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Review: Bob’s Burgers #2

Posted on September 26, 2014 by

The first issue of Bob’s Burgers did a lot right and came out of the ringer as a solid read, despite some problems both as an individual issue and as a set-up for an ongoing series. The characterization and look of the show was faithfully retained and the comic offered lots of laughs. The format of this series, split up into five sections respectively devoted to individual members of the Belcher family, is fresh and unique. Unfortunately, not every story of the first issue was a winner, and the big creative team wasn’t able to squeeze out enough attention for Bob and Linda, the parents of the Belcher family; their sections only being page-long notes and letters fictionally written by them doesn’t help this issue. The second issue offers three stories that all work, offering a stronger read than the last even though the comic still begs for more from the parents.

The short story devoted to Tina here is even better than the last, offering a hugely glorious and dumb sci-fi story about a battle between humanity and robots, ultimately ended peacefully through dance. There’s lots of action and lots of downright goofy bits of Tina quirkiness. Louise’s story is much better than last month’s weak offering, giving readers a fun mystery with a cute, silly ending that makes sense. Gene’s story isn’t as good as the one last time, but it’s good, offering a musical with lots of Shakespeare and flatulence. In their totality, these stories embody a distinctly silly and fun atmosphere, sure to make any fan of the show feel at home.

The page devoted to Bob and the page devoted to Linda just don’t do much, however. Like last time, they’re fine, but at the end of the day they just make the void for the two characters seem more gaping. It’s not intrinsically bad that they don’t get their own stories, but they should have big roles in the stories actually presented to make up. On the flip side, the art does more than cleverly translate the art style and visual humor of the show. The comics craft is put to good use here, offering cool, smart visual tricks. One example of this is the series of word bubbles from Louise’s big mouth, increasing as she gets angrier and louder. There are a few instances like this, and it’s neat to see.

I enjoyed Bob’s Burgers #2 a lot for what it is, chock full of creative, funny entertainment. I just wish it would incorporate the other two fifths of the Bob’s Burgers main cast, to make the laughs even better.

Story: Rachel Hastings, Mike Olsen, Justin Hook, Jeff Drake, Chad Brewster Art: Frank Forte, Tony Gennaro, Tyler Garrison, Kimball Shirley, Anthony Aguinaldo, Hector Reynoso, Robin Brigstocke, Steven Theis, Derek Schroeder
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

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Dynamite provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Bob’s Burgers #2

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Brett

Bob’s Burgers #2

Chad Brewster, Justin Hook, Rachel Hastings, Mike Olsen, Jeff Drake (w)
Tony Gennaro, Frank Forte, Tyler Garrison, Robin Brigstocke, Steven Theis, Hector Reynoso (a)
Steve Umbleby (c)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+
FANS, ASK YOUR RETAILER FOR THE:
Steve Umbleby “Virgin Art” retailer incentive cover

In the second issue of the Bob’s Burgers comic book we bring you 5 new stories from the Belchers. Tina’s Erotic Friend Fiction goes galactic; Bob jots down burgers to live by; Louise investigates a case of textbook tomfoolery; Linda looks out for her furry friends; and Gene presents a musical re-imagine-actment of the story of Mozart and Salieri called “Genemadeus.’

Review: Bob’s Burgers #1

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Brett

Bob’s Burgers is the animated television show that could, growing into a cult show, and one of the best family sitcoms on television. Courtesy of Dynamite, you can now you can read about the Belcher family (parents Bob and Linda, and their children Tina, Gene and Louise) in brand-new in-canon stories created by the TV show’s producers, writers and animators creating all original stories appearing exclusively in this comics series. Each comic includes hilarious installments of: “Louise’s Unsolved Mysteries,” “Tina’s Erotic Friend Fiction,” “A Gene Belcher Original Musical,” “Letters Written by Linda” and “Bob’s Burgers of the Day.”

I went into reading the first issue wondering how well the television s how would translate into a comic. The humor for the show is quick, and fast, with some off the wall moments that you don’t see coming. The comic takes those crazier moments, and plays them out in short stories which helps speed up the comedy with hits that just keep coming. The jokes that rely on delivery aren’t there, but the same crazy thought process is completely present and transfers well.

The comic overall is solid when it comes to the laughs with absurd moments and vignettes that take some of the crazier things thrown out on the show and puts them on the comic page. It’s all appreciated, and for long time fans there’s more than inside stuff here to please. For those unfamiliar with the source material, there’s also more than enough to just get you to laugh.

The art style is a match for the show, so you’re either going to be a fan of the style or you won’t. I’m a long time fan of the show, and appreciate the design overall. Nothing new is broken for the comic medium, this is just what’s on the television screen translated to the printed page.

The comic is a must for fans of the television show, and if you’ve only heard about it and want to check what it’s all about, this isn’t a bad place to start.

Story: Rachel Hastings, Mike Olsen, Justin Hook, Jeff Drake Art: Frank Forte, Brad Rader, Bernard Derriman, Tony Gennaro, Liza Epps, Tyler Garrison, Kimball Shirley, Anthony Aguinaldo, Hector Reynoso
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Bob’s Burgers #1

Posted on August 26, 2014 by Brett

BOB’S BURGERS #1

Rachel Hastings, Mike Olsen, Justin Hook, Jeff Drake (w)
Frank Forte, Brad Rader, Bernard Derriman, Tony Gennaro, Liza Epps, Tyler Garrison, Kimball Shirley, Anthony Aguinaldo, Hector Reynoso (a)
Devin Roth (c)
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+ •

A new series from the hit TV show “Bob’s Burgers,” created by Loren Bouchard! All right! The very first Bob’s Burgers comic book, a new series from the creator of the hit TV show, created by Loren Bouchard! Now you can read about the Belcher family (parents Bob and Linda, and their children Tina, Gene and Louise) in brand-new in-canon stories created by the TV show’s producers, writers and animators creating all original stories appearing exclusively in this comics series. Each comic includes hilarious installments of: “Louise’s Unsolved Mysteries,” “Tina’s Erotic Friend Fiction,” “A Gene Belcher Original Musical,” “Letters Written by Linda” and “Bob’s Burgers of the Day.” Bob’s Burgers is an American animated sitcom that airs on Fox television with other hits such as The Simpsons and Family Guy!