QUANTUM AND WOODY #1 (Valiant Entertainment, January 29, 2020 release date) Writer: Christopher Hastings. Art: Ryan Browne Colors: Ruth Redmond Letters: Hassan Otsmane-Ehaou. Main Cover: David Nakayama. Variant Covers: Dave Johnson, David Lopez, Erica Henderson.
Funny super-hero books are an acquired taste. It’s difficult to get that balance of comedy and super-hero action just right so as not to seem too stupid or too serious. However, as long as comics like DEADPOOL and HARLEY QUINN continue to sell, you can’t blame publishers for bringing more entries into the game.
QUANTUM AND WOODY has been Valiant’s entry ever since the first iteration of the publisher. What I most appreciate is that the series is not a continuing monthly. That allows readers to sample each version and decide if they want to pick it up. There have been a number of different writer/artist creative teams assigned to this book, and each one brings something different to the mix. Some versions have been more straight-forward, some completely outrageous, some silly, some satirical, and some provide sly social commentary. Yet the essence of the characters remain: two step-brothers imbued with radioactive energy due to a scientific experiment. They wear quantum bands on their wrists that must be struck together at least every twenty-four hours to avoid catastrophic results. They aren’t very comfortable with their powers and stumble awkwardly through their attempt at super-heroics, often coming out on top by default or pure accident.
The new team of Christopher Hastings and Ryan Browne don’t tamper much with the template, and provide a few new spins on the characters in the first issue. Woody (whose only costume is to wear glasses plus suit and tie) displays some new unspecified powers and appears to have prophetic visions. Quantum takes a more passive role, following Woody’s lead but remaining skeptical and suspicious of his motives.
In Issue #1, an amusing news broadcast lets readers know they are considered Enemies Of The State due to their combined energies that “place the world in daily existential danger.” Naturally, the two brothers want to re-establish their position as super-heroes and friends/protectors to all.
The dysfunctional super-powered Kammerjager Family of four leave their flying house and break into the Capitol Building to disrupt a technology presentation to Congress by the CEO of Infinite Kingdom Corporation. Quantum and Woody are disguised bystanders in the audience, having gained entry to the building by busting their way through a sewer logjam (aptly described and illustrated).
In addition to Hasting’s inclusion of amusing situations and silly scenarios (although seeing a few Senators have their heads removed is very satisfying) there are many funny moments throughout.
The art is engaging. Browne skillfully blends action scenes with humor in a cartoony style that is well-suited to the story themes. Issue #1 is definitely worth a look. You might just stick around for the rest of the mini-series.
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