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Girl Genius #3
Agatha Heterodyne and the Monster Engine
The collection begins as Agatha finds a new ally in Krosp the Cat (a genetic experiment with a smattering of Napoleon's brain cells) and becomes better acquainted with Gilgamesh, the Baron's son -- who gently breaks the news that Agatha has the spark for Mad Science. Othar Tryggvassen escapes the Baron's lab as the Monster Engine is activated by a revenant, and pandemonium ensues on the city-sized airship as Agatha and Gil battle the awakened behemoth. Adam and Lilith arrive in time to make crucial explanations about Agatha's identity and attempt her rescue, but are devastated by the Baron's forces, and Agatha and Krosp must make their dramatic escape alone.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2004
3 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Phil Foglio
167 books356 followersA popular science fiction fan artist in the 1970s, Phil Foglio began writing and drawing cartoons and comics professionally in the 1980s. His work includes Magic: The Gathering, Buck Godot, and the popular series of comics and novels, Girl Genius, co-written with his wife, Kaja Foglio.
Awards:
Hugo Award for Best Fan Artist (1977 and 1978)
Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story (2009, 2010, 2011)
Awards:
Hugo Award for Best Fan Artist (1977 and 1978)
Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story (2009, 2010, 2011)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 8, 2024
This is about as far as I got the first time I read it, I think. There are some appealing characters, and the romance angle could be okay once these two actually have a chance to talk with each other away from the political situations they're embroiled in (perhaps never).
Where it was losing me was the usual action-story thing that it has in common with superhero movies: too many characters, constant quipping rather than real dialogue, a bunch of backstory I couldn't care less about, and too many fight scenes, which I always find boring and skimmable. Between that and the pinup-girl poses and/or skin-tight clothing on the female characters, this is close to the opposite of the kind of story I enjoy reading, though I do like Agatha and am interested in seeing where she goes next. I don't want to read more of this right now, but will probably have forgotten most of what was going on if I take a break. The usual dilemma with series I'm on the fence about!
Edit: I've decided to drop this for the time being. I was largely indifferent to it, my partner's copies of the books are buried in a closet and I don't want to dig for them, and I want to focus more on my own library.
Where it was losing me was the usual action-story thing that it has in common with superhero movies: too many characters, constant quipping rather than real dialogue, a bunch of backstory I couldn't care less about, and too many fight scenes, which I always find boring and skimmable. Between that and the pinup-girl poses and/or skin-tight clothing on the female characters, this is close to the opposite of the kind of story I enjoy reading, though I do like Agatha and am interested in seeing where she goes next. I don't want to read more of this right now, but will probably have forgotten most of what was going on if I take a break. The usual dilemma with series I'm on the fence about!
Edit: I've decided to drop this for the time being. I was largely indifferent to it, my partner's copies of the books are buried in a closet and I don't want to dig for them, and I want to focus more on my own library.
December 29, 2023
Oh hey, Agatha is not running around in her undergarments the entire volume. Progress! It might have something to do with her Spark no longer being blocked, a sign of growth.
This is the 2nd time I have read this volume. The writing is still sharp and witty. The art is great. It is very overly dramatic as it is steampunk in the classic sense.
You really should give this a read as these stories are good. Don't take that I bought this volume from my local comic shop discount bin. Not my fault people don't know gold when they have it.
This is the 2nd time I have read this volume. The writing is still sharp and witty. The art is great. It is very overly dramatic as it is steampunk in the classic sense.
You really should give this a read as these stories are good. Don't take that I bought this volume from my local comic shop discount bin. Not my fault people don't know gold when they have it.
Read
September 19, 2015In which Agatha learns a heck of a lot about herself, her cat, the problems of a too-fast romance, and the downsides of rescuing a hero.
December 31, 2021
Another fast fun read and things are revealed! Agatha is coming into her own!
January 10, 2018
The romance part of this story comes into play as things spark up between Agatha Clay and Gilgamesh Wulfenbach. Things become more complicated when both Tryggivssen and Agatha’s parents show up to rescue her, revealing their true identies, and more of Agatha’s past. All of these factors compel Agatha to get off the Wulfenback airship as soon as possible.
Amidst this wacky environment, Agatha faced a classical dilemma for strong women in patriarchal settings involving marriage and political alliances. Much as she likes Gil, she’s in the no hurry to be bound by wedding vows and a ring. At the same time, I could understand Gil’s urgency in getting hitched. He’d finally found a girl who’s a spark that he likes. He wants to hurry up and marry her before his father marries him to someone else. In the middle of this romantic conflict, the Baron continues to develop nicely as does everyone on the airship. Readers meet a new character first introduced in the last volume, Krosp, the King of all Cats, whom graciously accepts Agatha as his new minion. We also meet Captain Bangladesh Dupree (seriously?) who can give Von Pinn and the Jagermonsters a run for their money in her zest for violence.
For world building, character development, and overall enjoyment, this gets four stars.
Amidst this wacky environment, Agatha faced a classical dilemma for strong women in patriarchal settings involving marriage and political alliances. Much as she likes Gil, she’s in the no hurry to be bound by wedding vows and a ring. At the same time, I could understand Gil’s urgency in getting hitched. He’d finally found a girl who’s a spark that he likes. He wants to hurry up and marry her before his father marries him to someone else. In the middle of this romantic conflict, the Baron continues to develop nicely as does everyone on the airship. Readers meet a new character first introduced in the last volume, Krosp, the King of all Cats, whom graciously accepts Agatha as his new minion. We also meet Captain Bangladesh Dupree (seriously?) who can give Von Pinn and the Jagermonsters a run for their money in her zest for violence.
For world building, character development, and overall enjoyment, this gets four stars.
February 3, 2016
Finally. In Volume 3, Agatha finally learns that she is a Heterodyne and a Spark. Seriously, girl. This whole time… what did you think? I mean really. Sometimes, her innocence and ignorance really annoys me. And then she does something SUPER AWESOME out of nowhere, and I stop being annoyed for a little bit.
In this volume, we continue to meet new characters, and get to know some old ones better. It's a great place for developing relationships, and I think a few key new characters are introduced. That said, there are definitely some gaps in this story for me. I think since I'm reading this in a very segmented fashion I'm seeing more of the gaps.
All in all, we learn more about The Spark and Agatha's backstory, even though it is barely addressed. It's a pretty fast-paced volume. In retrospect, I was entertained, but frequently frustrated. I find a lot of the characters self-absorbed in a revolting way. I hope that we can expand from that soon.
When do we find the Hugo-winning volumes?
In this volume, we continue to meet new characters, and get to know some old ones better. It's a great place for developing relationships, and I think a few key new characters are introduced. That said, there are definitely some gaps in this story for me. I think since I'm reading this in a very segmented fashion I'm seeing more of the gaps.
All in all, we learn more about The Spark and Agatha's backstory, even though it is barely addressed. It's a pretty fast-paced volume. In retrospect, I was entertained, but frequently frustrated. I find a lot of the characters self-absorbed in a revolting way. I hope that we can expand from that soon.
When do we find the Hugo-winning volumes?
August 31, 2019
Most of the payoffs from the initial book happen in this episode, as Agatha stops doubting herself and agrees that if she is causing trouble just by existing, well then, as she says in the last line of the book, "Let's go make some trouble."
I also loved this explanation for the character Krosp, a genetically engineered cat created to be "the emperor of all cats. Think about it. Cats can go anywhere. They're invisible. Nobody thinks twice. Imagine if you could use them as spies ... saboteurs ... messengers ... and I give the orders. ...but they're cats! Their attention span can be measured in microseconds! If I can get them to understand what I want, they're completely gung-ho until they fall asleep, or see something move. It was a moronic idea!"
I also loved this explanation for the character Krosp, a genetically engineered cat created to be "the emperor of all cats. Think about it. Cats can go anywhere. They're invisible. Nobody thinks twice. Imagine if you could use them as spies ... saboteurs ... messengers ... and I give the orders. ...but they're cats! Their attention span can be measured in microseconds! If I can get them to understand what I want, they're completely gung-ho until they fall asleep, or see something move. It was a moronic idea!"
December 7, 2014
Read at least (2) times
This is volume where sh!t goes down. I mean, really.
This is volume where sh!t goes down. I mean, really.
April 4, 2022
Reread for TFF readathon. Read multiple times already, but first time registering it.
Gil and Agatha start to really get to know each other, and along the way they fight monsters and sometimes also each other.
I do believe this is also the first time we meet Ardsley Wooster, who is probably still my favorite Brit in the series.
It's always fun looking back at the early volumes, because there's no much set up for later on in the story happening, but you don't know until that part of the story gets told and you then reread the older parts and connect the dots.
Gil and Agatha start to really get to know each other, and along the way they fight monsters and sometimes also each other.
I do believe this is also the first time we meet Ardsley Wooster, who is probably still my favorite Brit in the series.
It's always fun looking back at the early volumes, because there's no much set up for later on in the story happening, but you don't know until that part of the story gets told and you then reread the older parts and connect the dots.
August 28, 2017
HUGE improvement over the first two books. Finally Agatha learns what was so painfully obvious from about page 5 of the first issue. Sad that she didn't figure it out, but then, these books don't seem to think that women are capable of complex thinking. And all the arched-back ginormous boob poses are getting a little tiresome (though at least less underwear in this issue). But still, an entertaining book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2018
This is where the series started to lose me. The number of plot twists and random double-motive characters kept increasing beyond the realm of what seemed reasonable or followable, and the constant chaos can be tough to keep up with. But at this point I just wanted to know where it was going as an overarching, full plot.
May 29, 2020
Gil Wulfenbach has very quickly become my favorite character in this comic so an extended storyline where we get to know him better is of course going to earn 5 stars. Overall Girl Genius is super fun so far and it's great there's still a lot to get through.
July 10, 2017
I take it back. This is where the action starts! Adventure Ho!!!
January 4, 2019
Girl Genius #3. A continuation of the first 2.
March 8, 2020
Really like this story. Not crazy about the art, but it works, mostly.
October 14, 2020
The storytelling picks up the pace in this one and there's fewer new characters introduced (the cast is already large.)
October 22, 2020
I prefer the novelised version, but it was great to see the original vision.
September 10, 2021
3.5 stars.
September 16, 2021
In which Agatha Clay defeats a Wasp engine, receives an unusual marriage proposal, rescues an adventurer then throws him overboard, and discovers that she is Agatha Hetrodyne.
November 14, 2022
Finally getting to the good stuff. Intrigue! Mystery! Characters being torn limb from limb! And a talking cat! I'm taking quite a shine to this series.
July 10, 2023
She finally gets told her past. And an adventure awaits.
September 5, 2015
Finally! Volume 3 brings the ongoing story to the meat of the plot, rather than build-up (which is, I realized after reading this volume, why I felt so dissatisfied- I was reading the meta-prologue!)
Random thoughts:
Random thoughts:
December 28, 2011
Volume 3 continues the awesome of Volume 2, and then throws a huge wrench into the plot. I'm actually a little annoyed with that... I would have loved to see more of just everyday life on Castle Wulfenbach (the castle is an airship).
I also empathize with the 'villain' and think in some ways he is in the right. He comes back from a long trip and finds his land in ruins, the world at war, all the good things he and The Heterodyne Boys worked for (as heroes) come to ruin. His solution was to unite the continent through tyranny. Peace through superior firepower, heh heh. And really, in the long run it's a benevolent dictatorship -- excellent compared to what they had before -- as long as you're not causing trouble ;-) That's why when he demands answers from two of his former friends turned rogue -- WHY were they hiding, abandoning him with no explanation -- I'm like YEAH WHY, and am annoyed when they just escape with violence instead of sitting down for a nice chat.
The character Othar is great; he is all the cliches of heroism personified, and everyone but him knows it. I love how nearly everyone is totally used to (and annoyed with) him already.
No bonus story in this one unlike Volumes 1 & 2. Aw.
I also empathize with the 'villain' and think in some ways he is in the right. He comes back from a long trip and finds his land in ruins, the world at war, all the good things he and The Heterodyne Boys worked for (as heroes) come to ruin. His solution was to unite the continent through tyranny. Peace through superior firepower, heh heh. And really, in the long run it's a benevolent dictatorship -- excellent compared to what they had before -- as long as you're not causing trouble ;-) That's why when he demands answers from two of his former friends turned rogue -- WHY were they hiding, abandoning him with no explanation -- I'm like YEAH WHY, and am annoyed when they just escape with violence instead of sitting down for a nice chat.
The character Othar is great; he is all the cliches of heroism personified, and everyone but him knows it. I love how nearly everyone is totally used to (and annoyed with) him already.
No bonus story in this one unlike Volumes 1 & 2. Aw.
February 22, 2015
For many years I have followed Girl Genius Webcomic as one of my daily rituals. I have been following the Foglio's quirky humour and idiosyncratic drawings.
What I really like of the series is the depth of scope and worldbuilding, with many details becoming obvious much later than when they appear. As such the recently appeared novels are the perfect complement, as you can finally be inside the head of Agatha, overcoming one of the limitations of comic: wordcount. So instead of being sparse with words, they can let out freely.
The series takes place in an alternate Europa, one where some kind of magical technology, the Spark, has made it diverge wildly from our own. The series follows the adventures, with some sadness and romance but mostly with good humour, of Agatha, the Girl Genius, and a huge supporting cast. I would call it Steam Fantasy instead of Steampunk, but it is better than most stories with than label.
I supported the kickstarter campaign, so I got the first 12 books. I suspect they are only scratching the surface so far...
I will recycle the review for the others, because they are really part of a continuum, and all are at a high level. If you do not believe me, just try it, it is free: www.girlgeniusonline.com
What I really like of the series is the depth of scope and worldbuilding, with many details becoming obvious much later than when they appear. As such the recently appeared novels are the perfect complement, as you can finally be inside the head of Agatha, overcoming one of the limitations of comic: wordcount. So instead of being sparse with words, they can let out freely.
The series takes place in an alternate Europa, one where some kind of magical technology, the Spark, has made it diverge wildly from our own. The series follows the adventures, with some sadness and romance but mostly with good humour, of Agatha, the Girl Genius, and a huge supporting cast. I would call it Steam Fantasy instead of Steampunk, but it is better than most stories with than label.
I supported the kickstarter campaign, so I got the first 12 books. I suspect they are only scratching the surface so far...
I will recycle the review for the others, because they are really part of a continuum, and all are at a high level. If you do not believe me, just try it, it is free: www.girlgeniusonline.com
February 12, 2019
REREAD 2019
This volume seems to be where things really get into place. I feel like the prologue is finally over and the story can begin at the end of this volume.
Not that the story hasn't been interesting so far, but in this volume we get the back story and plan that will drive the rest of the story for a good while.
It is also a rather action packed and fast-paced album, with a lot of stuff happening both good and bad.
There are some new characters introduced - one I just can't stand! - and some that I like.
It is really fun rereading this series, seeing the many things I have forgotten flow into place again. Not to mention seeing how the art has changed. It wasn't bad to begin with, but compared to the style used in the future/present, the one in the early volumes seem a little unfinished. That said, it is fun seeing how it changes from one volume to the next, and already starting to see hints of how it will grow into the art I'm used to now
This volume seems to be where things really get into place. I feel like the prologue is finally over and the story can begin at the end of this volume.
Not that the story hasn't been interesting so far, but in this volume we get the back story and plan that will drive the rest of the story for a good while.
It is also a rather action packed and fast-paced album, with a lot of stuff happening both good and bad.
There are some new characters introduced - one I just can't stand! - and some that I like.
It is really fun rereading this series, seeing the many things I have forgotten flow into place again. Not to mention seeing how the art has changed. It wasn't bad to begin with, but compared to the style used in the future/present, the one in the early volumes seem a little unfinished. That said, it is fun seeing how it changes from one volume to the next, and already starting to see hints of how it will grow into the art I'm used to now
January 12, 2012
EXCITING ACTIONY ADVENTURES. I totally called it on things getting more interesting when Agatha worked out her powers. Also lololol Gil I don't think I'm going to stop laughing at him any time soon.
Basically this volume has wicked pacing and Agatha getting a power boost. No bonus story this time around but hey, Agatha , I'll take that as an adequate substitute. Only reason it's not getting a higher rating is I am a greedy lass who always wants MORE character interaction. Keep the airship kids Foglios! Agatha/Gil is delightful but I support Agatha/interacting with numerous amounts of people. Also cats. And Jagerkin. I'm no speciesist, I don't discriminate. 3.5 stars
Basically this volume has wicked pacing and Agatha getting a power boost. No bonus story this time around but hey, Agatha , I'll take that as an adequate substitute. Only reason it's not getting a higher rating is I am a greedy lass who always wants MORE character interaction. Keep the airship kids Foglios! Agatha/Gil is delightful but I support Agatha/interacting with numerous amounts of people. Also cats. And Jagerkin. I'm no speciesist, I don't discriminate. 3.5 stars
June 12, 2013
Adventure! Romance! MAD SCIENCE!
