ADVENTURE TIME #13 – Single Issue
Kaboom! Comics
Created by: Pendleton Ward
Writer: Ryan North (Second Story: Josh Lesnick) (Third Story: Chris Schwiezer)
Pencilers: Shelli Paroline & Braden Lamb (Second Story: Josh Lesnick) (Third Story: Chris Schwiezer)
Letterer: Steven Wands
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: As Marceline, Jake and Finn continue tracking down BMO, their handheld Gameboy system friend to rescue him from the clutches from the evil wizard Ewlbo they come across a gigantic machine calling together all sentient electronic devices. It’s the penultimate chapter to this arc as we finally discover what the heck is going on.
Review: Poor BMO and Poor Marceline. Really, the poor guy get stuck with a virus and is whisked away into the unknown to never be sure if he will ever be rescued. And Marceline for having to put up with Jake and Finn, who are indeed not the most competent of rescuers; true to their nature, they do care about their friend and want to rescue him but they still continue to treat the overall mission as a fun adventure. Which in a way you have to admire their innocent outlook, whether it’s hiding some deep understanding of cruelty that this world doesn’t want to touch or not, it’s kind of fun to still treat this as if it were a game instead of something that could actually kill them at any time.
I say it could kill them at any time, as the big master plan is revealed in this issue by Ewlbo and man it’s kind of funny. It also ends up involving the sadness this world is built on that 1000 years later the world has moved on from it and treats everything else in jest mostly, which is a fresh of breath air for most stories set in a base setting like this. Since it really isn’t that much of a spoiler (and I may have mentioned it in a past review), this world is set 1000 years after a nuclear war ravaged the Earth and Ewlbo is a human from that bygone age, born 22 years before the end of the immediate world.
Now, I find this interesting, as Finn is the last human, so I would’ve liked to have seen him get all “kindred spirit” on Ewlbo, and perhaps Marceline ask what it was like to be on the planet before the end, but that probably would’ve went against Finn’s established character and the plot needs to continue moving forward as their currently on a time crunch. The story ends on a less than interesting cliffhanger, but the full meat of the story actually overshadows it so I can gloss over it and still get excited for the next issue.
The extra stories are interesting, but don’t really amount to much. The first features a giant about to attack the Candy Kingdom and Jake and Finn contrive a way to lure the monster away. It’s only a few panels and kind of like something you’d see on deviant art. It’s just there for fun. The second extra story sadly is the least interesting of the three. It’s much longer than the first bonus story and sees Finn becoming a princess by law of the kingdom of rad hats after their current, tyrannical leader is slain by Finn. Sadly the princess crown they give him is anything but rad. He doesn’t want to be a princess and for good reason but is dragged off to an important princess meeting. It may sound more interesting in words, but here I just wasn’t impressed.
Final Score: 3 “Good Dudes” out of 5
Kaboom! Comics
Created by: Pendleton Ward
Writer: Ryan North (Second Story: Josh Lesnick) (Third Story: Chris Schwiezer)
Pencilers: Shelli Paroline & Braden Lamb (Second Story: Josh Lesnick) (Third Story: Chris Schwiezer)
Letterer: Steven Wands
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: As Marceline, Jake and Finn continue tracking down BMO, their handheld Gameboy system friend to rescue him from the clutches from the evil wizard Ewlbo they come across a gigantic machine calling together all sentient electronic devices. It’s the penultimate chapter to this arc as we finally discover what the heck is going on.
Review: Poor BMO and Poor Marceline. Really, the poor guy get stuck with a virus and is whisked away into the unknown to never be sure if he will ever be rescued. And Marceline for having to put up with Jake and Finn, who are indeed not the most competent of rescuers; true to their nature, they do care about their friend and want to rescue him but they still continue to treat the overall mission as a fun adventure. Which in a way you have to admire their innocent outlook, whether it’s hiding some deep understanding of cruelty that this world doesn’t want to touch or not, it’s kind of fun to still treat this as if it were a game instead of something that could actually kill them at any time.
I say it could kill them at any time, as the big master plan is revealed in this issue by Ewlbo and man it’s kind of funny. It also ends up involving the sadness this world is built on that 1000 years later the world has moved on from it and treats everything else in jest mostly, which is a fresh of breath air for most stories set in a base setting like this. Since it really isn’t that much of a spoiler (and I may have mentioned it in a past review), this world is set 1000 years after a nuclear war ravaged the Earth and Ewlbo is a human from that bygone age, born 22 years before the end of the immediate world.
Now, I find this interesting, as Finn is the last human, so I would’ve liked to have seen him get all “kindred spirit” on Ewlbo, and perhaps Marceline ask what it was like to be on the planet before the end, but that probably would’ve went against Finn’s established character and the plot needs to continue moving forward as their currently on a time crunch. The story ends on a less than interesting cliffhanger, but the full meat of the story actually overshadows it so I can gloss over it and still get excited for the next issue.
The extra stories are interesting, but don’t really amount to much. The first features a giant about to attack the Candy Kingdom and Jake and Finn contrive a way to lure the monster away. It’s only a few panels and kind of like something you’d see on deviant art. It’s just there for fun. The second extra story sadly is the least interesting of the three. It’s much longer than the first bonus story and sees Finn becoming a princess by law of the kingdom of rad hats after their current, tyrannical leader is slain by Finn. Sadly the princess crown they give him is anything but rad. He doesn’t want to be a princess and for good reason but is dragged off to an important princess meeting. It may sound more interesting in words, but here I just wasn’t impressed.
Final Score: 3 “Good Dudes” out of 5
Planet Nestor Presents #2, vol. 1 – Single Issue
Planet Nestor Comics
Writer: Nestor Williams
Penciler: Nestor Williams
Colorist: Nestor Williams
Letterer: Nestor Williams
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: As issue #2 hits the ground, it hits the ground hard as Keznar unleashes a weapon of beautiful power, the idea that we are not alone is brought more into the light and political intrigue continues to unbound. Drez & Randy come to a conclusion that sets them down the path that I assume will ultimately tie them into the grander scheme of things and we’re given a teaser into a new, as of yet unknown character that already has me intrigued.
Review: Nestor Williams definitely likes his political intrigue, and I like political intrigue. But there was something about this issue that left me wanting more. Oddly enough not in the political department either, though there is plenty to go around in this one. It was actually more in the action department, as Keznar’s ship descends onto the Advisor’s base to save him; we’re greeted with beautiful illustrations featuring the ship and its green power and the Keznar’s fluid motion when free.
But it’s with this sudden escape that certain things start to become confusing. Last issue Keznar explained that he was sent to save Tyranny, but here when she confronts him under the influence of mind control he acts as if he doesn’t want anything to do with her. Has it been that long since I read issue #1 that I do not fully understand this? Why does he experience this sudden 180 turn unless there’s some overall scheme that I am missing? Despite this, the two decide to fight but sadly we aren’t given the opportunity to see it.
Instead Drez and Randy stand around talking and wondering what they should do, with Randy being a UFO enthusiast and Drez wanting to help Tyranny any way he can. By the end of the issue they come to a conclusion that literally sets them on course for the main narrative. I did feel as if this conversation dragged out a bit and there were times where I wasn’t sure if I should read the panels as right-to-left, or left-to-right. In actuality it swapped between the directions which took me out of the story.
What I do like is the continuation of the political side of things, the Advisor is becoming a much more interesting character and I’m excited to see where his story goes. He is so full of himself that it was fun to see him get knocked down a notch. It’s also going to be interesting to see how the public takes to finding out aliens really do exist. I can only see this being a very dividing line that will inevitably drag our characters into the open. Keznar is also becoming more intriguing, I am almost more interested in him than I am Tyranny right now, who sadly doesn’t have much of a personality to herself yet. But really I want to know more about the Grey’s, they’re still so very mysterious and I am more curious to know what their overall hand in this is, how many of them are there really and what are they truly after?
