Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Muppet Show #4
Boom! Studios Kids
Langridge & Mebberson
Another issue of the Muppet Show brings more witty laughs with some of the usual skits backed up with a new theme. This issue deals with genes and it allows the introduction of Scooter's twin sister. The comic book isn't drawn by Langridge, but by Amy Mebberson who has past Muppet experience and shows how her work has developed to the point that it stands up to anyone's Muppet work. This is another fun and clever story.
Scooter's sister shows up at the theater looking for work. She is hired as a stagehand and is given some similar roles as what Scooter would normally do. However, the real tension between the siblings is her constant teasing of his nerdy demeanor. The oddity here is that she is apparently nameless. I'm not sure the strategy here but she doesn't have a name anywhere in this issue.
The comic book works its way through some skits like Pigs In Space and Sam The Eagle doing some Shakespeare. The subplot behind the scenes works around Scooter's sister trying to find her place in the grander Muppet cast. She ends up assisting Gonzo with the big finish. The ending helps to work Scooter's sister into the Muppet cast and find some common ground with her brother.
There is a lot to like about this issue. One of the aspects that makes it so funny is how some popular culture is worked into the issue. Statler and Waldorf are seen playing some chess with the Muppet figures as if they were Gods from the movie Clash of the Titans. They decide to introduce some spice and they move Scooter's sister onto the board. The comic does a great job mixing old Muppet skits with a story and some references to other areas of the entertainment world. It's just a very clever book.
I love the art. Langridge has no rival as a cartoonist. However, Mebberson draws Muppets as if they jumped out of the TV and onto the pages. She captures all of the things that make the Muppets so expressive and distinct. I felt this issue showed that many different hands can bring different talents to creating these characters. I also liked how the comic book switched back from the newspaper style print to the glossy pages.
I am impressed with the level of story telling this series provides issue after issue. This one relies on a new member while still providing some laughs from the vintage characters. This is a good comic book.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