I don’t read many graphic novels — though I’ve tried many of them, they’re just not my thing. In fact, I only read one graphic novel and that’s GIRL GENIUS by Phil & Kaja Foglio. I love this comic and I must not be the only one —it’s won the Hugo Award three times (and lots of other awards, too). Therefore, I was thrilled to see that Tor is releasing hardback omnibus versions of GIRL GENIUS because this comic is a work of art that deserves to be beautifully bound and displayed on coffee tables everywhere.
GIRL GENIUS is a “gaslamp fantasy” set in a Victorian-style world which produces “Sparks” — admired, but also somewhat mad, geniuses who are able to create bizarre machines and biological constructs — some which make life easier for... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
I don’t read many graphic novels — though I’ve tried many of them, they’re just not my thing. In fact, I only read one graphic novel and that’s GIRL GENIUS by Phil & Kaja Foglio. I love this comic and I must not be the only one —it’s won the Hugo Award three times (and lots of other awards, too). Therefore, I was thrilled to see that Tor is releasing hardback omnibus versions of GIRL GENIUS because this comic is a work of art that deserves to be beautifully bound and displayed on coffee tables everywhere.
GIRL GENIUS is a “gaslamp fantasy” set in a Victorian-style world which produces “Sparks” — admired, but also somewhat mad, geniuses who are able to create bizarre machines and biological constructs — some which make life easier for... Read More:
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
October 28, 2014
Another chapter in the story (she repeats from her reviews of the first two volumes, like an automated recording), with spoilers for the first two. But this one is a definite end of the beginning. The opening questions are clarified here, to end with a sharp turn.
Gil does, as promised last time, take on Agatha as a lab assistant. His father the Baron goes to perform an experiment on a prisoner, to remove his Spark. And a secretive mole starts trouble.
Action, adventure, explosions! Daring rescues! Bravely fencing the way to the heart of the problem! Bangladesh Dupree, the Baron's psychotic pirate henchwoman! An inept and rather abrupt marriage proposal! And then revelation after revelation!
You know, reading with the benefit of hindsight lets in a lot of details. Like exactly what Agatha was doing when Bang saw her.
Gil does, as promised last time, take on Agatha as a lab assistant. His father the Baron goes to perform an experiment on a prisoner, to remove his Spark. And a secretive mole starts trouble.
Action, adventure, explosions! Daring rescues! Bravely fencing the way to the heart of the problem! Bangladesh Dupree, the Baron's psychotic pirate henchwoman! An inept and rather abrupt marriage proposal! And then revelation after revelation!
You know, reading with the benefit of hindsight lets in a lot of details. Like exactly what Agatha was doing when Bang saw her.
June 8, 2009
The first major story arc in the Girl Genius saga closes with a veritable whirlwind of exposition, thrills and mortal danger. We see considerable development of most of the major players, including the unknown, sinister Other. During a climactic battle, Agatha, learns her parents' and her own true identities, as do Baron Wulfenbach and his son, Gilgamesh.
Both the story and the art are in tip-top form in Book 3. The plot builds and accelerates nicely, culminating in a veritable explosion of crucial events, one after another in quick succession, that staggers the Wulfenbach empire and leaves tattered bits of story arc strewn halfway across Europa, to be picked up in later volumes.
Both the story and the art are in tip-top form in Book 3. The plot builds and accelerates nicely, culminating in a veritable explosion of crucial events, one after another in quick succession, that staggers the Wulfenbach empire and leaves tattered bits of story arc strewn halfway across Europa, to be picked up in later volumes.
March 29, 2012
The adventure continues as the mysteries pile up and the plot thickens, simmers and comes to a nice rolling boil. The reader also gets “lessons” in dealing with recalcitrant employees, meddlesome assistants and so-called heroes. The story gains in subtlety as the reader finds that good guys don’t necessarily have other people’s best interests at heart and bad guys aren’t necessarily insane plotters. But Agatha learns more startling truths, as well as stumbling into the kind of jaw-dropping exploits normally reserved for intrepid boy wonders. The Foglios prove to be masters of their craft, with nary a fumble in sight. No wonder they have gained in popularity and readership. May the Heterodyne flag keep flying as Agatha soars into her destiny.
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