[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Storytellers: Lee Allred & Michael Allred
Colorist: Laura Allred
Summary
The wackiness never stops with Forager! Issue #5 captures many Kirbyisms with a number of random music quotes which add to the already humorous elements of this comic. Bug gets the Spider to use his powers to take him to another shard. He thinks he’s been clever, but with some ABBA and Shakespeare quotes, the Spider leaves Bug in a world of water. It doesn’t take long for a huge rectangular prism to be dropped into the water and suddenly absorb all the water on the planet. And it takes an even shorted time for Bug to be rescued by the Global Peace Agency.
Bug soon learns of Agency’s connection to Brother Eye and OMAC. And what he learns is disturbing. Brother Eye has been destroyed and OMAC has been de-powered back to Buddy Blank. Dr. Skuba is behind all of this, including the absorbing of all the world’s water. He rears his ugly ahead again as he captures Bug from the Peace Agency. Bug finds himself face to face with Buddy Blank in opposing cells.
While all seems hopeless, that infernal Teddy Bear that’s been traveling with Bug has figured a way between cells and is able to help Buddy receive Brother Eye’s last transmission – the overlay of OMAC. This allows Bug to escape his cell as well as returning OMAC to full power. Just as things seem to be looking up, Chagra appears and leads Bug on a chase back to New Genesis for the final showdown in this extra-dimensional confrontation!
Positives
The psedo-science is particularly Kirbyesque which is not only a nice homage to the King, but a reminder of a time when comics knew how to be fun and great without an overly serious undertone. The genius of Kirby’s imagination is lauded loud and clear.
The lyrical quotes from ABBA, Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden are funny and appreciated, if you get them…. Hopefully, this won’t be lost on younger readers. This all adds to the undeniable fun in this title. And, I’m sure I’ve missed some quotes, see if you can spot them all.
Negatives
Wackiness can be a turnoff. This series tries very hard to make it work. And, usually it does. For a reader who isn’t getting all the Kirby references and throwback tone it could be challenging.
Verdict
Bug! The Adventures of Forager #5, promises a no holds barred ending next issue where anything is possible. It’s been a fun ride so far. This issue simply reinforces the genius of Jack Kirby and the love that the Allred’s have for the King and fun comics.
