One year ago, a fragment of an interdimensional civilization collided with downtown LA—creating an impregnable no-man’s-land where the laws of physics no longer apply. Convinced that no human being could survive the terrain within, the US government’s most morally compromised contractors decided to explore the area codenamed “The Gleam” by sending in four research animals in the hopes of capturing its precious technological wonders. They were hoping to find a new kind of weapon. What they got instead was four radically transformed dogs with minds and a mission all their own. WOLF! FRANKEE! GRIFFY! FREDDY! Together with their brilliant mentor, MOJO, the SUPER MONDO MEGA MUTTS are going to bring justice back to the avenues and alleyways where out-of-control federal forces and gangs powered-up by pilfered alien technology now reign. They thought they could put this band of outlaw misfits on a leash. Now the world is going to discover what happens when these mutts BITE BACK! Super Mondo Mega Mutts #1 is a fun debut that takes us back to the late 80s/early 90s when a certain type of comic was popular.

There was a point in the lates 80s and early 90s that it felt like every other release was about a team of mutated animals with some sort of spin on them. They could be ninjas, brawlers, bikers, or more, but there was a point the concept was plentiful when it came to comics on the shelves. Lately, we’ve seen a resurgence and relaunch of some of those properties but new spins haven’t quite seen the deluge that came before. Super Mondo Mega Mutts #1 might kick things off with a debut that feels like it’d fit perfectly during that time period when anthropomorphic ass-kicking animals ruled the comic shelves.

Written by Curt Pires, Super Mondo Mega Mutts #1 dives into this strange world where a strange alien object has caused various mutations. It doesn’t go into depth of what exactly is up, yet, but it’s enough to get the story going and an easy origin for not just our heroes but some of the villains they’ll be going up against. The how of it all works fine, it currently just feels like a means to an end, much like ooze or radiation has been used to mutate others and explain abilities.

The story is interesting in that it treats our superhero team as a bit of a mystery, not confirmed if they actually exist and focuses a bit on a reporter attempting to track them down. It again feels like a bit of a throwback in some ways but also in this day of cell phones also feels like it doesn’t quite work as a concept. Some random person, building camera, whatever, would have caught the heroes as they do their thing and save the day. But, it helps create some mystery about it all that adds to the fun.

The art by Juan Gedeon is solid. With color by Graphikslava and lettering by Jeff Powell, the comic has that feel like it’s published by some small indie publisher from decades ago with a style that’s exaggerated. The character designs, especially the team, are really good with a look that again feels like a classic throwback, emphasizing the love the comic has for everything that has come before it. The villains too have a bit of an homage about them, with the big bad and his endless minions all dressed the same.

It’s really not hard to tell if you’d enjoy Super Mondo Mega Mutts #1. If you are, or were, a fan of the numerous series and properties to come from the launch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, you’ll enjoy this. It delivers a throwback in so many ways and more importantly, a fun debut that has us excited for the second issue.

Story: Curt Pires Art: Juan Gedeon
Color: Graphikslava Letterer: Jeff Powell
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle