HOWARD THE DUCK #1 Review

Is this the right time for Howard the Duck to return? Or are Marvel once again milking a hot commodity, without actually caring about the fans? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

HOT off the pages of the … the post-credits scene at the … the end of a … popular movie … HOWARD THE DUCK is back! Join him as he takes on the weird cases that only a talking duck can crack as the Marvel Universe’s resident private investigator! Let Sex Criminals’ CHIP ZDARSKY (a writer known mostly as an artist) and JOE QUINONES (an artist known mostly as a lover) guide you through his new world as he takes on THE BLACK CAT and MYSTERIOUS FORCES FROM OUTER SPACE! WAUGH!

It just goes to show how much influence the Marvel Cinematic Universe has on the comic fan, and the industry, as if you asked me a couple of years ago whether I though Marvel would test the waters with Howard the Duck once more, I’d say, “not likely.” A couple of years, and a Guardians of the Galaxy cameo later, and the character is back, and better than ever. Working as a private investigator, Howard just can’t help but get into trouble, with his antics leaving him in some hot water, and this fanboy in stitches.

If there’s one thing that a Howard the Duck comic needs, it’s humour, and that’s something writer, Chip Zdarsky, has in abundance. Having established himself as an amazing artist on the likes of Sex Criminals, Zdarsky enters the world of writing, proving to be a wonderful wordsmith. Delivering a wacky tale that features cameos from several Marvel favourites, as well as tying events into Howard’s appearance in Guardians of the Galaxy, the writer certainly gets this series off to an amazing start. The dialogue also proves enticing, with Howard’s choice of words being quacking hilarious.

As much as fun, energetic writing plays a huge factor in creating an entertaining Howard the Duck tale, the artwork also plays a pivotal role. Delivering fun, crazy illustrations, Joe Quinones certainly understands Zdarsky’s vision for this series, with the dynamic tone enhancing the humorous elements tenfold. The eccentric expressions that the artist instills in Howard also help him come to life, with the accompanying characters also adding depth. Quinones did however impress most with the montage in the middle, as along with Rico Renzi‘s vibrant colours, it really helped liven up this fast paced tale.

Howard the Duck is back! And he’s better than ever. Having warmed the hearts of fans new and old in the Guardians of the Galaxy post credit scene, this talking duck proves why he’s an entertaining character, with the events of this tale being sensational. The wonderful cameos, and hilarious plot will also leave fans returning for more, with this series being a must have.