Comics Down Under for 12/10/2014

Itty bitty bunnies In Rainbow Pixie Candy Land: Cock Fight

Published by Action Lab: Danger Zone.

Written by Dean Rankine

Art by Dean Rankine

I could make this review all about a reflection of society and how the media, celebrity idolism and lower moral standards are tearing it down but I think Dean would rather keep it light and remind us all, its comics and therefore FUN!

The third in the Itty Bitty Bunnies series, Dean has perfected the formula for his books and characters. Put them in a completely out of this world situation (A cock fight), fill in the back story with some even more out of this world notions (Freeing smurf slaves) and pepper the rest of the story with crazy pop culture references and jokes. The similarities between other notable characters, Ren & Stimpy, Bevis & Butthead, will always be mentioned but its so much more than that. The Bunnies have developed their own style of friendship and humor which when combined with some gross out moments makes it a must read book. Sadly, I’m guessing there are some people out there who don’t appreciate this type of humor. That’s fine, that’s what Archie books are for. For the rest of us, Itty Bitty Bunnies stands proud.

Dean has a background in Simpsons and Mad Magazine comics so his style is an over exaggeration of those but with many naughty bits thrown in. It’s weird to say this but it’s the attention to detail that adds levels to the art and story. The pieces of poop coming out when being injected in the butt, and even the sound effect fonts bring more humor to the story.  I particularly loved the page of the stuntman’s family. If I were to own a piece of original art from a modern book, this would be high on must list of must haves.

Although it’s a very loose plot, it’s the humor and pop culture references that make this book so adorable. Yes some bits are gross but as long as you can handle that, you will love this book. Don’t expect cute and fuzzy and it is most definitely not for kids but buy it, read, it, enjoy it, laugh at it than join the rest of us who wait for each new book to come out.

Itty bitty bunnies In Rainbow Pixie Candy Land: Cock Fight gets 4.5 Rabbit proof fences out of 5

Secret Six #1

Published by DC Comics.

Written by Gail Simone

Art by Ken Lashley

So the much hyped debut of Gail Simone’s Secret Six is here. I was as keen as everyone else I imagine to read this. After her public dumping from Batgirl, the public immediately came to her aid demanding she be put back on a book. DC’s answer was to put her back on the Secret Six which she had so much success with prior to the New 52.

I personally didn’t read much of Batgirl. I did however read the first issue after Simone was dumped. It was terrible. Really terrible. So I thought, well DC have obviously made a mistake here. Secret Six has to be good with her writing. It wasn’t until after I read this issue did I realize something about Simone’s Batgirl run, it wasn’t that good either. Not terrible like it is now, but just underwhelming. Same goes for this debut issue. It could be one of the most unoriginal ideas I’ve read in a while. Bunch of people locked in a room and being drip fed information with no way out and then they have to complete a task set to them or punishment occurs. Yep, so the movie Saw pretty much. Except being the Secret Six, its villains and not regular people.  It looks to be definitely heading in a different direction to previous incarnations of the book with the villain’s, so far, not having to work for a government agency. So that part is treading new ground but the setup for the next issue and the bonding of this team is wholly uninspiring. I’m sue the book will get critical acclaim from the public and other reviewers because of Gail Simone, but don’t let her fool you. Nothing new here so far.

The art is also off putting. DC has finally decided to not make all their books the same, but here they seem to be punishing Gail by pairing her with a slightly less talented artist than she is used too. The first half of the book seems scratchy and less polished than it changes to being really polished but inconsistent.

Being a team book, the Characters can sometimes overcome a bad story. Sadly not the case here. Consisting of Catman who I have no empathy for, Black Alice who I know little about and other miscellaneous characters, I can’t get a feel for any of them or the team as a whole. Whether any of them survive their current predicament, I don’t really care. I’m sure if you are a Gail Simone tragic, you will buy this book and sing its praises. I on the other hand, am out.

Secret Six #1 from DC Comics gets 2 sleeping cats out of 5