REVIEW: The Schlub #5

Christopher R. Ford

12 months ago

The penultimate issue is here with The Schlub #5. Is Roger ready, willing, and able to shed the schlub label, finally become a hero, and save the world?

The final showdown for possession of the most powerful body in the universe has officially begun as Roger has to come face-to-face with Worm and save Cirrus and his ex-wife Sarah. And time is of the essence as mere moments remain for Roger and Cirrus to switch bodies before they’re both trapped in one another’s. In this issue Roger finally feels at one with his superpowered body and gets to strut his stuff. It’s a cool power-fantasy moment as Roger completes his transition from zero to hero…almost. No spoilers, but let’s just say things don’t go completely according to plan. Writers Ryan Stegman and Kenny Porter do an excellent job of incorporating back story/exposition, mixing it with humor, and throwing in a good amount of action. Revelations are made, the tension is high but it’s still a fun romp.

The art remains in lock-step with the over-the-top power fantasy vibe of the storytelling. Roger in his superhero body is big and buff with great hair while his real body…not so much. The drastic difference between the two is a visual storytelling mechanic in and of itself. The action is well represented as well. Roger isn’t holding back and is doing some straight-up cool stuff in this issue now that he is in complete control of his new body and abilities. Panels jump off the page thanks to great action shots and bright and bold colors. Again, the comic book superhero power fantasy theme. The art team of Tyrell Cannon (art) and Mike Spicer (colors) definitely understood the assignment.

The Schlub #5 is a throwback to comics of the 90’s and early 00’s. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but gives the reader just enough emotional weight to want to see what happens to the characters. The writing is often on-the-nose, but in a good way. And it’s mix of humor, action, and the lead character being both OP and a newbie, gives Shazam and Spider-Man vibes. Another major positive of the issue is its accessibility. Even though it is the next to last issue, it is still an excellent jumping-on point with well written bread crumbs to help the reader piece together the events of the previous four issues. This is a triple-threat match for the ages. Will the villainous Worm get control of the vessel? Will Roger and Cirrus be able to complete the body transfer in in time or will Roger be the new permanent super being? It’s all coming to a head and in this highly recommended prequal to the finale.

Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4,5 Stars
Coloring – 3.5 Stars

Overall
4 Stars

Written by; Ryan Stegman and Kenny Porter
Art by; Tyrell Cannon
Colors by; Mike Spicer
Letters by; John J. Hill
Published by; Image Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.