Paperback, 170 pages
English language
Published Nov. 18, 2017 by DC.
"Fred and Barney reunite for Mark Russell's modern take on Hanna-Barbera's most famous stone-age family! This new series starring the first family of Bedrock (and civilization, really) tells the story of who we are and why we do what we do as if it all began with Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty, and the rest of the citizens of Bedrock. Shining a light on humanity's ancient customs and institutions in a funny origin story of human civilization, Mark Russell (PREZ) blends modern interpretations with Hanna-Barbera's classic character's, bringing a breath of fresh stone-age air."--
Loved this. Biting wit and gorgeous drawings. A tiny bit heavy handed at one point, but everyone gets skewered equally.
Continuing in the [at least] decade's old tradition of turning innocent childhood entertainment into dark gritty adulthood. But whereas Batman and Superman are now killing people left and right, cultural satire at least feels meaningful. Of course, that's because I agree with it. Which is perhaps my biggest issue with this book. If you already agree with them, you will love this volume, and if you don't you probably won't last long. Although it didn't feel like Russell takes cheap shots at people who he disagrees with, which I appreciate.
Comparing it to other left leaning works in the comics mainstream that I have read, I did appreciate how far left it actually did end up going. A lot of people like to think of themselves as progressive but will only go left to a certain point. So far at least Mark Russell seems willing to go to any lengths. …
Continuing in the [at least] decade's old tradition of turning innocent childhood entertainment into dark gritty adulthood. But whereas Batman and Superman are now killing people left and right, cultural satire at least feels meaningful. Of course, that's because I agree with it. Which is perhaps my biggest issue with this book. If you already agree with them, you will love this volume, and if you don't you probably won't last long. Although it didn't feel like Russell takes cheap shots at people who he disagrees with, which I appreciate.
Comparing it to other left leaning works in the comics mainstream that I have read, I did appreciate how far left it actually did end up going. A lot of people like to think of themselves as progressive but will only go left to a certain point. So far at least Mark Russell seems willing to go to any lengths.
On top of that, I also thought that the balance between humor and darkness was pretty well done. Mark Russell manages to turn out a pretty entertaining read even as he doesn't take cheap shots at his characters and surprises you with some pretty dark moments.
While I don't have much to say about the art in particular, that's mostly because it was entirely on point. Fitting the tone and subject matter of the reboot perfectly. Russell, Pugh, Chuckry, and sharpe make a good team.
