Comics / Back Issues

Cartoon Network Action Pack #16

By Leroy Douresseau
September 10, 2008 - 10:16

Cover by Trav and Mike DeCarlo

Cartoon Network Action Pack is an anthology series for young readers from Johnny DC, an imprint of DC Comics that focuses on kids’ comics.  Cartoon Network Action Pack takes action-based animated series from cable’s, Cartoon Network, and adapts them into comic book short stories, with stories running from two to six pages.

Cartoon Network Action Pack #16 features comic book versions of “Ben 10,” “Codename: Kids Next Door,” and “Samurai Jack.”  The opening story, a Ben 10 tale (“Greasy Lightning”), finds Ben Tennyson, his cousin Gwen and Grandpa (Max) trapped in an abandoned greasy spoon diner while fighting off aliens that want Ben’s Omnitrix, the watch-like device permanently attached to his wrist that allows him to transform into a variety of alien life forms.  In addition, there are two “Ben 10 Alien Data Files,” and one short feature each of “Codename” and “Samurai Jack.”

All the stories are quite well drawn in the same clean line style as their animation counterparts.  The script writers for these short tales tell the stories in a straightforward fashion that emphasizes action, with just enough characterization to make the heroes likeable and make the reader at least dislike the villains.  It’s fun reading, and an excellent comic for readers under 10-years of age.

B

 

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12