By the end we’re treated to a character who is as of yet unnamed, but man she is very very pretty. She also seems to dislike the Grey’s which already has me interested in her character. Bring her on Nestor. As I am aware, the overall story is still getting started, the set-up is solid but there are still blips in the system. As always the art is gorgeous to look at, the colors vibrant and detailed. It feels good going into a comic that’s so pleasing to the eyes. I will say though the character felt more static in posture here than in previous issues.
In the end, this was probably a step down from the prologue issue and issue number one, but I’m still confidant it has some great places to go; now if we can just get Tyranny straightened out so I can really start caring for her.
Final Score: 2 Naked and Butt-kicking Reptilians out of 5
Editor's Note: To pick up your copy of Planet Nestor #2, cruise on over to the website!
Planet Nestor Comics
Writer: Nestor Williams
Penciler: Nestor Williams
Colorist: Nestor Williams
Letterer: Nestor Williams
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: As issue #2 hits the ground, it hits the ground hard as Keznar unleashes a weapon of beautiful power, the idea that we are not alone is brought more into the light and political intrigue continues to unbound. Drez & Randy come to a conclusion that sets them down the path that I assume will ultimately tie them into the grander scheme of things and we’re given a teaser into a new, as of yet unknown character that already has me intrigued.
Review: Nestor Williams definitely likes his political intrigue, and I like political intrigue. But there was something about this issue that left me wanting more. Oddly enough not in the political department either, though there is plenty to go around in this one. It was actually more in the action department, as Keznar’s ship descends onto the Advisor’s base to save him; we’re greeted with beautiful illustrations featuring the ship and its green power and the Keznar’s fluid motion when free.
But it’s with this sudden escape that certain things start to become confusing. Last issue Keznar explained that he was sent to save Tyranny, but here when she confronts him under the influence of mind control he acts as if he doesn’t want anything to do with her. Has it been that long since I read issue #1 that I do not fully understand this? Why does he experience this sudden 180 turn unless there’s some overall scheme that I am missing? Despite this, the two decide to fight but sadly we aren’t given the opportunity to see it.
Instead Drez and Randy stand around talking and wondering what they should do, with Randy being a UFO enthusiast and Drez wanting to help Tyranny any way he can. By the end of the issue they come to a conclusion that literally sets them on course for the main narrative. I did feel as if this conversation dragged out a bit and there were times where I wasn’t sure if I should read the panels as right-to-left, or left-to-right. In actuality it swapped between the directions which took me out of the story.
What I do like is the continuation of the political side of things, the Advisor is becoming a much more interesting character and I’m excited to see where his story goes. He is so full of himself that it was fun to see him get knocked down a notch. It’s also going to be interesting to see how the public takes to finding out aliens really do exist. I can only see this being a very dividing line that will inevitably drag our characters into the open. Keznar is also becoming more intriguing, I am almost more interested in him than I am Tyranny right now, who sadly doesn’t have much of a personality to herself yet. But really I want to know more about the Grey’s, they’re still so very mysterious and I am more curious to know what their overall hand in this is, how many of them are there really and what are they truly after?
By the end we’re treated to a character who is as of yet unnamed, but man she is very very pretty. She also seems to dislike the Grey’s which already has me interested in her character. Bring her on Nestor. As I am aware, the overall story is still getting started, the set-up is solid but there are still blips in the system. As always the art is gorgeous to look at, the colors vibrant and detailed. It feels good going into a comic that’s so pleasing to the eyes. I will say though the character felt more static in posture here than in previous issues.
In the end, this was probably a step down from the prologue issue and issue number one, but I’m still confidant it has some great places to go; now if we can just get Tyranny straightened out so I can really start caring for her.
