A whole generation grew up on the genius animation stylings of Hanna Barbra. Yes, the guys that gave us The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby-Doo & more. These cartoons have been successfully and ironically passed down through the generations since their inception. Scooby-Doo has spun off countless comics, cartoon variations and 2 live action movies. The Flintstones have screen the light of the silver screen twice. Even more recently being re imagined for the terrific Mark Russell comic book. The Jetsons currently have a live action show in the works from Back to the Future director, Robert Zemeckis, and even had a comic series of their own. These cartoons and their animation and humor and storytelling - they're iconic. They influence modern day creators.
One of those being, Robert Feldman, and his book, Cyko-KO! In the series debut from Feldman and friends, we're introduced to Cyko-KO! Cyko is a spy of sorts in desperate need of a vacation. Upon his relaxation, he meets his oldest surfing rival and the title for best surfer ensues.
One of the greatest things about the medium of comics is that you almost have a limitless way of storytelling. The medium can be used to address bigger topics like drug addiction, sex trafficking or depression - just to name a few. It can also be used to game readers on wondrous Adventures. In some instances, the modern day comic movement can even introduce current readers to nostalgic storytelling and art formats. That's honestly one of the best things about Cyko KO. You never feel like you're reading s comic book but rather having a story told through Hanna Barbra story boards.
Everything about this book brings you back to Saturday morning cartoons. It's like a nostalgic and wondrous feeling while reading the book. Its printed on newspaper versus the gloss of modern day. The art & the plot feel like a plot of an unaired pilot. The color palette and character design are gorgeous on a multitude of levels. In a weird way, there's a depth to Feldman's art moving from panel to panel. Especially with the climax of the book.
Though as modern as this book feels, it decides to embrace a lot of modern day word choice. This was the part of the book that just felt off to me. As much as the book embraces the past through art, plot and character design - it all but abandons that at times for some of the back and forth between the protagonist and antagonist.
Overall, CYKO KO!, is a throwback comic title to the cartoons of the 60s and 70s. It's a wonderful love letter to the iconic characters of yesterday through its art, plot, humor and character designs. It's well paced and its self contained nature allows readers to jump on at any moment. Some of the modern day touches, however, kind of delude the nostalgia a bit. Highly a series we recommend to follow though.
FINAL SCORE - 4.5 / 5
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