Issue: The Incredibles #9
Release Date: May 19, 2010
Writer: Landry Walker
Artist: Marcio Takara
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
Letterer: Troy Peteri
Covers A & B: Marcio Takara (Colors: Andrew Dalhouse)
Publisher: Boom! Kids
Chronicling the continuing adventures of the Incredibles, writer Landry Walker and artist Marcio Takara (with colorist Andrew Dalhouse) have constructed a pretty solid story. The artwork was quite attractive, although it leaned towards Kim Possible a bit in a few places. The writing was pretty good as well.
There’s plenty of action (there’s a whole page which is nothing but “Look out!” “SKOOM!” “KA-POW!” “KA-POW!” “KA-POW!” “KA-POW!”), and loads of unanswered questions (Where is Xerek? Why are Ms. Incredible and Mirage working together? How does Bomb Voyage fit into all of this? What’s up with Violet’s boyfriend Xander? Who’s the mysterious villian that continues to avoid Mr. Incredible?).
Robot Domo, Attack!
I can’t speak for the previous eight issues (I haven’t read them yet), but this is a girl-driven title. Ms. Incredible and Mirage’s adventure really drives the story. And Violet’s teenaged angst is just enough to get the point across without turning into a “very special episode of Blossom.” When we peek in on the male superheroes, they aren’t really doing anything. Mr. Incredible postures and boldly announces that he’ll stop evil-doers, Frozone has three word balloons the whole issue, and Dash is your stereotypical boy who loves to be a superhero. Fortunately, the boys haven’t yet been reduced to pure comic relief. But honestly, there’re not enough comics aimed at young girls.
Ah, silly boys...
For a kid’s title, this is great stuff. All the main characters from the movie get an appearance and the pacing of the story is quite impressive. If you liked the movie (and, let’s face it, we all did), you’ll probably enjoy the fifteen-minute diversion to read this issue.
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
About the Author
Harley Jones first discovered geekdom by dismantling portable TVs and wiring them into his GI Joe base. He began programming at age 10 (on a C-64) and was an assistant computer teacher at the local university while still in middle school. When most kids were guffawing at Saturday Night Live, Harley was hi-jacking the family TV for Doctor Who on public television. He's a huge Tolkien-ite and classic cartoon fan. He earned an English Lit degree (Studio Art minor) and used it (successfully) to break into the exciting world of IT consulting.He leans towards authors with middle initials (Robert E Howard, Phillip K Dick, J R R Tolkien, George R R Martin, Stephen E King, etc). He reads comics and plays role-playing games. He dreams of talking apes who ride the sand-worms of a magical kingdom which resides in his bottom dresser drawer and is ruled by fluffy little clouds.
Like most people of quality, Harley is a geek. He's married to a closet-geek (she won't admit it, but she can quote every word of Buffy), and is raising two mini-geeks (fun-sized!) Perhaps his proudest geek moment was when his son crawled into bed and asked to watch TV. Harley asked, "Sponge-Bob?" and his son (who could barely talk at the time) squeaked, "Doctor Who, please."