Reviews form a Noob: The Muppet Show Comic Book #1-3 review by Lisa L.

I grew up in the 80s which, of course, means I grew up with reruns of The Muppet Show. The whole family used to sit down to watch. My folks would giggle over stuff we didn't get and we laughed out loud at things that made my folks smile. It was the epitome of family TV, a little something for everyone wrapped up in a fuzzy slapstick ribbon. And when I watch the DVD releases now, I smile at the simple jokes and roar at the ones that went over my head as a 5 year old.

So I was pretty keen when BOOM! Kids' new series The Muppet Show Comic Book landed in my lap. The 4-part series, written and illustrated by Roger Langridge, brings back the familiar faces and skits of the show. The comic is issued monthly, with issue one having been released in March.




The format of the comic matches the format of the show, minus the theme song. Langridge uses some of the same skits from the show as breaks in the ongoing story of each comic. Like the show there's no ties to the main story from one book to the next but there is a series theme, "The Story of...", with issue one focusing on Kermit, two on Fozzie, and three on Gonzo. (Anyone want to run a pool on issue four? My bet is Rowlf.) The stories aren't "origin stories", just the main character in the story that issue. Skits that make an appearance are Pigs in Space (in all 3 so far), Muppet Labs, Veterinarian's Hospital, and the Swedish Chef. And, of course, every one's favourite critics, Statler and Waldorf. The stories are all very kid-friendly, with happy resolutions and little lessons. Kermit gets news about the old swamp and feels homesick but realizes he'll always carry a part of the swamp with him. Fozzie hits a comedy roadblock and after trying to reinvent his act realizes he was always funniest when being himself. And after everyone tries to figure out just what Gonzo is, he reminds us (in a subtle way) it's not what you are but who you are that's important.

Now, as a longtime Muppet fan (and fan of Jim Henson in general), I have to say for me the show didn't translate so well to print. Slapstick really is a live action comedy genre, although kids may be able to get it better than me. Another thing I couldn't get into was the characters had facial expressions. And gestures. And legs. That they walked on. Okay, yes, they had things like that in the TV show as well, but in illustrated format the motions are more Muppet Babies than Muppet Show. Again, this just could be my 30-something brain screaming "But it's NOT the SAME!!", and a kid will have no issues with it. Although one skit just didn't translate at all, and that was the Swedish Chef. His humour really lies in being able to hear him speak, reading it just didn't work. Well, maybe to a kid it would.

Okay, so, that said, if you grew up watching the Muppets, and loved them, get this for your kids, nieces, nephews, or grand kids to introduce them to the Muppets and comics in general. It's fun and light and a great way to encourage kids to read. And it's a nice way to give them more than the DVD seasons of The Muppet Show. But if you're looking to drum up a little nostalgia? Stick with the DVDs.