Boom! Wham! Pow! The ComiQuad is a column dedicated to the spandex-laden world of comics and superheroes. It goes up each Wednesday (mostly) and will alternate between comic book reviews and other comic book news. Reviews shall try to be spoiler-free. Zam!
This week’s ComiQuad is accidentally cartoon-nostalgia themed. Sue me, I’m a college senior.
Powerpuff Girls #1
In the eight years since their show was cancelled, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, collectively known as the Powerpuff Girls, have not aged one bit. Yeah, it’s been that long.
For those unfamiliar with the television show, the Powerpuff Girls are three kindergarten-aged sisters created in a freak chemical accident by their single father Professor Utonium, and who act as the pint-sized guardians to the city of Townsville. Red-head Blossom is the level-headed and intelligent leader, brunette Buttercup is the brash and obnoxious tomboy, and blonde Bubbles is the light-hearted optimist with the ability to commune with the local fauna.
The show, which debuted as a series in 1998, was fueled by unbridled shenanigans, no-holds-barred action sequences, and, occasionally, a side of social commentary. The girls’ new comic, by writer and artist Troy Little, is no different.
The franchise’s trademark humor continues to be evident in the goofy situations, great throwaway lines (there’s one that’ll ring true to anyone who has worked in retail), and in the fun, yet odd, characters. The Mayor’s endearing incompetence returns to the series in full force.
The artwork is also a dead ringer for that of the original series. For all this reviewer’s eyes can see, the style is identical. Which is definitely a good thing, since the expressive and goofy style fits the series’ tone to a tee.
Overall, Powerpuff Girls #1 doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to because the wheel is fine as is. Fans who have seen the show will no doubt transition seamlessly into the comic (and take much joy in reading the characters’ voices). For those who haven’t seen the show? The issue definitely benefits from wafts of nostalgia, but it’s definitely still an enjoyable, fun ride. Whether it captures crowds who are accustomed to the scatterbrained creativity of Adventure Time, however, remains to be seen.
Review 8/10
Peanuts #12
Unlike the Powerpuff Girls #1, which tells one story in traditional comic book format, Peanuts #12, true to its comic strip origins, is a collection of 5 different stories, each with different lengths and authors. This format makes for a series of charming and disparate bite-sized stories for the reader to munch on.
An integral quality to the Peanuts comic strips and cartoons is the sometimes subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle elements of human philosophy in any given story. This is most evident in the two oldest stories in the “From the Drawing Board” and “Classic Peanuts Strips” sections. In these pieces, written and illustrated by creator Charles Schulz, concepts of security and purpose are explored. They’re clever, deeply introspective in nature, and always end with a comedic twist. Here, the Peanuts shine.
That’s not to slander the newer stories by other creators. “When You Wish Upon a Pumpkin” and “Tutor Trouble,” both written by Jeff Dyer and illustrated by Robert Pope and Stephanie Gladden, respectively, capture the Peanuts characters very well. Linus’s tumultuous quest to meet the Great Pumpkin familiarly amuses in the first story, and Peppermint Patty’s well-meaning and robust personality endears in the second. Both stories are less philosophical in style than the others, but capture the trademark Peanuts humor with aplomb.
The fifth story, “Movie Time,” while competent overall, fails to capture either the humorous spirit or underlying older tone of a Peanuts cartoon. This may also be a new trend of the comics, but getting into Snoopy’s head with thought balloons is unfortunately not as entertaining as it is when the reader can’t see into his mind.
Overall, the collection of Peanuts stories delivers a wonderful combination of light-hearted whimsy and deeper commentary on the human experience.
Review: 7/10
