By Damien Becton

Alterna Comics has been making a name for themselves by publishing not only comic books that are not only extremely affordable (they’re mostly $1.25), but also creating and publishing truly engaging and unique stories. By publishing Cyko-KO, Alterna ventures into an even more unique and uncharted territory with a 70’s sitcom inspired, 4th-wall breaking, and all-ages aimed comic. Certainly a unique premise, but it does not mean anything if it isn’t executed well. Fortunately, it is and you’re in for a pretty good time if you’re Cyko-KO’s intended audience.

This book stars (what I assume is) a cyborg superhero that is a surfing champion… yes, you read that right. The premise of this debut issue is simple, Cyko-KO returns to his hometown and is challenged by his arch nemesis, Cuda Cano, to a surfing contest for bragging rights. Along the way, the titular character (and his friends) acknowledges that he’s a comic book character, cross paths with a giant squid, and meets an anthropomorphic dolphin. If you’re cool with what you’ve just read in this paragraph, then I’d suspect you would enjoy this book as much as I did.

The art by writer/creator of the character, Rob Feldman, is also great to look at. It is a mix of classic 60’s and 70’s art, a Hanna Barbera cartoon, and Michael Allred. It is truly appropriate for what the book is going for. There are plenty of visual gags in the issue and, for the most part, Feldman does a great job executing the visual jokes. Lastly, the colors look great - they pop out, are extremely bright and vibrant, and are a joy to look at. It is a great contrast from many of the other dark and grim books on my pull-list.

While, for most of the book, the jokes are on point and are done well, there some jokes that didn’t hit as well. There were times where I didn’t crack a smile when I knew that I was supposed to, but these moments are few and far between and I’m probably just nitpicking. Again, maybe that’s exactly what the creators were going for.

Cyko-KO is what you get when you mix Deadpool, the 60’s Batman television show, and The Brady Bunch. This book does not pretend to be anything that it isn’t . It knows exactly what it is trying to be: an over-the-top, kid-friendly, goofy, all-ages comedic superhero book. Just look at the cover and you will  know what you are in for. If you are down for a colorful comic that doesn’t take itself seriously at all (and with a wallet-friendly price tag), Cyko-KO might be the perfect book for you.

Score: 4/5

Cyko-Ko! #1
Alterna Comics