I feel like everything under the sun is getting licensed as a comic these days. I’ve recently read Back to the Future, Grumpy Cat, and Call of Duty comic books, and I think to myself: will we draw the line anywhere or just keep going until our own destruction happens with “Honey Boo Boo #0- Pumpkin Awakens”“. So, when I saw Smosh #1 was hitting shelves this week, I specifically asked for it to review, partly because I’ve been a YouTube addict in the past and partly so that I could point out how dumb these adaptations are getting. Fortunately, this comic was actually pretty good as a comedy “superhero”“ book because it isn’t even about Smosh. In fact, there“s no reference to anything remotely YouTube related and, honestly, it sends mixed signals to readers wanting to see Smosh (composed of Ian and Anthony) in comic form. However, I didn’t care by the end because it’s a solid book with gags and corny teenage hijinks that I could legitimately laugh at.
This book introduces us to a group of three teenage boys who refer to themselves as “The Super Virgin Squad”“. Personally, I’d never advertise this, but this transparent approach adds to the appeal of the book. Each member has a special yet unconventional superpower which we are led to believe is derived from the fact that their fruits have yet to be plucked, if you catch my drift. So when they discover that one of their moms is on a blind internet date, they go out to investigate the potential suitor to protect Mom“s best interests. Aforementioned hijinks ensue.
Usually in these reviews, I go in-depth on art, coloring, and writing, but I’m abandoning that this time. Instead, it“s all about the writing since every other aspect is acceptable without being extraordinary. Michael McDermott writes these guys as lame, nerdy types whose abstinence results in uncanny abilities. In fact, I thought from my first taste of the story that the whole thing would just be garbage, but it really isn’t. The jokes are stupid in a good way, with just enough sexuality and adult content to be considered T for Teen. My personal favorite shtick was the “Chastity Cycle”“, a unicycle with a chastity belt for a seat that can connect to other cycles to create a centipede of sadness. The boys let their nerdiness shine through action figure envy and the comic exhibits self-awareness when telling the reader to Google obscure references.
There is a secondary story in the back completely unrelated to the Super Virgin Squad about a dude bragging about his new car to his neighbor and challenging him to a race, only to get smoked because his opponent “teleported”“. Unless this teleporting guy is also a virgin that will eventually join the SVS, this story is completely unnecessary, and poorly executed as well. I would much rather have seen more about the existing characters, or maybe integrate this new guy into the narrative, but ugh. Pass.
If you’re looking for a comic actually about Smosh, look elsewhere. I honestly have no clue what they even have to do with it at all! However, if you want a funny guy story involving superpowers, arson, and sexual frustration, give this one a shot. Just remember to skip the end section. In fact, this would-be 4 star review gets bumped down to a three just for that. Sorry, not sorry.
Good until the ending, 3 out of 5 Stars.
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Author Profile
- Robert joined Comic Crusaders in 2016 as contributor, but has been an active online voice through social media for almost ten years. His hobbies include reading and collecting comics, attending theme parks, making music, and driving his wife insane. Deadpool and Nightcrawler are his two favorite superheroes, and while his preference is Marvel, he dabbles in every major and indie label in the comics community. He graduated from UTPB in 2013 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and is currently seeking employment in that field. A southern boy at heart, he currently resides in the Midwest.
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