Reviewer: Mathan “I’ve Too Much Money” Erhardt
Story Title: N/A
Written by: Joe Casey
Penciled by: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Inked by: Sandra Hope
Colored by: Randy Mayor
Lettered by: Richard Starkings & Rob Steen
Cover: Rian Hughes & Jim Lee
Editor: Alex Sinclair
Publisher: Wildstorm/DC Comics
The issue opens with Destra testing her skills in the Seminary Simulation Center (like the Danger Room). Even though she’s an underclassman she has access because of connections to upperclassmen. We then find out a bit more about the deal that Devonshire Company has with the Seminary, in regards to supplying their food.
Then we find Punchy and Duke complaining that Sykes doesn’t have to answer questions in class. After that we find Miss Klanbaid, Prnicipal Bigg, Mr. Dashett and Destra taking a conference call with Destra’s father in regards to having a student dance, which the Seminary has never had.
Mr. Biggs caves in and Destra goes about planning a dance. Kefong, Punchy and Duke all discuss the pros and cons of having a dance, but determine that a dance is a good way to score with chicks. At the dance everyone is having a good time. An upperclassman, which Punchy looks up to, spikes the punch, with electricity, which results in an explosion injuring a fellow student.
Sykes pretends to dance with Empty Vee (whose natural state is invisible) so that she can hook up with a member of the band playing the dance. Then Kefong breaks out the cardboard and starts breakdancing. Duke and Destra share a dance, much to Punchy’s dismay. The issue ends with everyone talking about the dance while eating the next day.
Casey writes characters that are very “hip”, but that you don’t really care about. The idea of having a first dance at a school is interesting, but leaves a bit to be desired. The use of the bits of info at the bottom of each page to give backstory is a nice touch. However more often than not, they just annoy. Without an ongoing storyline or characters that compel, this title is easy to drop.
Camuncoli is a real find in terms of art. Sykes malleable shield is oft hilarious, and ever character looks distinct. Some of the real pleasure of this book is looking at the characters in the background. Hope’s inks match it very nicely. And breakdancing has rarely looked better.
