Return of the Gremlins Review: Fun at its Core

“Disney” has created a ton of properties over its existence. Most people are familiar with the movies, the parks and the TV shows. What some people don’t know is that “Disney” has been making comics for decades. One of the comics is called “The Gremlins” which is about a race of small people called Gremlins who spend their time destroying airplanes.

These little people were created by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” author Roald Dahl. “Return of the Gremlins” by Mike Richardson with art by Dean Yeagle, Nelson Rhodes and Fabio Laguna is the sequel to the first comic about a World War II RAF pilot named Gus who met the gremlins and made a deal with them to save their home. “Dark Horse” has compiled all three issues, including some extras to make “Disney Magic.”

Gus, the grandson of the original Gus, goes to his Grandfather’s home in England with the intent of selling it. There he encounters the gremlins who tell him that his grandfather promised them the house and the land around it. Now Gus has to save his grandfather’s home against a greedy lawyer and the town’s mayor who want to build a park in its place.

The story may sound a little at first, but you need to remember that “Disney” is famous for making stories out of tiny things. Plus, yes, the villain is the typical mustache twirling bad guy. Despite that, the story is still a fun read. This is the type of story you remember watching back in the day when “Disney” showed its cartoon shorts on prime time. The characters have that classic “Disney” touch that makes them likable despite their faults. Plus, it doesn’t talk down to its audience.

The art also has the “Disney” look to them. If you’re familiar with what “Disney’s” shorts looked like before they went CGI this hits that style perfectly. It’s rather nostalgic for anyone who’s grown up with “Disney.”

The comic also features the first “Gremlins” story along with others. They are pretty clever and have a charm of their own. The art, though old, does not look dated at all which shows how great the artists were when they drew this. There’s also an interesting “Gremlins” story that was featured in the December 1942 issue of “Cosmopolitan.” All of these are well worth the price of the comic.

“Return of the Gremlins” is classic “Disney” magic with a great story, art and extras to keep you busy. If you’ve never experienced “Gremlins” or have known about them for a while this is the perfect comic to pick up.