While solid, this second issue isn’t as strong as the first. Some of that weakness has to do with the content. Here we get introduced to Gonzo as Captain Hook. There are some very funny lines–especially with Rizzo the Rat as Gonzo’s first mate–but there’s definitely something off. Kermit (as Peter Pan) is barely in the issue. Even when he visually dominates, there’s something behind him going on to reduce his import. The focus is off here. It doesn’t wander so much as it’s misaligned.

I get why it’s difficult–the pacing of a Peter Pan adaptation requires a lot of separate introductions, but it’s a four issue limited series. Hook’s introduction is a first act kind of thing, but the limited series medium doesn’t really allow enough room. So Randolph’s hands are a little tied.

It’s still funny, especially Piggy.

Oh, and I hate the digital backgrounds.

Reading Muppet Peter Pan, I’m confused why Boom! didn’t open with this series, at least as far as their themed Muppet comics go. I also want to mention I had a chance to get an Amy Mebberson sketch cover at C2E2 and did not because I hadn’t read Peter Pan yet and now greatly regret it. Mebberson’s art nearly makes the book. It’s outstanding (she seems to spend time making sure Piggy is pretty), nicely straddling making the Muppets cute and kid friendly while still turning in good artwork.

But Randolph’s writing, her use of adult humor–I mean, Sam the Eagle’s jingoistic narration works beautifully, as does Piggy’s bent-out-of-shape Tinkerbell–makes the comic a lot more fun than it probably should be.

It’s a brisk, but involving read. I like how it doesn’t rush us to Neverland yet, instead concentrating on just being a solid narrative.