Even though Hollywood has found a way to take any halfway decent comic over the past decade into the theaters, Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.’s “Kickass†screams “make me a movie.”
It’s just that cool.
Channeling every reader’s inner comic book geek, “Kickass†is loud, lewd and loquacious, in the best way possible, making for an offbeat trade that you will remember long after you read it.
If you’ve read his runs on “Daredevil†and “The Ultimates,†you know that Millar knows how to tell a deep and intricate story, but doesn’t mind throwing in a laugh from time to time. Taking a step away from that, Millar crafts a witty tale that feels like “The Wonder Years†meets “Superbad,†with some Deadpool thrown in for good measure.
Following the exploits of Dave Lizewski, a mediocre teenager who makes his dreams of becoming a super hero come true, “Kickass†instantly draws you into its world. Chances are, if you’re reading the trade, you’ve had to deal with many problems Lizewski is forced to, such as with friends, family and women. That essentially makes the trade that much more fun to read.
Seriously, there aren’t many times you have a scene of a wanna-be super hero fighting crime one second and then a quick peak at a single father having sex on the couch the next.
Little moments like this give “Kickass†the feel of something much different from your average comic book and one that will have you coming back for more.
Now with Millar’s writing setting an extra vivid scene, a very special artist is needed to bring these thoughts to life. Luckily, Romita Jr. is no slouch in this department and draws an extra sexy world that is full of suspense, fun and intrigue. Seeing the cleavage on Lizewski’s teacher will take you back to your high school days, while the extra bloody fight scenes will remind you of “Reservoir Dogs.â€
All in all, it’s one of JRJR’s best works over the past decade, especially considering how weak some of his most recent work has been. That being said, fans of his work will truly enjoy this trade and will be reminded of better days.
Overall, like a perfectly-blended drink, after reading “Kickass,†you’ll be forced to take a deep breath and utter one, single word.
Ah.
Quite refreshing that a comic book doesn’t have to be exactly about super heroes to be special, but make no mistake about it, there is definitely something super about this trade.
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