Review: Psycho Bonkers #4

No big secret that I’ve been enjoying Psycho Bonkers from Aspen Comics. It’s been a fun all-ages title that while not perfect, very enjoyable. Until now. This last issue, in what’s clearly just the first volume, was rushed. Psycho_Bonkers-04a-ArcherWhich is just strange.There’s been so much time on the setup. Three issues worth and yet the ending is just rapid fire, get to the finish line. Everything is also a bit anti-climactic as well. In the past storyline we’ve already gotten all of the reveals and answers to why Shine’s dad’s car went crazy. In the present, we see Shine overcome one last challenge on the race course… but it feels completely unnecessary.

Frankly the emotional build up was too much and ultimately left the ending feeling insincere. It’s clearly trying to screw with your emotions, but we’ve already had enough ups and downs in the series that you’re numb to it by the time you reach this issue. That and the finish to the race seemed… cheap. The danger it was putting forth felt anything but dangerous.

The art has been a consistent treat throughout the series. There’s some proportion problems in this issue in which Shine looks a lot older than she is, but other than that it’s been solid. Great coloring and a style that’s inviting to anyone that looks at it.

I wish there was more to say about this final issue. I wish it was better, but rather than thread the story for another volume they chose to wrap everything up in a bow this time around. It leaves this issue feeling rushed which is a shame since it deserved better. If you’ve been following the book it’s worth a read.


Score: 2/5


Psycho Bonkers #4 Writer: Vince Hernandez Artist: Adam Archer Colorist: Federico Blee Publisher: Aspen Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/23/15 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital