Sometimes, super heroes take all the fun out of comics. With colorful costumes, super powers and super villains galore, it’s a tried and true formula that works, but every once in a while, a better story, involving the average Joe comes along.
While it’s not completely tame, as it’s wrapped in supernatural elements, “The Pound†[The first issue is available for free on IDW’s I-Pad app] is essentially about two guys down on their luck. Considering the state of the current economy in the United States, this title comes along at a great time. Easily identifiable, it’s a solid book for the average comic book fan or anyone looking for a quick laugh.
With its visual story, it would make an excellent television show as well.
However, while the art by Karl Waller is colorful and vibrant and allows the reader to quickly feel at home, the easily accessible characters are the reason why this book is so enjoyable. Rather than wait around and collect their severance packages or unemployment after Cleveland Animal Control lays them off, Scott Allison and Howard Lynch take control of their future by starting their own company.
Their relationship is a fun one, with Scott [and his awesome Triple-H inspired mustache] being more of a father figure to the often-anxious Howard. Add in a bit of Abbott and Costello hi-jinx and werewolves and you have a fun first issue of a five part series that is sure to entertain.
Writer Stephan Nilson does a stellar job in the first issue and develops these characters in ways that make them likeable. Scott is experienced and a bit of a wiseass and hustler, but tough when he has to be. His relationship with his wife and family is incredibly authentic as well. This provides the book with the kind of depth it needs to thrive.
Is there anything better than a man willing to capture wild animals to put food on the table for his family?
On the other hand, Howard is young and impressionable, but is eager to please. Through his impulsive actions, the story is able to continue at several moments of the first issue. While a bit boneheaded, he’s an effective catalyst. Ultimately, it all works well and together, they form a fun duo that is entertaining with every flip of the page.
With this buddy animal cop/thriller formula in place, the first issue of “The Pound†is worthy of your eyes and mind’s most deepest and relaxed atention. It won’t make you laugh out loud, but it will induce a smirk in the first few pages that won’t leave until the last.
Thanks for the glowing review. I’m thrilled to see people are enjoying the story. The OGN arrives in stores this Wednesday, and if happen to be in the Orlando area this weekend (on the 24th) we’re doing a book and brew bash for the release of The Pound and Pirate Pig Ale (the beer from The Pound). https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204334976298146
Cheers,
Stephan
I’ll echo Stephan, thanks for the wonderful review. The Abbot and Costello take on their interaction is a charming surprise as I was going with more of a “Gilligan+Shaggy” feel with the way I handled Howie. Looking back through the story, uh………..it IS Abbot and Costello, you nailed it.
Thanks again………………………………Karl