The smash-hit videogame and toy sensation, Skylanders, makes its comic book debut this fall! This all-new series will focus on fan-favorite characters and features stories tying directly into the videogames that cannot be found anywhere else!

I know very little about the Skylanders video game. I know that it’s some toy figures you put on a base and then you can play games with them based on the figures. That’s about where my knowledge ends, as I’ve never played it myself, and don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone play it either. As far as the characters, my knowledge is also lacking, and I chalked it all up to being the latest craze of games featuring small creatures you collect, continuing a long tradition.

Overall, I went into the first issue with an open mind, but generally expecting a cash-in to the video game. In reality, I found a comic that felt more like a worthy successor to the Saturday morning cartoons of my youth, that are currently awol for today’s kids. The comic features two stories, one a comedic trip through the skies as the latest Skylanders class heads to their destination, and the other an origin of sorts for the character Trigger Happy. Neither you needed to know anything about the characters or world, and both were very enjoyable, even as an adult. Yes, the comic is generally geared towards kids, but the humor peppered throughout has enough winks and nods that also makes them enjoyable for adults as well.

The art is pretty solid with a consistent look between both stories. Each artist captures the kinetic energy of each story well, giving it a flow that helps out and adds to the humor, especially the physical comedy of a lot of it.

IDW’s Skylanders comic is a worthy addition to the growing line of comics geared towards kids. And more impressively, even though it’s an off-shoot of a very successful toy/game line, it doesn’t feel as such. If you’re a long time fan of Skylanders, or totally new to it all, Skylanders is simply fun. This is an absolute buy for fans of the serious, or those looking for a fun comic to give their kids.

Story: Ron Marz, David A. Rodriguez Art: David Baldeon, Mike Bowden
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review