a life of her own but of course, given her unique power set, she can't quite stay out of the brewing conflict.
Beyond the intricate backstories of the individual agents and their fantastic abilities, the book's multi-layered narrative remains gripping and fascinating. There's so much to unpack here and you can feel the tension building as something even bigger than all the craziness we've already seen at this point is coming along further into the series.
Read
March 16, 2023Hmm. The storytelling is kind of fractured here, and I'm not sure it sticks the landing. There are some interesting developments but this is clearly a step down from volumes one and two. The multi-layered story becomes too jumbled. Hopefully Kindt gets back on track soon.
November 28, 2018
Etwas unübersichtlich, aber in seinen Geschichten und den tollen Zeichnungen auf demselben hohen Niveau wie Bände eins und zwei.
April 21, 2021
Okay here's one thing I can note
Minor spoilers
Minor spoilers
September 30, 2020
Kindt masterfully ramps up the energy and tension in a way that few comics creators are capable of.
September 8, 2014
I will be honest here, ... this feels like Mr. Kindt ran out of story and felt he needed to keep this whole MIND MGMT thing going, that, or I just cannot see the big picture and this is a transitional piece that is going to lead to some real fireworks down the road.
But I have been enjoying the overall premise here so I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt.
I DO find his margin writing to be an interesting added dimension, but I also find it annoying to keep turning the book sideways to read some hard-to-see fine print that disrupts the over-all flow.
But on-the-whole, I am digging this.
But I have been enjoying the overall premise here so I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt.
I DO find his margin writing to be an interesting added dimension, but I also find it annoying to keep turning the book sideways to read some hard-to-see fine print that disrupts the over-all flow.
But on-the-whole, I am digging this.
October 17, 2016
one of the most consistently innovative comics I've read. kindt has a gift for making really engaging characters enter out of nowhere but fit perfectly within the world of mind mgmt. especially liked the last two issues of this volume as Meru steps up and we meet the only happy former mind mgmt agent.
July 16, 2014
I'm not sure why I keep reading these. I don't love them. I really dislike the artwork and the story is hard to follow. I do have to say that the covers in this book I liked much more than usual and the story is getting a twee bit more comprehensible so I might read book 4.
April 8, 2016
I love the introduction the Housewife Five - agents planted as moles in suburbia. Such a fun concept!
March 3, 2019
Comics need Matt Kindt. MIND MGMT Volume Three is a perfect example for any nay sayer of comics who believe comics are nothing more than basic story arcs played out by people in tights . . . which isn't to say I don't appreciate that too. A perfect example of WHY comics are truly a double art form and compelling proof that comics should hold the same level of prominence as the written novel while still distinguished for it's unique art form.
Sleeper agents, double agents and lost agents are being woken up and approached from both sides and Meru's newly discovered skill of negating abilities makes her the candidate both sides want.
Volume three propels the story into a relatively face pace thriller and successfully thrusts its main protagonist from a meek character trying to understand her role, to a confident woman taking charge without choosing sides; Lyme may not be a saint, but the Eraser wants to reestablish the bureau, and it's shutdown must have been for the best.
Kindt's creativity as an artist, coupled with his imaginative writing, continuously expands his world in Mind MGMT and proves to the reader that not only should they keep delving further, but that when they're done, they should pass the book to the closest person.
Of Note:
The book does a great one page recap in the beginning, using story cells of one agent briefing another.
Chapter 15 comprises of great story telling from Kindt. The reader can understand the struggle Lyme has with his past decisions and the continuing failures he experiences from trying to correct his mistakes.
Chapter 17 contains a beautiful fold out spread, truly encasing Kindt's ability as a not just a writer, but an artist as well.
Sleeper agents, double agents and lost agents are being woken up and approached from both sides and Meru's newly discovered skill of negating abilities makes her the candidate both sides want.
Volume three propels the story into a relatively face pace thriller and successfully thrusts its main protagonist from a meek character trying to understand her role, to a confident woman taking charge without choosing sides; Lyme may not be a saint, but the Eraser wants to reestablish the bureau, and it's shutdown must have been for the best.
Kindt's creativity as an artist, coupled with his imaginative writing, continuously expands his world in Mind MGMT and proves to the reader that not only should they keep delving further, but that when they're done, they should pass the book to the closest person.
Of Note:
The book does a great one page recap in the beginning, using story cells of one agent briefing another.
Chapter 15 comprises of great story telling from Kindt. The reader can understand the struggle Lyme has with his past decisions and the continuing failures he experiences from trying to correct his mistakes.
Chapter 17 contains a beautiful fold out spread, truly encasing Kindt's ability as a not just a writer, but an artist as well.
May 15, 2022
(Zero spoiler review for the omnibus collecting this volume) 2.75
I found myself mostly frustrated with this one. There were times when I was sucked in to the (fairly simplistic) storytelling, although for the most part, it was rather vague and uninteresting. You could tell that Kindt was really stretching the legs on this series, trying to get as much mileage out of it as he could, and it shows her rather frequently. I believe I complained during the review of book one, that Kindt's simplistic (there's that word again) art style really detracts from the storytelling, and that is certainly true here, too. Though I did find myself slightly more drawn in to his unique, yet basic style, though its still the watercolours that give it whatever lustre it manages to attain. Small praise aside, I find the characters mostly bland, and difficult to follow. Kindt's dialogue and narrative flow don't make for the most connective or discernible of reads. Half the time I had little to no idea what was going on, and not in a good way, either. As I stated at the start of this review, there is frustration and appeal throughout this story, although frustration usually wins the day, which sadly keeps this from being anything more than average. If I knew what I knew now, I doubt I would read it, and I certainly wouldn't pay for it. Here's hoping the best book is the last one, at least. 2.75/5
OmniBen.
