I can’t believe that I’m enjoying a series about imaginary friends as much as I am. Boom Studios has really brought something unique and fun for us to read. And don’t be fooled by the covers; this story isn’t really for kids. I think that the themes are pretty dark in nature, not overly dark, but just enough that anybody could get into the story. Brian Joines has created something special that I’m sure will always be remembered as a breath of fresh air in the comic book industry.
Furdlegurr has been kidnapped and Elliot is worried sick about him. What’s worse is that his newly found friend, Scott, is responsible. And what’s even more shocking is that Scott isn’t a friend at all, he’s not even a real boy. Turns out that Scott is in reality an imaginary friend named Dapple, and that he wants to bring the truth about the existence of imaginary friends to the world. This plan of his doesn’t just involve Furdlegurr, though, he also needs Elliot, and has decided to lead him to where he’s keeping Furdlegurr. What part will they both play in his diabolical plan? And just to keep things interesting, the two Imagine Agents are still on Dapple’s trail, but what they don’t know is that Dapple has organized a gang of former imaginary friends to help him see his scheme through to the end. He’s definitely planned ahead, and I’m afraid that he’ll be ready for them.
The writing in this issue is especially good. I wasn’t too sure if I would be sticking around for the long haul, but there was just something about the dialogue and the situation that kept me way more entertained this month. The situation seems much more dire and I can tell that big things are going to happen soon. Brian Joines does a really good job of leaving you hanging at the end. He also does a really good job of ending each parallel storyline within each issue.
The art is really cool. I’m really getting into the character designs. I’m a man who is completely comfortable with my sexuality, and can admit that a few of the imaginary friends are just adorable. Yeah, I said adorable. I kinda wish that I had one. Bachan is doing a terrific job with all of the characters so far. And Ruth Redmond’s colors are perfect. Of course, now that I’ve told you about how cute some of these characters are, it would be wrong of me to leave out that the evil ones are pretty mean looking, Especially Dapple. That dude looks ferocious. He’s a nice touch. I’ll say one more thing about Bachan’s art. Page two is a full page and it really kicked my butt. Watching that huge rag doll throw those agents around was quite the spectacle.
I recommend that you pick up this series. So far, it’s totally worth the investment and you won’t regret it. It reminds me of when I was a kid and I used to get worried about a character when they were going into a dark room, or when I heard the dramatic music would pick up right about the time that something bad was going to happen. It takes me back, and that right there makes all the difference.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Brian Joines Artist: Bachan Publisher: Boom Studios Price: $3.99 Release Date: 11/20/13