Review: Ice Cream Man #3
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: W. Maxwell Prince
Artist: Martin Morazzo
Colorist: Chris O’Halloran
Letterer: Good Old Neon
Review By: Kendra Hale
Summary
This issue gives us good vibes and nostalgia for days with Bud Hickey’s tale. After the heavy issue that was “Rainbow Sprinkles“, we get no pauses along the ride that is Ice Cream Man. “Good Ol’ Fashioned Vanilla” hearkens back to the 50’s transition into the 60’s and deals with some massively heavy issues of its own. As this one is a personal favorite bite of mine, let’s dive right in.Â
Bud Hickey was a known name in his prime. A bopper that hit the charts with his band and maintained the top spot for 40 weeks. Bud knows the taste of fame. But that was then, and we are catapulted to the now. Presently, Bud is struggling to hear the music. He can’t seem to find that same sound. Is that all he was meant to be? A one hit wonder now thrown to the wayside?
Our Ice Cream Man, Rick to some, is there to lend a hand. Bud is sent on a trip that feels entirely acid-induced. Familiar faces and muses come to the surface as Bud goes on his journey. Is he tapped without it or will the music strum through him one last time?
Positives
I absolutely love this story, for many reasons, but the first is that it deals with the heavy notion of dreams not coming to fruition. Pixar, for example, does this a lot in their films where everything seems to be the happily ever after…but what comes after. It brings into light the existential question of is that all that I am. That I was? Is there no more? Was I just a blip on the path? It does this in a way that is striking and heartbreaking, and as a result, lovely.Â
Secondly, the music references. My gosh there are so many and it makes my inner music aficionado squeal with glee. Just to name a few, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, and so many more. Bud’s journey to feel relevant and important again is fast paced and painful to watch.Â
Also Ice Cream Man as Major Tom is brilliant.Â
Negatives
*Crickets*
Verdict
In closing, the creative team blows away all expectations for what this series is. Ice Cream Man #3 is such a delightful, reality-breaking issue. The series does not shy away from mixing in real scenarios with its horror in a way that blends so beautifully. “Good Ol’ Fashioned Vanilla” is a favorite and therefore another reason that I say this series is a must read.Â
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