I found myself mostly frustrated with this one. There were times when I was sucked in to the (fairly simplistic) storytelling, although for the most part, it was rather vague and uninteresting. You could tell that Kindt was really stretching the legs on this series, trying to get as much mileage out of it as he could, and it shows her rather frequently. I believe I complained during the review of book one, that Kindt's simplistic (there's that word again) art style really detracts from the storytelling, and that is certainly true here, too. Though I did find myself slightly more drawn in to his unique, yet basic style, though its still the watercolours that give it whatever lustre it manages to attain. Small praise aside, I find the characters mostly bland, and difficult to follow. Kindt's dialogue and narrative flow don't make for the most connective or discernible of reads. Half the time I had little to no idea what was going on, and not in a good way, either. As I stated at the start of this review, there is frustration and appeal throughout this story, although frustration usually wins the day, which sadly keeps this from being anything more than average. If I knew what I knew now, I doubt I would read it, and I certainly wouldn't pay for it. Here's hoping the best book is the last one, at least. 2.75/5
OmniBen.
October 28, 2017
Okay, I had read a bunch of reviews on this series and it seems to polarize the critics. The watercolour style can seem lazy in some ways to the traditional way of comic book illustration. There are a lot of narrative innovations or tricks depending on your view. This volume definitely shows how those bits can be welcomed or disregarded.
The story rolls along as the two major sides continue to work towards different goals with the main character riding down the middle. Is this a classic third way novel? Not sure yet.
For my part, I like the watercolours in general. Sometimes I feel that the pictures lack detail and focus but maybe that mirrors the pseudo reality that seems to be at the center of the story. The narrative innovations sometimes irritate me but they are always used to echo the main story. If there is some possible obfuscation and subtext, that appears in bits and pieces along the edge of the pictures. Sometimes a massive gatefold shows individual and complete scenes per page but fold out into a more comprehensive and complete story. It highlight some conflicts between panels and the whole.
I would recommend this to conspiracy theorists, Dan Brown fans and people who like art but not necessarily comics.
The story rolls along as the two major sides continue to work towards different goals with the main character riding down the middle. Is this a classic third way novel? Not sure yet.
For my part, I like the watercolours in general. Sometimes I feel that the pictures lack detail and focus but maybe that mirrors the pseudo reality that seems to be at the center of the story. The narrative innovations sometimes irritate me but they are always used to echo the main story. If there is some possible obfuscation and subtext, that appears in bits and pieces along the edge of the pictures. Sometimes a massive gatefold shows individual and complete scenes per page but fold out into a more comprehensive and complete story. It highlight some conflicts between panels and the whole.
I would recommend this to conspiracy theorists, Dan Brown fans and people who like art but not necessarily comics.
October 25, 2017
I tried so hard to like this series! I had been impatiently waiting to get copies from the library, and it was a huge let down. I thought by the third volume there would finally be more substance to the story, but overall it is sporadic story-telling with so many different things happening all over the pages (I really disliked the vertical small print in the margins). Again, by the third volume I thought I would feel more connected to the characters, but Kindt just keeps introducing more and more agents without giving me any reason to feel connected to any of the characters that I've been following since volume one.
I just don't care about anything that happens to any of the characters, which makes me SAD. Either make me like or despise them so much I want to know what happens to them. I hate to say it, but I won't be picking up volume four.
I just don't care about anything that happens to any of the characters, which makes me SAD. Either make me like or despise them so much I want to know what happens to them. I hate to say it, but I won't be picking up volume four.
August 15, 2019
I continue to adore the art style in this series. It really is the main selling point for me. Saying that, I found the margin writing a lot more annoying this time around. Probably because it wasn’t really very interesting.
As for the story… eh. It mostly focused on the continued recruitment of former agents. Or rather the failure to recruit former agents. Kindt seems to have wanted to focus more on character and world building in this addition. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it seems like he’s going backwards with main character Meru. She seems to be losing what personality she had in the name of “mystery”.
Anyway, it was still an enjoyable read and I’m moving straight on to the next volume.
As for the story… eh. It mostly focused on the continued recruitment of former agents. Or rather the failure to recruit former agents. Kindt seems to have wanted to focus more on character and world building in this addition. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it seems like he’s going backwards with main character Meru. She seems to be losing what personality she had in the name of “mystery”.
Anyway, it was still an enjoyable read and I’m moving straight on to the next volume.
September 29, 2018
There was a bit too much violence in this volume of Kindt's "Mind Management" but in general it was fun to read, to follow each character's maze-like path through the puzzle-like work. The drawing was consistently excellent and the concept - as in the other volumes of "Mind Management" continues to draw the reader into the world of spies/counter-spies/shadowy intelligence organizations/programs.
I thought one quote was interesting - of Lyme musing as he wandered aimlessly in Zanzibar after finding Meru, and seeing that she got adopted: "...I just wanted to stop. I couldn't get rid of the memories. Of Zanzibar. And who could I turn to? Who could possibly understand?"
I thought one quote was interesting - of Lyme musing as he wandered aimlessly in Zanzibar after finding Meru, and seeing that she got adopted: "...I just wanted to stop. I couldn't get rid of the memories. Of Zanzibar. And who could I turn to? Who could possibly understand?"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews