Sex Criminals has become a runaway hit for Image Comics and its creators, Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky. It’s the story of Suzie and John and their “super” ability of being able to stop time during the act of sex. While discovering that they each have that ability, the idea of robbing banks comes up and the series has thus far followed in on the couple’s hijinks in following through with their acts of crime. Hey, it’s victimless (Hell, it kind of is fun you know). Up until issue three, the story has been filled with witty dialogue, sexual history exploration, and shenanigans. I’m happy to report that three continues on that vein, but things start to get serious here… the couple actually have some time apart from each other. Also, some dead serious things occur at the end, but you are going to have to read it to find out what it is. You owe it to yourself to read it. Despite the controversy, despite what some people say (iTunes have actually refused to sell the series), this is a “fun” story. It’s not for everyone and it especially isn’t for younger children, but Sex Criminals is done with the upmost respect and taste as can be done for well, a comic about sexual super powers. I can truly say that it isn’t really like anything I have seen within the larger publisher owned works. It is quite unique. This isn’t the Fantastic Four, unless of course, Mr. Fantastic used his powers to become the world’s greatest porn star (A good fallback career for him I would say). No, Sex Criminals is silly, sexy, a little voyeuristic, and a true indulgence that is well worth the hype that has been heaped upon it these last few months.
Fraction and Zdarsky are having fun here with Suzie and John, and that fun is being passed on to the reader. The dialogue is great. The art… it’s really cool. And the story itself is something that two drunken buddies might come with at the bar and everyone tells them, “Dudes, you should totally do that.” Well, Fraction and Zdarsky have done it and it is to everyone’s benefit.
There are so many great moments that I really do not have enough room to write about them all. I will just say that things are great. I particularly liked Suzie’s rendition of a certain Queen song that gets what could be called a strong censorship treatment. It had me rolling and humming the song as I read (seemed appropriate to me).
The art is fresh, playful and yes, fun. Suzie and John are two people who are developing a relationship through sex and crime. And it works. It works for them and it especially works for us folks who are reading their story.
All in all, Sex Criminals is what you have begun to expect with this title. It’s ballsy, unapologetic, and fun. I know I have said fun like a million times in this review, but that is what it is… fun. Sex Criminals is a winner and everyone should go to their local comic store (or online) and demand their copy today without fear or embarrassment. You will be glad that you did.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Chip Zdarsky Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 11/20/13