I know, I’m usually only here on Mondays but I thought I’d share a quick review that is dipped in nerd goodness.
A while ago I became aware of a Kickstarter to raise money for a graphic novel based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton. The project got it it’s funding (and then some, they reached into stretch goal territory) and the results is starting to become available to the public with Code Monkey Save World #1 on Comixology.
I’ll just say it right now, if you don’t know Coulton’s songs this comic won’t make much sense. Jokes will fly over your head like no tomorrow.
HOWEVER…
If you are a fan, this has everything and the kitchen sink. Skullcrusher Mountain, Bob from down the hall, Chiron Beta Prime. Writer Greg Pak and artist Takeshi Miyazawa have fit in as many Coulton references and Easter Eggs as you could ever imagine.
And that’s issue one!
Code Monkey Save World shows us a different side to Greg Pak. Pak’s been known for characterization and long term storytelling. While he’s always had a sense of humour in his work, in Code Monkey Pak unleashes his inner Chuck Jones delivering wit and wackiness throughout the first issue. I particularly love the halting English that Charles (that would be the code monkey’s name) uses in the story. It’s funny and completely within the monkey character of the song from where he came.
Takeshi Miyazawa has brought his A game. Characters are distinct and have a great sense of design to them and more importantly, the characters and situations look like they came out of a Jonathan Coulton song. The characters look and feel like they should. Miyazawa also has a great knack for switching modes. From comedy to action with robots, Miyazawa seems to effortlessly switch gears. Along with Jessica Kholinne’s colours, Takeshi Miyazawa brings great life to the page.
Code Monkey Save World #1 isn’t for everyone but if you love the works of Jonathan Coulton and if you’d like to see a different side to Greg Pak, head on over to Comixology and get your download on.
And remember, if you’re gonna geek out, GEEK HARD!