Malcolm Magic #8

I’ve already used the word "madcap" to describe Malcolm Magic. It’s still the best word to use when trying to explain this title to new readers. Malcolm is absurd, funny, fast paced, and silly. It’s also sometimes a little forced, but I doubt the Etherington brothers are about to back off. Odd accents, anthropomorphic characters, alcohol-fuelled punch lines and one-liners are the heart and soul of this book. The offbeat cast of characters and quickly shifting settings require the reader to hold on tight.

Robin and Lawrence have a solid group of characters; including long-eared rabbit Malcolm and grumpy Russian bear Fikov. The brothers are adept at world building. This issue zips back and forth between two worlds – the Kanga Courthouse on Wally Square and Triffic City, Nodsuf. A couple of the boys are on trial at the courthouse and Malcolm is in very deep sh*t in Triffic City.

The action in Triffic City is in full colour and the art is much less detailed. Sometimes the black and white panels can seem crowded with action and detail. The art in the Triffic City panels is less dense, allowing the reader’s eyes to focus on Malcolm and the enormous beasts that he faces off against in the medieval style arena. This section of the book feels different than the black and white art, and if they can afford to go colour, I think it would help the book. It’s weird, because I almost prefer black and white art as a rule, but colour kicks Malcolm up a notch.

Readers new to Malcolm’s world will appreciate the two-page “Story so Far” introduction, but be warned it’s a dizzying summary that shows just how much has happened in 7 issues of this comic.

- Shawn Hoke