Pixies #1

June 2, 2011

Writer: Sean Patrick O’Reilly, Shawn DePasquale & Robert Olmedo
Pencils: Leisl Adams
Colorist: Chandran
Letterer: Shawn DePasquale
Editor: Mike Kalvoda        
Publisher: Arcana Studios

One surefire way to get me to try a comic book: charge a mere 25 cents for it. And Arcana Studio jas done some really strong kids comics before, with their Clockwork Girl being a particular favorite of mine. So sure, I’ll try this Pixies special.

As it turns out, this book is a preview both of an upcoming graphic novel and an upcoming motion picture. The Pixies in our story are given a thankless task. In retribution for a childhood indiscretion, the Pixies have tormented a young man named Joe for his entire life, slamming him with one misfortune after another, without him ever understanding what’s happening to him. The Pixies in charge of his bad luck are getting tired of their task, though, and the result may be the best day of Joe’s life.

The story is strong. There’s a real simple, funny premise here that will play well with younger readers, but also appeal to any adult who’s ever felt put-upon, like they’ve been saddled with the weight of the world and don’t really understand why. It’s something that happens to everybody, and it makes us feel for poor Joe, connect to him in a way we can’t always do in stories of this sort. The Pixies themselves each have their own clear, distinct personality, making it more fun to read about them. I liked this comic a lot. It’s well worth the 25 cents, and it makes me far more interested in both the graphic novel and the movie.

Rating: 8/10

Agents of Atlas (2006 Series) #5

December 3, 2006

Quick Rating: Very Good
Title: The People’s Leader
Rating: T+

A traitor revealed

Writer: Jeff Parker
Pencils: Leonard Kirk
Inks: Kris Justice
Colors: Michelle Madsen
Letters: Dave Lanphear
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Cover Art: Tomm Coker
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Agent Khanata now believes one of his team to be a double agent. As they find themselves facing off against SHIELD, Namora makes a sudden connection about one of her teammates that reveals a long-hidden, horrible truth. In the end, a traitor stands revealed, and the Agents of Atlas find themselves gripped in a truly horrifying battle.

I haven’t been reading this miniseries up until now, but this issue really makes me wish I had been. This is a wonderful blend of old-fashioned superheroics and modern espionage, with enough of a 1950s flavor to make it true to its roots. The characters all read very true to themselves (at least from the few stories of theirs I’ve read in the past), and Jeff Parker has done a good job of taking obscure, forgotten characters and making them relatable today. He gives us people to root for and people to disdain, and that’s quite a feat with characters like these.

I’ve always been a fan of Leonard Kirk’s artwork, and this issue is certainly no exception. He takes the retro 50s style, but blends it with modern sensibilities to create something of a timeless look. This book would fit in perfectly with comics of any age, and like the writing, that’s no mean feat.

It’s probably too late for me to hunt down the first four issues of this miniseries, but I’m definitely going to seek out the trade paperback. This issue was a lot of fun.

Rating: 8/10

The Muppet Show (2009 Miniseries) #3

June 6, 2009

Quick Rating: Very Good
Title: Gonzo’s Story

Scooter’s newest quest: find out what the heck Gonzo really is!

Writer: Roger Langridge
Art: Roger Langridge
Colors: Digikore Studios
Letters: Deron Bennett
Editor: Paul Morrissey
Cover Art: Roger Langridge
Publisher: Boom! Kids

Although the first two issues of The Muppet Show were a little too similar, this issue takes a nicely different direction and is all the better for it. In “Gonzo’s Story,” the Muppets’ insurance company sends someone over to conduct risk assessment, and part of his job is cataloguing the species of each member of the cast. This leaves Scooter with a problem, though… just what is Gonzo, anyway?

Although this is, technically, the “Gonzo spotlight” issue of this miniseries, Scooter is really the protagonist. The book is mostly about his efforts to determine Gonzo’s heritage, from his interviews with the Great one himself, to the interpretations of the rest of the Muppets in the cast… none of which is particularly helpful to Scooter. It is, fortunately, very funny.

And again, Langridge weaves in the Muppet Show performances in-betwee pages of his plot, converging at the end. The only spots where Gonzo really gets the spotlight are in the fantastic “Gumshoe McGurk, Private Eye” sketch and the final stunt sequence that wraps things together. Rizzo has some excellent moments in here as well, helping Scooter put everything into perspective.

Langridge’s art is wonderful here. It may not be perfectly on-model with the television show, but it has a life and a fluidity that feels incredibly true to the series. He also adjusts his art when necessary – an Alice in Wonderland parody blends his own style with linework that reminds me of the novels and fits very well.

Three issues down, and this miniseries hasn’t disappointed in the slightest. I’m really happy to hear Langridge is already working on his second series of The Muppet Show.

Rating: 8/10