Tag: R. Kikuo Johnson

The Shark King (2012)


I understand The Shark King is based on a Hawaiian fable, but it’s supposed to be an “easy-to-read comic” for kids. I’m a little confused why R. Kikuo Johnson didn’t soften the bigotry of the island people when they discover the lead character is a mutant and also why the dad gets to be such a deadbeat. The dad is the titular Shark King… He deceives a human woman into bearing his child.

The story’s misogynist, but I suppose Johnson tones it down a little. Maybe he just didn’t realize it. Maybe in The Shark King 2 the mother will get her due.

The art’s very nice at the beginning, but Johnson gets lazy once the kid shows up. Shark King becomes goofy at times and the visual impact dissipates.

I’m not sure this comic would do much for kids besides convince them not to read more comics.

Strange Tales (2009) #2

St2

The second issue starts real strong with Bertozzi’s perv Watcher intro and then immediately drops. Tony Millionaire’s Iron Man manages to be a wee bit learned to be effective. Maybe I just don’t see Iron Man as ripe for humor, except maybe drunk jokes–regardless, grafting absurdism with Marvel heroes doesn’t work in the story.

Johnson’s Fantastic Four story is well-illustrated but incredibly lame (Johnson basically tries to come up with every awkward blind joke he can). Not sure if it’s disappointing, but it helps set the tone for the issue (one of failure).

The Brother Voodoo thing’s lame.

Then there’s the fantastic Vasquez M.O.D.O.K. story and some good FF stuff (lots of FF stuff this issue). Chabot’s FF is the strongest thing this issue overall.

Again, the Bagge Hulk disappoints. The Kindt Black Widow is pointless.

There’s some nice artwork here, nothing slacking, but the writing doesn’t match.