Final Score: 2 Naked and Butt-kicking Reptilians out of 5
Editor's Note: To pick up your copy of Planet Nestor #2, cruise on over to the website!
ADVENTURE TIME #14 – Single Issue
Kaboom! Comics
Created by: Pendleton Ward
Writer: Ryan North (Second Story: Chris Schwiezer)
Pencilers: Shelli Paroline & Braden Lamb (Second Story: Chris Schwiezer)
Letterer: Steven Wands
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: It’s the final stretch as Marceline, Finn and Jake battle the evil Ewlbo in order to bring an end to his reign of electronic terror. Last time we saw them, this rad digital due was about pulverize our groovy heroes but this time it seems the tables have turned… or have they?
Review: There are 3 things I really took away from this story as this story arc came to an end: 1. Marceline is incredibly scary, I will never ever call her a dude; 2. Soft Ballad music is very fitting for reading Adventure Time for some reason. I can’t explain why but it made the final battle with Ewlbo feel more epic while reading; and 3. Wow, this story can be, as I’ve probably said numerous times now, a lot darker than I ever thought it would. I mean it’s very very colorful and uplifting but you have these characters playing around in a world that has in essence a very deep and dark undertone. Hearing Ewlbo want to rip Finn, Jake and Marceline in half made my skin crawl more than it probably should have; probably because it wasn’t what I was expecting to hear in Adventure Time.
As of this review I still have not watched Adventure Time the original show, but this series so far has definitely made me want to get into it a lot sooner than I ever felt I would. Though it still may be awhile until I get around to watching it. This arc was overall uneven in a lot of spots, with the rather pointless Lumpy Space Princess portion of the story but still came together in a solid, cohesive end. I did find the deus ex machina a bit cheesy, especially since technically it was a literal deus ex machina but without it I couldn’t imagine them beating Ewlbo in any other way without hurting their friends.
The second story that brings a close to what I considered last issue's most boring story, where Jake becomes a Princess for the Land of Rad Hats, was actually rather interesting and nice way to bring an end to this story. I do believe there was too much text in this story which pulled me out of it, or perhaps it was that it was trying to fit too much in at once, and Finn didn’t learn anything by the end as actually pointed out in the story but honestly it probably wouldn’t feel like Finn if he did, at least the version I know from the comics currently.
I do believe this arc could’ve been shortened by an entire issue but once it got into its final two acts it didn’t feel dragged out anymore and started coming up with some incredibly interesting concepts and gave me a glimpse into the darker origins to this world, which I appreciated. All in all, solid issue and ending to an arc and I do hope to see more of Marceline in the future, I can definitely see why so many fans have become so smitten with her. Perhaps her Vampiric charm has bit into my blood stream as well.
Also, as noted in this comic Jake and Finn use a technique called “Belly of the Bro” and I do agree with commentator at the bottom of most pages, that would be an excellent name for a sandwich restaurant, or even better, a BBQ joint.
Final Score: 3 Possessed Electronics out of 5
Kaboom! Comics
Created by: Pendleton Ward
Writer: Ryan North (Second Story: Chris Schwiezer)
Pencilers: Shelli Paroline & Braden Lamb (Second Story: Chris Schwiezer)
Letterer: Steven Wands
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: It’s the final stretch as Marceline, Finn and Jake battle the evil Ewlbo in order to bring an end to his reign of electronic terror. Last time we saw them, this rad digital due was about pulverize our groovy heroes but this time it seems the tables have turned… or have they?
Review: There are 3 things I really took away from this story as this story arc came to an end: 1. Marceline is incredibly scary, I will never ever call her a dude; 2. Soft Ballad music is very fitting for reading Adventure Time for some reason. I can’t explain why but it made the final battle with Ewlbo feel more epic while reading; and 3. Wow, this story can be, as I’ve probably said numerous times now, a lot darker than I ever thought it would. I mean it’s very very colorful and uplifting but you have these characters playing around in a world that has in essence a very deep and dark undertone. Hearing Ewlbo want to rip Finn, Jake and Marceline in half made my skin crawl more than it probably should have; probably because it wasn’t what I was expecting to hear in Adventure Time.
