This week on Off the Cape, I’m highlighting the all-ages gloriousness of Image Comics title Reed Gunther. This title from brothers Shane and Chris Houghton features a metric ton of mustaches, monsters, and a cowboy who rides a bear (who also happens to be his best friend). I know, I know, that sold you on the title – a cowboy…that rides a bear – but I’m going to go on praising this book after the jump.
For those that are unfamiliar with the title, here’s a quick elevator pitch for the title, straight from the Reed Gunther site:
Follow Reed Gunther and his trusty bear, Sterling, as they ride through the adventurous Old West! Whether they’re battling supernatural monsters, tracking down slimy villains, or catching a runaway train… you can bet they wish they were doing something else!
Also, if you’re interested the first trade is available for a great price on Amazon. Check by later here to see a special Movember article about the ‘staches of Reed Gunther.
Recently on Twitter, I saw a few high profile creators talking about how having your comic labeled as “fun” is a kiss of death for sales. In their estimation, people just don’t buy books with the dreaded “f” word associated with that.
Here’s where I apologize in advance to Shane and Chris Houghton, the co-creators of Reed Gunther, because that book is FUN.
And it’s not just me who says that, as superstar artist Guy Davis says the same thing in his introduction to the first trade paperback collection of the first five issues to this Image Comics series (the first four had originally been self-published by the brothers). Everything from the first page (with Reed Gunther lamenting that his faithful bear pal Sterling can’t talk) to the last (with the villains getting a proper amount of comeuppance) oozes a good time, both in the silly but sharp script and in Chris’ cartoony but expressive art.
Another thing that people seem to fear in their comic books happens to be the moniker of “all ages,” but this book is not something that suffers from being childish or dumbed down. Like Pixar’s beloved films, Reed Gunther manages to never pander to either audience but instead chooses to embrace the strengths of its story and characters that best fulfills the wants and needs of all audiences at the same time.
For example, I don’t care if you’re young or old, it’s always fun to see a bear (with a slew of people on his back) escaping a caving in chasm by leaping up falling rocks (as you can see to the right). That’s just universally amazing, and an image that would have sold me in a heartbeat. Of course, it helps that Chris is such a phenomenally talented artist, as he completely sells the thrill and humor of the moment with his energetic and well choreographed art.
Unlike a lot of comics these days, Reed Gunther is a book that tells a great adventure without taking itself too seriously or getting too weighted down by continuity, with characters that are charmingly stupid and impressively adept all at the same time.
Shane Houghton has written a comic that can be genuinely enjoyed by anyone without the need of a Wikipedia page or a PHD in comic sciences, and it’s told in a light, brisk pace that makes the inventiveness and wit stand out all the better. His brother Chris brings it all to life in a perfect marriage of art and script, as his visuals sell the humor and excitement. It’s perfect synergy from a creative team, which you wouldn’t expect from brothers (oh wait…).
Reed Gunther is hilarious, but it’s also smart. It’s charming, but it’s also cleverly designed. It’s cowboy, but it’s also bear. Basically, it’s the bees knees and a book that is flat out fun, no matter what the negative connotations of that negative word may be.
Or, to put it even shorter, BISCUITS AND GRAVY!
