By Andy Williams
An anthology is always a harder sell due to its make-up. By definition it is simply a collection of non-flowing parts – and in this case, different artists and writers. There are inevitably strong stories and some weaker. That being said, That All Star Bulletproof Kid hits more strong notes than it misses.
Our hero, Anthony Fisher/the eponymous Bulletproof Kid is shown to be a typical school kid, having to explain being slightly out of touch (being a secret superhero and all), dodging bullies and hoping for school to be over. So far, pretty well trodden territory.
An anthology is always a harder sell due to its make-up. By definition it is simply a collection of non-flowing parts – and in this case, different artists and writers. There are inevitably strong stories and some weaker. That being said, That All Star Bulletproof Kid hits more strong notes than it misses.
Our hero, Anthony Fisher/the eponymous Bulletproof Kid is shown to be a typical school kid, having to explain being slightly out of touch (being a secret superhero and all), dodging bullies and hoping for school to be over. So far, pretty well trodden territory.
Whilst the superhero is clearly at the comic's heart, the dialogue between the characters is the stand out. There are some absolutely wonderful laughs to be had from its self-aware, glance-to-camera-and-wink conversations – particularly Bottoms Up and Not That Bulletproof Kid, to name check just two.
There’s some real depth explored in other stories – in particular, A Magic Bullet. It is ultimately the human moments in which That All Star Bulletproof Kid shines.
It’s clear that all involved have a passion for their stories. Some however do connect with the audience more than others – again, the inherent nature of an anthology. Obviously in the world created, there is a degree of leeway for reality, however there are occasions where that slightly spills into the absurd (possibly deliberately so). However it was those moments that served to show the quality of the dialogue and genuine relationships between the characters.
Arguably the major strength of the book is what hasn’t been told, its writers (and creator Matt Kyme) are not about to tell you each and every detail of their story, instead trusting their audience to figure this out for themselves. There is true potential and some joy to be had from the pages of That All Star Bulletproof Kid. It’s knowing, without being impenetrable. The artwork throughout the book is gorgeous, even with all the differing styles they seem to work very well. It’s very clear that the comic is extremely aware of its genre and loves this fact.
Kyme and co. have lovingly crafted a wonderfully entertaining book. Sign me up for issue #2!
There’s some real depth explored in other stories – in particular, A Magic Bullet. It is ultimately the human moments in which That All Star Bulletproof Kid shines.
It’s clear that all involved have a passion for their stories. Some however do connect with the audience more than others – again, the inherent nature of an anthology. Obviously in the world created, there is a degree of leeway for reality, however there are occasions where that slightly spills into the absurd (possibly deliberately so). However it was those moments that served to show the quality of the dialogue and genuine relationships between the characters.
Arguably the major strength of the book is what hasn’t been told, its writers (and creator Matt Kyme) are not about to tell you each and every detail of their story, instead trusting their audience to figure this out for themselves. There is true potential and some joy to be had from the pages of That All Star Bulletproof Kid. It’s knowing, without being impenetrable. The artwork throughout the book is gorgeous, even with all the differing styles they seem to work very well. It’s very clear that the comic is extremely aware of its genre and loves this fact.
Kyme and co. have lovingly crafted a wonderfully entertaining book. Sign me up for issue #2!
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