As of this review I still have not watched Adventure Time the original show, but this series so far has definitely made me want to get into it a lot sooner than I ever felt I would. Though it still may be awhile until I get around to watching it. This arc was overall uneven in a lot of spots, with the rather pointless Lumpy Space Princess portion of the story but still came together in a solid, cohesive end. I did find the deus ex machina a bit cheesy, especially since technically it was a literal deus ex machina but without it I couldn’t imagine them beating Ewlbo in any other way without hurting their friends.
The second story that brings a close to what I considered last issue's most boring story, where Jake becomes a Princess for the Land of Rad Hats, was actually rather interesting and nice way to bring an end to this story. I do believe there was too much text in this story which pulled me out of it, or perhaps it was that it was trying to fit too much in at once, and Finn didn’t learn anything by the end as actually pointed out in the story but honestly it probably wouldn’t feel like Finn if he did, at least the version I know from the comics currently.
I do believe this arc could’ve been shortened by an entire issue but once it got into its final two acts it didn’t feel dragged out anymore and started coming up with some incredibly interesting concepts and gave me a glimpse into the darker origins to this world, which I appreciated. All in all, solid issue and ending to an arc and I do hope to see more of Marceline in the future, I can definitely see why so many fans have become so smitten with her. Perhaps her Vampiric charm has bit into my blood stream as well.
Also, as noted in this comic Jake and Finn use a technique called “Belly of the Bro” and I do agree with commentator at the bottom of most pages, that would be an excellent name for a sandwich restaurant, or even better, a BBQ joint.
Final Score: 3 Possessed Electronics out of 5
Drop Dead Dangerous #0 [single issue]
Chad Cabrera and Mike Banting
Writer: Chad Cabrera
Penciler: Mike Banting
Cover Colors: Sam Gungon
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: In a western setting, there is a serial killer on the loose known as the Raven who commits his dealings in reference to the poem of the same name by Edger Allan Poe. Private Detective Jack Gordon now must track this killer down and bring him to justice with very personal stakes driving him.
Review: In this full length issue preview we’re given in subtlety and in exposition all the details we need to root for our heroes, who the antagonist is we’re dealing with and why we should legitimately fear them, and the weight everyone here is feeling when it comes to the looming darkness that is sure to be the major driving plot of the series. Especially after this issue sets up all the dominoes almost flawlessly.
Before I get into the good, let’s get to what my issues with this issue is; first of all as it is a full length “preview” I do think this opening was a little dragged out in order to fill space. When looking over how many panels are present, you can tell that this story could’ve probably been compressed just a little bit more so I am hoping the official series doesn’t appear the same way.
I’m sure we’ll get into this in the series proper, but I would’ve liked to have seen more of why Jack switched his original occupation to being a private detective. In the events that take place near the beginning of the book, it’s a little hard for me to imagine why he’d go into this occupation unless there are other crimes out there that he feels obligated to check out personally.
I am actually excited to see what comes next though, the characters are likeable, and the feeling is very reminiscent of an anime I enjoy called Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) in its tone and feel which I am A-Okay with. The pacing, as I said, didn’t feel drawn out, it just gives the appearance of, which is an interesting feeling that I am hoping I am conveying properly through these words. The characters designs are pleasing, as is the art which is very much manga-inspired. Also something I am A-okay with as the art is easy to look at than most manga-inspired art I have had the non-pleasure of viewing.
Overall I was able to walk away with this story feeling excited for the next installment and already feeling like I understand this world a little better than when I began all through the description offered about the villain himself only which I was pleased with. This feels like a dark and dreary world at its heart, but the characters inhabiting it seem to be the type to keep it lively and humorous so that the story doesn’t get overly bogged down with its dark tone. I like that and it’s a good balance.
