Grumpy Cat & Pokey #1 (Free Comic Book Day 2016 Edition) (Family Comic Friday)

   The unimpressed cat that launched a thousand memes has her own comic book. Just this year, Dynamite Comics issued a comic book series called Grumpy Cat & Pokey based on the internet sensation. But, before Dynamite released the series, the publisher made the brilliant move to issue a Free Comic Book Day preview of the new title and I must say- their marketing campaign worked!
    But before we get to reviewing the comic, let's look at the title: Grumpy Cat & Pokey. Well, just who is Pokey? Is he a made up character just for this series. Actually, no. Pokey is the twin brother (same litter) of Grumpy Cat (AKA Tardar Sauce.) And boy, is he funny!
     Grumpy Cat & Pokey have a vibe similar to another classic cat duo- Garfield and his arch-nemesis, Nermal, the World's Cutest Cat. Both Pokey and Nermal get on the last nerves of perpetual sour pusses Grumpy Cat and Garfield. But while Pokey's optimism is often the bane of Grumpy's existence, Nermal can be quite rude and annoying with his vanity. 
      Grumpy and Pokey have great comedic timing with each other. Whether it's Pokey's attempt at turning the duo into superheroes or his trying to convince Grumpy to becoming a Hollywood star so they both can eat people food- no matter what happens, Grumpy's got a funny one-liner to offer or Pokey's skewed thought process just messes things up with his wild antics. It's all comedy gold here folks.
     Sometimes when you read a book based on a licensed product, the material gets stale. There's no originality. The jokes are older than moldy gym socks and you just can't wait for the book to end. Not so here, as every misadventure was fresh and enjoyable. I even laughed out loud on several occasions! 

The Real Life Pokey (L) & Grumpy Cat.

      The artwork will appeal to all-ages. But there are some big words and a couple of the jokes might seem a little harsh. Plus the cartoon violence rivals Tom & Jerry or the road Runner. But readers aged 7 and up will really love this series. 
      A must for any fan of Grumpy Cat and by the end of this issue, you'll be a fan of Pokey's too!

    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.