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
