Story Title: Misadventures in Babysitting
Reviewer: Paul Sebert
Writer: Marc Sumerak
Art: Gurihiru
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Editor: Mackenzie Cadenhead
Publisher: The Mighty Marvel Publishing Group
DC’s latest crossover kill-fest got you down?
Already burned out on “House of M” hype?
Has the stress of arguing with some goober who actually thinks putting Rob Liefeld on Teen Titans is a good thing gotten to you?
Well do I have the book for you! Written by Marc Sumerak and drawn by the Japanese cartoonist studio Gurihiru Marvel’s new Power Pack mini-series is a breath of fresh air. Sure it’s a kiddy book, sure it’s writing certainly isn’t up to Watchmen standards, but in a time when so many books are so downbeat and serious that’s a good thing. It’s not particularly deep but the book caries a delightfully simple elegance that can’t be denied.
The plot is fairly straight forward, Alex power AKA Zero-G has just asked a cute girl out on a date only to find out his folks need him to baby-sit the same evening. As anyone who’s ever watched a sitcom might guess, our hero tries to do both things at once. Things go awry in such a manner that can only involve giant squid.
While it would be tempting for some to complain about the predictability of the story but viewing this in the context of a child’s first comic that really isn’t a problem. It’s a simple charming story told in a nice straightforward manner and there’s a few rather funny bits that older readers should enjoy.
The most delightful aspect of the book is Gurihiru’s art which is every bit as good as the team’s work on the Gus Beezer one-shots. While there is a definite manga-esc flavor to the group’s art, there is also an obvious Disney-esc influence to it. It’s cartoonish but in an appropriately delightful manner.
Rounding out the package is a short five-page backup story entitled “Tons of Fun” starring Franklin Richards in a Calvin & Hobbes homage of sorts. The art’s by Chris Eliopulos is a little cruder the Gurihiru’s, but the artist does show a talent for facial expressions and sight gags. It’s a hoot.
In short while this incarnation of Power Pack is unlikely to set the world on fire, I’m very glad to have read this book, and younger readers will love this.
