Peanuts #23 (Family Comic Friday)

Two years ago, Kaboom studios (sometimes referred to as Boom! Studios) obtained the rights to publish the first ever comic book to devote itself to all new stories and adventures of the Peanuts gang. You’d think that this series wouldn’t be able to capture the magic of series creator Charles Schulz. But the writers nad artists at Kaboom have done an incredible job.

The artwork is drawn in the classic style. However, the coloring and inking is a little more modern. I would bet money that these stories are being created on digital art programs and that would explain the more modern feel to it.

Using modern technology to craft comics isn’t an unforgivable sin. If anything, it helps the industry be able to produce more work quickly. Instead of having to wait every other month for a beloved comic to come out, you can now purchase new comics monthly, bi-monthly, or even weekly without the art suffered for the sake of time.

In regards to how different the Peanuts look compared to the original strips, you have to look no furPther than the page after each new tale. Here, Kaboom publishes a classic Peanuts strip that captures the theme of the previous story. The Schultz strips holdup very well. They are funny, smart, and classic, but the inking is more 2-D than the modern almost 3-D style of the new tales.

I liken this example to how similar but different classic and new episodes of the Simpsons look.  Those first 3 or 4 seasons were rough, but they were so well crafted that you don’t mind how archaic the citizens of Springfield look in them.

In this issue, the Peanuts gang star in 3 tales. First, Charlie Brown must turn to his therapist, Lucy to help him kick his addiction to biting the erasers off of his pencils. Then Peppermint Patty decides that the best way to improve her grades is to wear glasses. So, it’s the rest of the class who suffers when the tomboy commandeers Marcy’s eyewear. Lastly, is a Snoopy tale with his Beagle Scouts. When their camping trip is hindered by a sudden snow storm it’s up to Woodstock to save the day.

This comic was worth the $3.99. Along with these great tales was a small article written in Schulz’ own words on his view on the character of Peppermint Patty.  With a winter tale starring Snoopy and Woodstock and a focus on a character named after the main flavor of candy canes, this issue, out in stores now, is the perfect opening servo to starting the holiday comic reading season.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.