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Review: Looney Tunes #234

By Philip Schweier
December 29, 2016 - 11:05

Looney Tunes is very much an all ages comic book; so much so that it seems aimed at small children. It contains three brief, simple stories that don’t require a whole lot of attention. I can only guess that part of the strategy is for it to serve as a gateway to other comics, but one aspect I especially appreciate is how it can introduce the classic Looney Tunes characters to new generations.

The first story, “Five Card Porky,” features a game of cards between card shark Yosemite Sam and the naïve Porky Pig. But appearances can be deceiving, and we all know Sam will get his come-uppance – repeatedly. This is followed by “Bwasts From the Past,” featuring Bus Bunny and Elmer Fudd. Surprise, Elmer! It’s your one millionth encounter with the wascally wabbit, and Bugs is determined to make EXTRA-special. The issue concludes with Daffy Duck starring in “The Ugly Ducking.”

As I said, all the stories are pretty brief, and many of the jokes are predictable. Some we’ve seen before, others are just so much in the Looney Tunes milieu that the outcome is inevitable. I don’t know what DC intends for its Looney Tunes characters. Perhaps it’s simply a means of maintaining a comic book presence, but if they hope to expand the Looney Tunes franchise in print, DC will have to step up its game.

Which is not to say they need to improve the original concept. The Looney Tunes characters are fine, as-is, without adding new ones to serve a narrow role (Cousin Oliver, anyone?). They just need better writing, with gags that work on paper, or dialogue that registers with adults as well as kids.

Did it entertain me? Not especially. But for those with small children that need a temporary comic book solution, this is the perfect answer, especially if you’re a fan of the Bugs Bunny & Co. It’s completely consistent with the classic Chuck Jones and Friz Freleng cartoons from years back.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12