You often hear of things that were ahead of their time. They’re usually something that years later their concept blew up in popularity. Skullkickers is that type of thing. Launched years ago, the comic tells the story of Rex and Rolf, two adventures in what is an off the rails fantasy adventure. Think of it as a roleplaying game where the dungeon master has lost control. With a fantastic mix of action and adventure it’s tone would eventually find massive success in the live roleplaying sessions that have become popular. The Skullkickers Super Special celebrates 10 years of the destructive duo and it feels like no time has passed.
Written by Jim Zub, Skullkickers Super Special has Rolf and Rex infiltrating a magic academy. Yes, the comic skewers a certain hat sorting world. The two, who very much don’t like magic, are on a mission and have to do their best to fit in. That means holding back their urges for destruction but also taking classes. As Zub has shown in the past, he’s a master of both making fun of and having fun with tropes, what has come before, other properties, and more. Skullkickers is Dungeons & Dragons on Fun Dip and Pixie Sticks fueled by Mt. Dew. And it’s glorious. We get everything we’d expect and want with this and Zub shows off what made this series great (and so ahead of its time).
Edwin Huang‘s art is fantastic. Along with Misty Coats‘ coloe, the comic has a painted animated cell look to it that’s fantastic. The comic always looked great and it continues to do so here. What worked so well in the past and continues here is the use of visuals to nail the punchline of jokes. A lightning bolt is thrown at someone who speaks out of turn and all you see is blood spurting from off panel as everyone goes back to normal. Small things like that keep the frenetic jokes flowing in dialogue, actions, and what’s visually there. The duo are joined by Richy Truong on background assists and Marshall Dillon on lettering. Dillon’s lettering, like the visuals, help nail the punchlines of the jokes so many times adding to the fun vibe of it all.
Skullkickers Super Special left me wanting more. Seriously, the comic was, and is, so unique in its style and voice it deserves a return to find the massive audience it should have. All these years later, it’s like returning to an old friend and one you want to keep hanging out with.
Story: Jim Zub Art: Edwin Huang
Color: Misty Coats Background Assists: Richy Truong Letterer: Marshall Dillon
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
Source: Graphic Policy