Final Score: 4 Nevermores out of 5
Editor's Note: If Manga styled art is something you like, especially in a comic from time to time. Head on over to the Drop Dead Dangerous website to grab yourself a copy of Drop Dead Dangerous #0!
Chad Cabrera and Mike Banting
Writer: Chad Cabrera
Penciler: Mike Banting
Cover Colors: Sam Gungon
Reviewer: Derrick Crow
Summary: In a western setting, there is a serial killer on the loose known as the Raven who commits his dealings in reference to the poem of the same name by Edger Allan Poe. Private Detective Jack Gordon now must track this killer down and bring him to justice with very personal stakes driving him.
Review: In this full length issue preview we’re given in subtlety and in exposition all the details we need to root for our heroes, who the antagonist is we’re dealing with and why we should legitimately fear them, and the weight everyone here is feeling when it comes to the looming darkness that is sure to be the major driving plot of the series. Especially after this issue sets up all the dominoes almost flawlessly.
Before I get into the good, let’s get to what my issues with this issue is; first of all as it is a full length “preview” I do think this opening was a little dragged out in order to fill space. When looking over how many panels are present, you can tell that this story could’ve probably been compressed just a little bit more so I am hoping the official series doesn’t appear the same way.
I’m sure we’ll get into this in the series proper, but I would’ve liked to have seen more of why Jack switched his original occupation to being a private detective. In the events that take place near the beginning of the book, it’s a little hard for me to imagine why he’d go into this occupation unless there are other crimes out there that he feels obligated to check out personally.
I am actually excited to see what comes next though, the characters are likeable, and the feeling is very reminiscent of an anime I enjoy called Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) in its tone and feel which I am A-Okay with. The pacing, as I said, didn’t feel drawn out, it just gives the appearance of, which is an interesting feeling that I am hoping I am conveying properly through these words. The characters designs are pleasing, as is the art which is very much manga-inspired. Also something I am A-okay with as the art is easy to look at than most manga-inspired art I have had the non-pleasure of viewing.
Overall I was able to walk away with this story feeling excited for the next installment and already feeling like I understand this world a little better than when I began all through the description offered about the villain himself only which I was pleased with. This feels like a dark and dreary world at its heart, but the characters inhabiting it seem to be the type to keep it lively and humorous so that the story doesn’t get overly bogged down with its dark tone. I like that and it’s a good balance.
Final Score: 4 Nevermores out of 5
Editor's Note: If Manga styled art is something you like, especially in a comic from time to time. Head on over to the Drop Dead Dangerous website to grab yourself a copy of Drop Dead Dangerous #0!
ADVENTURE TIME with Fionna and Cake #3 – Single Issue
Kaboom! Comics
Created by: Pendleton Ward
Writer: Natasha Allegri (Second Story: Kate Leth)
Pencilers: Natasha Allegri (Second Story: Kate Leth)
Letterer: Britt Wilson
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: This issue takes a break from the main narrative to give us a short adventure romp into the fun life of Fionna, Marshall Lee and Prince Gumball as we find out how deep their friendship goes and what they’re willing to do for one another.
Review: As a stand-alone story, this wasn’t terrible. Not exactly the kind of story you would use to introduce someone to the world of Fionna and Cake, but as a stand-alone, it wasn’t bad. But the big problem is that it is a stand-alone, fully cut off from the main narrative story that harkens back to Adventure Time #12 with the awkward, out of place Lumpy Space Princess story.
I guess I’m still not overly familiar with how Adventure Time works with its stories. I thought they were mostly standalone anyways, which I am guessing that’s how the show is, but when it’s an arc I don’t understand why both AT comics have done so far is interrupt stories that take us out of the intrigue of the initial mystery. This issue sees Marshall Lee coming to Fionna to help him save Prince Gumball after the dude went and got himself trapped under the Earth.
