Looney Tunes (1994 Series) #119

October 4, 2004

Quick Rating: Very Good
Title: Bouncing Baby Bunny and other stories

When Bugs Bunny gets lost in yet another directional mishap, he winds up in the clutches of an angry gorilla.

Writers: Bill Matheny, Craig Boldman & Earl Kress
Pencils: David Alvarez & Mike DeCarlo
Inks: Mike DeCarlo
Colors: Dave Tanguay
Letters: Jared K. Fletcher & Nick J. Napolitano
Editor: Joan Hilty
Cover Art: Dave Alvarez & Mike DeCarlo
Publisher: DC Comics/Johnny DC

Historically, one of the big problems with Looney Tunes comics has been that the crazy, madcap style of humor that make the cartoons masterpieces didn’t translate as well to the comic book page. Somehow, DC Comics has finally found the way to overcome that hurdle – this issue seems to bottle the essence of those toons and make them great.

“Bouncing Baby Bunny,” the opening gambit, is classic Bugs Bunny. Bugs, dressed as a baby for a costume contest, gets lost (as usual) and winds up in the arms of a gorilla who wants him for her very own… but her mate isn’t too happy about it. This isn’t that original a concept – almost the same story was done in the cartoons more than once – but it comes across very well.

Another highlight of the issue include “Ragin’ Cage.” Tweety Bird gets himself a high-tech cage to keep off the advances of the ravenous Sylvester. People think Tweety is so innocent, but this cartoon, like the best of his cartoons, shows what a sadistic little monster he can be – not that Sylvester doesn’t deserve it. We also get “The Ugly Duckling,” which isn’t so much an adaptation of that classic fable as it is a story about Daffy Duck’s dismay at being cast in that role. The issue also includes several one or two-page stories that amount to gag strips – set-up and punchline, and the punchlines for the most part are pretty good.

If you love the Looney Tunes, chances are you’ll find this title to your liking. It took over 50 years and many different publishers, but DC has finally figured out how to do these characters right.

Rating: 8/10