Published on June 2nd, 2015 | by Steven Roman
Review: Psycho Bonkers #1
What the hell…? An all-ages title from Aspen Comics, the home of scantily clad heroines with supermodel bodies? Being reviewed here at Comics for Sinners, the last Internet refuge for fans of politically incorrect bad-girl comics? Good Lord. I think this might be one of the signs of the Apocalypse…
Part Mario Kart and part Speed Racer (in particular the Wachowskis’ 2008 film adaptation), Psycho Bonkers #1, by writer/creator Vince Hernandez (Lola XOXO: Wasteland Madam, Wolverine and Deadpool) and artist Adam Archer (Ratchet & Clank, Scribblenauts Unmasked: A Crisis of Imagination), introduces race-car driver Shine, her robotic sidekick/mechanic Gabbo, and her talking car Shiza (named after her mother), and Shine’s quest to win the latest iteration of the annual Bonk Rally. Psychologically, there’s a lot of self-placed pressure on her to succeed, what with racing being in her blood: her father and grandfather were Bonk-winning drivers. And both were killed by her father’s sentient, murderous car, Fuel, which has already made one attempt on Shine’s life and is probably lurking in the shadows, biding its time to strike again during the race. But Shine seems gleefully up to any and all challenges.
Although not usually the sort of title I read—my general interest in kids’ comics pretty much begins and ends at my friend Sholly Fisch’s Scooby-Doo Team-Up—and something of a big step outside the box for the T&A-leaning Aspen Comics, Psycho Bonkers is a fun comic with an appealing young heroine readers just might fall in love with. So if you have kids, or know any who might be interested in a high-octane adventure, then you might want to introduce them to Shine and her cast of characters. And, y’know, it’s okay if you want to read it, too, adults. A good time will be had by all.
Bottom line? With its likeable lead character, video game–inspired artwork, and fast-paced but informative story, Psycho Bonkers is certain to appeal to both girls and boys looking for something different from all the adult-oriented superhero comics clogging the shelves at their local comic shop. And isn’t about time that kids had something to read, too?
Psycho Bonkers #1
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art and main cover by Adam Archer
Publisher: Aspen Comics
32 pages • full-color
$3.99 U.S.
Now on sale