While the second issue of Eric Powell’s “Chimichanga†took a bit longer than expected, with months separating it from issue one, the end result is a great one that hints at the potential flavors it’ll have down the road.
Even though it may be a bit too early to tell, the concoction Powell is brewing here may be more magical than anything that Dagmar the Witch could come up with.
With political satire, the adorable bearded-girl Lula, a cast of carnival characters, a witch and a grotesque, but awesome “animal†in Chimichanga, this series has something for everyone.
Doing a rare thing in having you connect with Lula, who’s youth gives her a fresh and unique view on the world, this series takes you back to that magical Saturday morning feeling many older comic book fans haven’t experienced in quite some time. You know, when shows like “Punky Brewster†or “My Pet Monster†were on TV and kids, just by being honest, could have an impact on the world, full of butt-head adults. If that didn’t work, they always had a cool pet or monster by their side too that could take care of business. Creating this mid ’80s pop culture ambiance, Powell makes this series completely different fromâ€The Goon†and takes you on a reading experience that will have you smiling much more than any other comic book out right now.
However, while Lula is adorable, especially with her kiddie-speak, doing things and saying things that you wouldn’t expect from a lead character in a comic book series, there’s a plethora of political, social and economical satire that caters to the smart reader as well. Seeing Lula’s adversaries fight over her and Chimi is much more than a literal battle- it’s a fight over ethics, morals and the ability to live freely.
You may not see it first, but the potential layers here give Powell a ton of places to grow and make the series something worth keeping an eye on.
And they say ogres and onions have layers; they haven’t read this comic yet.
If all that fails to cut the mustard for you, the art style here is excellent as well, encompassing many of “The Goon†elements and playing with them enough to make them suitable here. For instance, the splash pages here show Chimi changing the size of his mouth to fit whatever he wants in there, while his facial expressions are so sound that it doesn’t matter if the character utters a word or not- you absolutely know what’s on his mind.
Not bad for a comic in black and white.
All in all, with this more than engaging story developing and Powell’s signature art style, “Chimichanga†looks like a series many will eventually see as special.
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