Review – Misfit City #2 (BOOM! Studios)

Publisher: BOOM! Studios (BOOM! Box imprint)
Writers: Kiwi Smith and Kurt Lustgarten
Artwork: Naomi Franquiz, Brittany Peer (colours)
Release Date: 14th June 2017

After a stellar opening issue which introduced us to our rag-tag group of small town misfits before thrusting them headlong into a pirate-themed adventure, BOOM! Studios’ Misfit City keeps up its early momentum here as our likeable gang of gals indulge in a spot of ol’ fashioned amateur detective work.

What’s particularly great about this second issue is that it doesn’t labour the meta nature of the premise (an all-girl Goonies set in a town where a Goonies-esque film was shot), instead focusing on the characters themselves. In fact, it’s the banter and quips between our lovable band of misfits that really lends this series its authenticity and charm. Smith and Lustgarten keep the dialogue flowing smoothly and naturally throughout, giving each character their own unique voice and throwing in some real gems along the way, including one absolutely genius use of the term “squad goals”.

Dot takes center stage here for the most part, spurring the investigation forwards with her well-read intellect. While Wilder is still very much the leader, it’s great that the creative team are giving other members of the group time to shine, especially when there’s such a wonderfully diverse cast of characters – in every sense of the word – to play with.

Once again, the artistic partnership of Franquiz and Peer deliver the goods with some fantastically lively pages, particularly during the latter stages of the book when, well… lets just say the pace picks up just a tad. The level of detail and effort that Franquiz has clearly put into giving each character their own unique body type and wardrobe style is also to be applauded, and she continues that trend here, even with the supporting characters like Dot’s mum or the mysterious bag guys. Peer also does a great job with the shadowy interior scenes, bathing the pages in pale blues and greens, and adding a pleasing level of solidity to Franquiz’s linework in the process.

A lot of the time, ‘all-ages’ can pretty much become shorthand for “just for kids”, but with Misfit City, Smith, Lusgtarten, Franquiz and Peer have created something that I’d wager will appeal to pretty much everyone in one way or another. So whether you’re a tween, a teen, or a cynical thirtysomething horror-loving male (*cough*), Misfit City is all but guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. And honestly, with sizzling banter, a frantic chase scene and some epic doggy heroism, what more could you possibly want?

Rating: 4.5/5.

If you want to find out more about MISFIT CITY, make sure to check out our interview with the creative team by CLICKING HERE.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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