Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Howard The Duck #1
Marvel Comics
Kirkman, Adlard, Gaudiano & Rathburn
Howard The Duck might seem like an acquired taste. The title might seem like a gag comic book. The premise might conjure up memories of the film that was not well received from a couple of decades ago. While the book might struggle to get a label as to why it exists, the book is definitely entertaining and provides a solid character driven comic. I think Marvel may have a hit on their hands.
Howard The Duck is a talking duck, living in New York City as a private investigator. Within the first few pages you get everything you need to know about the character. He's shady and pushes his own agenda while ruffling some feathers along the way (pun intended). The book manages to introduce some supporting characters and squeeze in some guests here and there. Howard takes a case that puts in the path of a super hero/super villain and he ends up in a situation that pushes him in an entirely new direction.
The book is a dense read. There isn't a ton of action but there is a ton of dialogue and that could put off some readers. The comic is heavy on the jokes and it works to build the character but might not read too well page after page. On the positive side, the comic book is ridiculous fun and that helps. I completely forgot as I was reading this that I couldn't wrap my head around why this book is being published in the first place. Adding in plenty of guest stars also helps a lot as it allows readers to place Howard's personality against others that a regular Marvel reader might be familiar with.
The artwork has an all ages look to it. It's not an all ages book but it isn't as filthy as some of the other Howard the Duck comics have been over the years. The funny thing about the art is that the guest characters look pretty much spot-on with other comics out there and then you notice a duck in clothes with them and it produces a chuckle. Absent action, this book has what it needs to present a good visual companion to the story.
Howard The Duck is a strange idea. However, the book is a good read that provides a nice introduction to the character, the plot and other characters for Howard to bounce off of throughout the book. This comic book looks to be a book to keep your eye on. It might very well become a hit. I recommend checking this out.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
