Review: Good Boy #3 (of 3)

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

3 years ago

Stories that feature andromorphic characters ever since Mickey starred in Steamboat Willie. Of course, things get a little crazy when said mouse has a best friend who is a dog and actually owns dog! That aside, Disney, amongst others, have made a living off having animals do human things. This then bring us to this book; have you ever imagined what the movie John Wick would be like if the puppy could walk and talk like a human and if John Wick and not the puppy had been killed? Pick up this book and your curiosity may well be sated.

Flint Sparks has lost Tiffany and now his John has been killed. All that Flint and John had wanted to do was to retire from an industry that doesn’t like living retirees. Now on a mission to avenge John, Flint is proving that his bark and his bite are no match for his gunmanship. But he better be careful; its cats not dogs that enjoy nine lives!

Garrett Gunn and Christina Blanch are the dynamic duo who have sort of twisted the settings around to give the reader something fun, familiar with an added quirk for good measure. Its a pacy book for sure, with Gunn and Blanch looking at entwining set pieces into a more coherent whole. I mentioned John Wick earlier on purpose; the violence and action is of the same sort of standard as in the movie; vicious, unbelievable and totally over the top! The dialogue is a terse affair with threats and knowing tells of past misdemeanours.

The art and colors are supplied by Kit Wallis who gives the book a cartoon look that reminds me of some of the more adult ‘toons. The over the top violence works well in Wallis’ hands, with facial expressions well worked to convey the thoughts of Flint and the cast of the crowded gangster world. Whilst the situations seem similar, Wallis keeps the book fun and frenetic. The colors can be a tad bold in places covering the a less detailed background at times. Letters are supplied by Dave Lentz who delivers a scratchy font in places before reverting to a bold type, which adds strength to proceedings.

There is a risk that when you nail your success to an idea or trope, that you can be judged by that which has gone before. Thankfully, Gunn, Blanch and Wallis have taken their inspiration. and ran in a completely bonkers yet fun direction.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Written by; Garrett Gunn & Christina Blanch
Art & Colors by; Kit Wallis
Letters by; Dave Lentz
Published by; Source Point Press

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network