By Hunter T. Patrick

Those dumb babies. Rugrats #8 is a comic that continues to feature independent stories in each issue, resembling the classic cartoon series. This issue has a plot about Angelica wanting money for a Cynthia video game. To make the money she uses Phil and Lil’s abilities to make the grossest, ickiest mud pies around to sell for the pretty high price of a quarter. Angelica just wants all the quarters while the twins just want the highest quality of mud possible for their pies. Chaos ensues. This is indeed classic Rugrats.

The writing this time around feels much more strongly to the TV show and is a more enjoyable read. There are many great lines said by various characters that are quite enjoyable. Rugrats #8 itself feels to have a good number of mini side plots. There is a great number of threads introduced, and the issue succeeds in covering them all. There are great heart and humor sprinkled throughout and it does not seem to lack any of either. The story is fulfilling for the various things introduced and is a stellar addition for the Rugrats comic and the Rugrats franchise. If looking for a fix for the absence of Rugrats in all this time, this is the best place to go.

Rugrats was a cartoon and as such the art matters strongly for the comic. Unfortunately, Rugrats #8 does not copy the exact cartoon feel. It is not a lack of trying as it does look pretty closely, but it is a lack of success. For example, looking at the first few pages does Chuckie look really off compared to his cartoon counterpart. Rugrats #8 is a separate entity than the Rugrats cartoon, so it should not be judged strictly on it. Mud is shown throughout the issue, and surprisingly no one even looks like they came across the mud. Phil and Lil are occasionally shown with mud on their hands but clean for the rest of their bodies. No one is shown even muddy, unless occasionally the hands, or completely in mud. It lacks any depth for a comic that wants to show mud. That may turn some readers off who wants consistency in the artwork and storytelling, but otherwise, for other readers, it is easily excusable.

Rugrats #8 is a very fun ride and it is one that Rugrats fans should love. Rugrats purists will enjoy classic dialogue structure and iconic storytelling, whereas for the art they will not love because of the differences compared to the Rugrats TV show. Casual Rugrats fans and the Rugrats curious will enjoy this not knowing the difference in the two art styles. Comedic comics such as this may not be widely shown on stands and this helps for Rugrats to stand out. Those living in 90s nostalgia can get their fix with this comic and those unfortunate to never have seen the TV show can experience it now in a new form. Rugrats has begun to embrace the new medium and it is all the better for it.

Score: 4/5

Rugrats #8
BOOM! Studios