Three is the Magic Number
Writer: Brandon Montclare
Art: Natasha Bustos
Colorist: Tamra Bonvillian
Publisher: Marvel
Reviewer: Andrew McAvoy
I'm sure in all my years reading comic books I have come across a book that delighted me as much as Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, but I'm having trouble remembering one. This arc has been, well, fantastic, and the chemistry between Lunella, Ben and Johnny is really great. Let's see what made this special.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'm going to (yet again) single out the work on colors in this book. Tamra Bonvillian's work makes this book shine off the page. Like I've mentioned before, I read this book in HD on Comixology and if you are wary of the digital format I think the colors in this book really highlight the strengths of the format. It might be worth dipping your toe in the digital water by giving this book a go in that format.
What makes this book stand out is that the visual comedy of the art more generally is so wonderful. it works in harmony with the dialogue to really keep the laughs coming. The panel of Ben walking along in the trademark hat and coat slurping at noodles is just perfect. Another great panel was of the three heroes walking along with the tree on fire behind them, the tree serving as collateral damage in a rather clumsy cat rescue mission they embark on in their debut outing as a trio!
The storyline is really charming too. This is old school "New Yawk", our characters chillin' out on the sidewalk and Lunella just fits in so easily with the patter of Ben and Johnny. The dialogue in relation to HERBIE and the DOOM mask was also really funny at the start. I just think this book works so well.
Bits and Pieces
This issue keeps up the pace on the charm offensive. DC currently struggles to depict Barbara Gordon as both funny, quirky and intelligent - they could do worse than follow the example set by Moon Girl. This is how you do a colorful, funny book that appeals to a younger demographic while charming older readers. In fact its a masterclass in the art of making a fun comic. Plus some cool cut out Valentine Cards at the back of the issue - neat and cost cutting! Me like!
Score 8.5
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