Droopy #2

This is the second release of that 1995 Dark Horse Comics miniseries devoted to Tex Avery's Droopy. Last month I reviewed the supposed Halloween issue, based on the cover. For November, I read what the cover promised to be a Thanksgiving themed story and this time Dark Horse delivered.

The main story is set at Plymouth Rock during the time of the Pilgrims. It sees Droopy and foe Spike the Bulldog competing to find the best dressed turkey for Thanksgiving. The prize is a kiss from the mayor's daughter, who is played by the vivacious ginger haired Red Hot Riding Hood (AKA Red) ( Also AKA Miss Vavoom in the 90s). 

Spike is the main focus of the story as the turkey he's got his eyes on has no intention of becoming Thanksgiving dinner. Droopy is more of an afterthought in what is supposed to be his story! It's rather odd, if you ask me. Though things do end with Droopy winning his prize as well as a great sight gag in regards to the turkey being the best dressed- in a tuxedo!

The second story was an early Christmas present! It stars Red, along with the eternal horn-dog Wolfie. Here, Wolfie is doing everything he can to get on Santa's Nice List. Last year, because he was too much of a pig around women and Santa gave him a lump of coal. This year, Wolfie is being a good boy. Now if he can just get through his last shift as a department store Santa, he'll get lots of great stuff from Ol' Saint Nick. Unfortunately, his normal co-worker playing his Elf assistant is sick and so Red is called into as a substitute and she's dressed as the most inappropriately dressed worker to ever grace Santa's workshop!

Based on the backup feature alone, I gotta say that this 3-part Droopy series is NOT for kids! Lots of double entendres. Red's posed so seductively, in one panel you can literally see all the way up to Nebraska (Ask Sharon Stone to explain that reference.) As a collection of Tex Avery toons were being concurrently being released on VHS, this miniseries was a promotional tie-in of sorts. I think that adults were expected to be the main audience of the tapes and so this series was aimed more at the mature set. Not sure how much of a success this comic book was. But I would not be surprised in the least to find out some parent group had a fit about the contents of the second tale in this book!

Bawdy but thankfully seasonal this time. See you in December when I finish the mini on what is promised to be a Christmas themed book starring Droopy, Spike and Red.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 our of 10 stars.

Droopy #1

From 1995, Dark Horse Comics gave tribute to the legendary cartoon creator Tex Avery! To do that Dark Horse presented a 3-issue miniseries starring the sad sack pooch, Droopy.

The main story is a parody of Universal's Frankenstein, Dr. Droopy has created a mighty monster as a companion for his creation known as 'The Beauty'. Unfortunately, the behemoth doesn't work because it doesn't have a brain. But where can a mad scientist find a brain in the dead of night? Thankfully, a weary traveler has just knocked on the door looking for dry clothes and a phone!

The backup story stars a character called Screwball Squirrel. In his yarn, he's decided to befriend a fellow passenger on a train. Sadly for the traveler, Screwball Squirrel is the world's worst best friend!

I wasn't familiar with Screwball Squirrel. But I love Droopy. He always manages to make me laugh with his wah-wah voice and funny little waddle. And no matter what, he just always comes out on top. But in the numerous shorts I've seen Droopy in, he was always the hero. Technically, as a mad scientist, Droopy is the villain.

Though not taking place during Halloween, I counted this as part of my holiday reads because of the other 2 books in the series. Issue #2 is a Thanksgiving set adventure and #3 is Christmas. I happened to get all 3 issues earlier this year just to read them for the 2024 holidays. So expect to see Droopy and friends again real soon.

With an essay on his short stint working with Tex Avery, Scott Shaw! gives readers a glimpse at a forgotten part of the animation legends time at Hanna-Barbera during the twilight years of Avery's life and career. It's an interesting read that proves Shaw! is a gifted storyteller. I'd love to read an autobiography of his 50 plus years in television and comics.

Lots of fun! Though I would have liked 2 Droopy stories instead of the very hyper Screwball Squirrel story that frankly tired me out a little bit.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.