There is no enemy to this issue, and it ends up being relatively easy to get Gumball out of the trap he was in. We find out what he was doing underneath the Earth and it was to make something special for Fionna for being a good friend to him all the time. He gifts her with a wish making device that only gives her three wishes, the first wish she makes is actually quite chuckle worthy but after that I am hoping she doesn’t end up wasting her final two wishes.
We are still no further into the mystery of the Fire Woman at the beginning of issue #1 and I have no idea how helpful this wish making device will come in handy later, but I am hoping the story gets back to its main narrative soon so it doesn’t appear as if it is being oddly paced. Perhaps even my frustration is on the characters themselves, Fionna and Cake who don’t seem very interested in even continuing the main story.
Like I said earlier, as a stand-alone, it was pretty decent. A simple story to showcase the closeness these friends hold for one another, fun and light-hearted with no overarching villain to the issue. So it was a nice break, but an out of place one. Also I do like being a nerd sometimes when I can catch subtle references to other parts of pop culture. This time to Doctor Who, when Fionna calls Marshall Lee a beautiful idiot, which harkens back to a WHO episode titled “The Doctor’s Wife” written by Neil Gaiman in season 6 of the revised series (yup, I just went full nerd. You always want to go full nerd.)
There is also a single extra page story that I cannot comment on as having not seen the TV series, every single thing about it simply flew right over my head.
Final Score: 2 Beautiful Idiots out of 5
Kaboom! Comics
Created by: Pendleton Ward
Writer: Natasha Allegri (Second Story: Kate Leth)
Pencilers: Natasha Allegri (Second Story: Kate Leth)
Letterer: Britt Wilson
Reviewer: Derrick T. Crow
Summary: This issue takes a break from the main narrative to give us a short adventure romp into the fun life of Fionna, Marshall Lee and Prince Gumball as we find out how deep their friendship goes and what they’re willing to do for one another.
Review: As a stand-alone story, this wasn’t terrible. Not exactly the kind of story you would use to introduce someone to the world of Fionna and Cake, but as a stand-alone, it wasn’t bad. But the big problem is that it is a stand-alone, fully cut off from the main narrative story that harkens back to Adventure Time #12 with the awkward, out of place Lumpy Space Princess story.
I guess I’m still not overly familiar with how Adventure Time works with its stories. I thought they were mostly standalone anyways, which I am guessing that’s how the show is, but when it’s an arc I don’t understand why both AT comics have done so far is interrupt stories that take us out of the intrigue of the initial mystery. This issue sees Marshall Lee coming to Fionna to help him save Prince Gumball after the dude went and got himself trapped under the Earth.
There is no enemy to this issue, and it ends up being relatively easy to get Gumball out of the trap he was in. We find out what he was doing underneath the Earth and it was to make something special for Fionna for being a good friend to him all the time. He gifts her with a wish making device that only gives her three wishes, the first wish she makes is actually quite chuckle worthy but after that I am hoping she doesn’t end up wasting her final two wishes.
We are still no further into the mystery of the Fire Woman at the beginning of issue #1 and I have no idea how helpful this wish making device will come in handy later, but I am hoping the story gets back to its main narrative soon so it doesn’t appear as if it is being oddly paced. Perhaps even my frustration is on the characters themselves, Fionna and Cake who don’t seem very interested in even continuing the main story.
Like I said earlier, as a stand-alone, it was pretty decent. A simple story to showcase the closeness these friends hold for one another, fun and light-hearted with no overarching villain to the issue. So it was a nice break, but an out of place one. Also I do like being a nerd sometimes when I can catch subtle references to other parts of pop culture. This time to Doctor Who, when Fionna calls Marshall Lee a beautiful idiot, which harkens back to a WHO episode titled “The Doctor’s Wife” written by Neil Gaiman in season 6 of the revised series (yup, I just went full nerd. You always want to go full nerd.)
There is also a single extra page story that I cannot comment on as having not seen the TV series, every single thing about it simply flew right over my head.
Final Score: 2 Beautiful Idiots out of 5