Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Where Is It? (Family Comic Friday)

For this week's Family Comic Friday, we trek into an underground wonderland. Join Boober, Mokey, and friends in the all-new young readers graphic novel: Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Where Is It?

Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Where Is It?
Written and Illustrated by art Baltazar
Published by Archaia
Pages: 32
Retail: $9.99

Gobo is missing something very special. With the help of his best friend Wembley, hopefully he'll find it. But as more Fraggles join the search for Gobo's missing item, will they all come to the realization that pink-haired moppet forgot to tell his pals just what it is he's looking for?

Fraggle Rock: Where Is It? was written and illustrated by one of my favorite all-ages talent, Art Baltazar. The co-creator of such fun titles as Tiny Titans and Aw Yeah! Comics, Baltazar's work is engaging for all readers. He's got a cartoony style that makes iconic characters approachable for both the youngest and most veteran of fans. But what makes me a huge fan of Art Baltazar is his classic Easter eggs! They are added for those keen-eyed fanatics who are looking to share their beloved childhood franchises with the next generation of fans. Plus, unlike Disney Easter eggs, the one's Baltazar hides in his artwork aren't naughty!

I do feel that with a title such as 'Where Is It?', a great opportunity was missed. Instead of a funny story about Gobo and his missing item, the creators at Archaia could have made this graphic novel into an introduction to the world of the Fraggles. There's some many wondrous realms and characters in this book aching for a proper introduction to readers new and established. And just where are the Doozers at in this book?! It's not Fraggle Rock without those mint green miners!

Devoted fans know that Fraggle Rock lies on the other side of a series of holes in Doc's workshop and house. When a Fraggle says that they are going to venture into outer space, they wind up somewhere on Doc's property. Often the Fraggles run afoul of Doc's dog, Sprocket , as one does in this book. But that encounter isn't very well explained and could be confusing to new readers. 

Another aspect that isn't properly established for newcomers are the roles of the Gorgs. They pop up in this story scaring Wembley. But other than Wembley's state of fright, if you were new to this franchise, you would not really understand the why behind the alarm.

This hardcover graphic novel is great for readers aged 5-8. But even an original watcher of Fraggle Rock from the days of airing on HBO will enjoy this book. It's not set up just right for newcomers to the Fraggles. But longtime fans and the young readers they introduce the Fraggles to will have a perfect trip to the land of Fraggle Rock!

Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Where Is It? Debuted in print and digital formats on August 14th, 2019.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Fraggle Rock #1 (Family Comic Friday)

Fraggle Rock #1

Written and Illustrated by Jared Cullum
Published by Archaia

Welcome to another edition of Family Comic Friday. Today we travel deep underground to visit with those distant cousins of the Muppet family- the Fraggles!

The first of a 4-issue mini series, Fraggle Rock #1 features all of your favorite characters- Boober, Red, The Doozers and many more. But the focus of the first story is Mokey. The resident artist of Fraggle Rock has lost her muse and she’s very afraid that she’s lost it forever. Mokey’s friends seek to help the artist rediscover her passion for art. However, it  soon becomes clear that only Mokey can regain that love for art that she’s lost.

This was an extremely quick read. Large portraits of the caves of Fraggle Rock take over most of the pages. I thought Jared Cullum’s watercolors were just gorgeous. Though I could not remember all of Fraggles name, I recognized every single one of them in this story. I am quite impressed with Cullum’s talents.

Fraggle Rock has long been considered a gateway between the preschool fun of Sesame Street and the more grown up humor and parody of the Muppet Show. Readers ages 6-10 should really enjoy this new miniseries from the Boom! Studios imprint, Archaia. The words are not too big for readers in grades 1-4. One thing I did find troublesome is that the print is kinda small.

The format of this book is not the traditional rectangled shape of a comic book. Instead, it’s square like a Little Golden Book. So that could make for a little bit of reading difficulty, especially for the grown-ups who might be reading this with the young reader in their lives. Also, these squared comics do not fit in either a standard protective sleeve nor a standard comic book storage unit.

One cool thing about this Fraggle Rock miniseries is that there isn’t a cliffhanger. The story ‘Mokey Loses Her Muse’ is done by the end of this issue. While events of this tale might spill over to the other 3 issues, I don’t think you will feel lost if you miss an issue. But why would you want to do that?

I know as a youngster that if a comic had a ‘To Be Continued’ at the end, I would either feel cheated out or afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get the next issue to continue the story. Cliffhangers often would result in my passing them up as I didn’t want to chance missing out on the rest of the story. Major kudos to Archaia for deciding to make their miniseries comprised of one-and-done stories!

This was a nostalgic read that will appeal to older readers. It was also a magical and whimsical reader that shall delight fans of all ages. More storybook than comic book in terms of design, it’s still a work of sequential art. All four issues when published should make for some great reads during summer vacation or just an afternoon by the pool.

Fraggle Rock #1 was published in print and digital media on May 9, 2018.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

This review was published concurrently on Outrightgeekery.com.

Boom! Studios Halloween Fright Fest 2014 (2014 Halloween ComicFest Exclusive Mini-Comic) (Family Comic Friday)

I’m a little mixed on this book. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t very Halloween-y either. In this mini comic by Boom! Studios, you get 3 tales, one starring the gang from Adventure Time, one with the Fraggles of Fraggle Rock, and the third is a small collection of Peanuts cartoons. Only the Peanuts cartoons have anything at all to do with Halloween in terms of setting or theme.

The Adventure Time story was a little confusing. I’m used to Jake and Finn and that’s about it. I know there is an Ice Wizard and a Princess. However, I don’t think the Wizard is a good guy for some reason. This story starred somebody name ‘Stache’ who wakes up without his moustache. Everyone thinks he’s an imposter and are out to get him. There is a small element of horror but other than that, it’s just a story about a bunch of characters I know nothing about. Even the art looked nothing like what I little I’ve seen of the cartoon.

As for the Fraggle Rock adventure, its stars my least favorite Fraggle, Mokey. She’s always so flighty and well, to be honestly, if the folks dreaming up Fraggle Rock weren’t high enough, I’m pretty sure Mokey was made from hemp and stuffed with hashish. In this story, the artist of Fraggle Rock loses here ‘inspiration’ but as she explains how she lost it, she finds that it never really left her at all.

Overall, not my favorite of 2014 Halloween ComicFest offers that I came across. Will I still give this out to trick-or-treaters who come to my door? Absolutely! It’s not bad. It’s just not very much in the Halloween spirit, and it’s not my cup or tea. But it’s also something that parents shouldn’t find objectionable.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.