So far, Boom! Studios has not failed to entertain me in some way with their stories. But there is always a clinker somewhere, right?
Well not in this book. What Were They Thinking? Monster Mash-Up is one of the funniest things I have read this year. The combination of classic Comic stories re-done with a modern, humorous script is a great idea, and with Keith Giffen and Joe Casey at the helm the humor will run wild.
But get this; What Were They Thinking? Monster Mash-Up is a book that could be read by almost any member of the family. Sure, some of the stuff might be a little 'high-brow' for someone under the age of 10 but almost everyone else can get a kick out of the book.
It is well written and clean for Crist's sake. I gotta' admit I didn't expect it to be even remotely "family friendly".
Oh sure, there are references to homosexuality, alien sex, Bigfoot sex, meth addiction, and even a Space Dog, but most of these are nothing worse then what a teenager or older kid will see on TV today.
And a lot of the stuff is written so well they will have to get some help understanding it anyway. But don't worry, parents. I am sure the kids will explain it to you if you ask nicely.
Each story is a re-mix of a classic Comic with the original art but the script redone by either Giffen or Casey. Somewhat like Woody Allen's "What's Up Tiger Lily?" but done for the four color universe.
What they wound up with was one of the silliest things that has come off the press in months. Thank you.
Barry's Secret Shame, the first story in the book, is re-done by Joe Casey on art originally created by comic icon, Steve Ditko. Instead of a deep sea diver talking about the time he was rescued by a pair of sea people Casey changes it into an inter-species sex memory from the perspective of meth addict. Ah, the classic story of Boy meets Fish People, Fish People have sex with boy, boy looses Fish People, Boy can never eat Sushi again without crying.
Then there is the Johanna Stokes story, Hats Off. Here, a pair of rival hunters trade barbs about hats, pipes, why rappers go to war, and Tom Selleck. When they hear about a monster, they each set out on their own paths, one to glory and fame the other to Dr. Phil books. This was a sick, hilarious story, and my second favorite in the bunch.
My favorite had to be "Astro Alien Dog" about a pair of hunters searching space for a vicious dog like creature. However, the story actually takes place in an Earth jungle, but all references to Earth have had a piece of typewritten paper over it with an alien phrase added. For some reason, this whole story just struck me as funny.
I say again, Boom! Studios has given us one of the best books of the year. Now, if they just don't fall victim to the dreaded ego machine maybe they can last longer then Valiant, CrossGen or some of the others.
God, I hope so.