By Philip Schweier
December 20, 2018 - 14:54
The
cover story to the latest issue of Looney Tunes falls a wee bit flat, as it
doesn’t so much end as it just… stops. But that’s kind of how it starts, so
perhaps that was the intent of writer artist Scott Gross. It begins with Elmer
Fudd enjoying his growing stock portfolio, dreaming of the luxury his new
wealth will provide. However, Elmer is threatened by the inexplicable arrival
of Bug Bunny.
This somehow lands them in court where hilarity ensues. The judge rules in his own favor, resulting in an impoverished Elmer bemoaning his loss. Of course, Bugs gets the last word in, but for reason I can understand.
In the second feature, Sylvester and Junior star in “Bad News Cat.” I don’t know if it’s a writing error or lettering, but Sylvester’s lisp seems to come and go. Wicked Wanda returns, joined by Bert & Hubie (all under-used players in the Looney Tunes ensemble) for a chaotic day at the beach. At first I was uncertain why Wanda is even there, when Elmer Fudd or Porky Pig might have served just as well. But it becomes obvious come the end.
In
general, a bit of a disappointment for Looney Tunes fans. Granted, the bar is
not especially high, and one must be ready to forgive a lot with an all-ages
title with three stories squeezed into 21 pages. But jinkies, it’s as if DC got
way desperate for this issue. The premise was strong, but the promise of
entertainment, not so much.