Even though in came out in 2006, it's only recently that I discovered the existence of Jungle Tales #1 through its creator's Website (Vancouver-based Kelly Everaert). Curious, I ordered a copy out of nostalgia. After all, my father owned piles of jungle babes, horror stories and fantasy worn out magazines and they were part of what I read when I was younger.
Jungle tales introduce Leanna, a jungle babe living in the wild. When she learn of an expedition led by a greedy bad girl looking for the Temple of Madness, she must protect this sacred place from being pillaged and the expedition crew from becoming mad. Ensue jungle fights on a roped bridge, mysterious ruins and a tribe intend on protecting what they consider rightfully their.
I have to admit that the story is very unoriginal but it's what makes it work. After all, this comic book is supposed to be a tribute to all these golden age comic book and pulp novel that featured leopard-bikini wearing babes. I could almost believe that Jungle Tales was created many decades ago and that is a modern day reprint of the original work. As for the art, I could almost say the exact same thing. Kelly Everaert's pencil and ink are not perfect. The characters' anatomy sometime seems awkward and some detail could be added here and there. But overall, it is highly acceptable and is very reminiscent of the old artworks it pays homage to.
I can honestly cannot grade Jungle Tales #1. The grade I would give it would necessarily be fuelled by nostalgia for older comic books. I also believe that it cannot be compared to today's standard when grading story and art since it does not try to be like that. But if you accept it for what it is, an homage to golden age comics, I think it hold itself pretty well. So if are interested in that, you should definitely check it out. To my knowledge, it is still available directly from Mr. Everaert's website: www.members.shaw.ca/kelticstudios/Keltic_Studios.htm
