Review: Edison Rex #2

True intent of this series becomes clear in this issue as our main character Rex tries to win the favor of the media! It’s a slap stick style comic with a bit of sass and a lot of references to other comic book character. It was a fun time reading this issue and it’s much clearer what the pacing and tone of the series is going to be like now.

While doing his morning workout Rex and his female companion M’Alizz listen to the news only to hear Rex’s good deed from the ending of the first issue painted out as if he were still a villain. He does have a long history of being a bad dude so it’s no surprise that after one act of heroics that no one’s taking him seriously, but yet he expected it. He hears another news story about the Neclear Norseman marching around Mt. Rushmore and Rex decides he’s going to take him out... when enough news cameras show up.

The story is fun, goofy and well written. Slap stick comedy is difficult to get right; if you lean one way more than the other it all comes tumbling down. Roberson does a great job with the pacing of the story which allows the comedic beats to hit at all the right times. Rex’s character becomes fleshed out in this issue and even though he’s suddenly a good guy, he’s still all ego. The story reminded me a lot of Incorruptible at times, but obviously much lighter and with a feel good vibe to it.

I’m dying to see M’Alizz in action and hopefully that comes soon. She’s a hot green alien babe that has sworn allegiance to Rex. She reminds me of the Pretzel episode in Simpsons in which the Italian Mafia and the Japanese Yakuza square off in the Simpsons front yard and Homer is obsessed with the little guy in white. I know she’s going to do something cool, but don’t do it behind a closed door I beg you.

With this issue I was able to place the familiarity of the art style. It’s very reminiscent of Frank Cho’s style with the chiseled jaw lines and body structure. It’s actually really cool to see such a familiar style, but of course there are nuances all its own to the style; great art with some really interesting panel layouts that give the action a dynamic look.

For only a dollar you can grab this book digitally and I have to say it’s more than worth it. The issue is only twelve pages long minus the cover and extras, but it gets in and out and remains entertaining for the entire issue. It’s an interesting formula and I’m curious to see how it pans out when it comes to the trade paper back. One thing is for sure that it may be ten pages shorter than the typical DC or Marvel book, but it’s also a third of the cost… makes you think doesn’t it. Check it out and for less than the price of a “Big Two” digital book you can buy both issues of this series.

Score: 4/5

Writer: Chris Roberson

Artist: Dennis Culver

Publisher: Monkey Brain Comics

Price: $ .99

Release Date: 9/4/12

Website: MonkeyBrainComics.com