Quantum & Woody is a tremendous mix of comedy, action with great mystery and villains to boot. Issue two gives us more origin, introductions and a series of new villains that are as twisted as they are bizarre.

Official description from VALIANT:

Eric and Woody Henderson have accidentally blown up their father’s life’s work – and themselves along with it! Now, as their bizarre new superpowers begin to manifest, will they be able to outmaneuver the squad of trigger-happy cops that think Eric and Woody are to blame for their dad’s murder?

On the opening page we get Woody breaking the fourth wall as he introduces this issue or at least so we think. This is one of many great features of this title with it’s misdirects that are fun and not cheap. Next it picks up from the first issue as both Eric and Woody survive the destruction of their father’s lab which gives them powers they can barely control or understand. Misfortune and comedy abound as they fend of the cops in the nude which sometimes becomes too close for comfort. After an all too funny escape we go into more history of the brothers and we are hit with the touch of heart writer James Asmus brings to this action comedy. The humanity and care he brings to Woody’s troubled upbringing and his foster father’s kid gloves approach to it makes this book so much more than it seems.

The brother’s then discover more taped messages from their father as he explains more about the villains after his technology. What follows is the introduction of some seriously disturbing characters that are after the brothers which can only be described as horrific and twisted. But Asmus always has a touch of fun involved as well. Once we get the behind-the-scenes of how Quantum & Woody come into being, costumes and all, it all makes a little more sense as it slowly repairs the bothers estranged relationship.

Tom Fowler couldn’t be any better an artist for this book. He gives levity to the humorous side of the story but still has a great sense of dynamics for the action. He is spot-on with the balance this book needs to make it so well rounded. Expressions are priceless to a story like this and Fowler has just the right touch.

Quantum & Woody is a must-read and a model for what comics can be. It’s entertainment at it’s fullest. Comedy, action and heart don’t always make great bedfellows but in Quantum & Woody it’s a match made in heaven. This is another jewel in Valiant’s crown with a creative team that’s more than up for the task. If you only read one new book this year, this should be it.

5/5