Written by: Shane Houghton
Art by: Chris Houghton
Colours by: Josh Ulrich and Jose Mari Flores (assists)
Letters by: Shane Houghton
Cover by: Chris Houghton
Published by: Image
Cover Price: $2.99 (USD)
After all the monster madness of the first five instalments of Reed Gunther, this issue takes a break by offering up the origin of so many of the things that make Reed Gunther a great comic, but more specifically, the origin of Reed’s and Sterling’s friendship.
Though I feel this comment should be left for the final paragraph, this needs to be said now; even it means you stop reading this review here. This is the best issue of Reed Gunther so far.
The story of Reed’s life begins with the funniest birth ever. A wagon, an American Civil War battle and a few bumps should be enough to make it clear that the day of Reed’s birth was both eventful and hilarious.
There are plenty of other moments in this comic where I laughed out loud too. From child Reed’s fake moustache to the farm work montage, each page is a delight to behold.
There are also mini explanations and origins for everything important in Reed’s and Sterling’s life, making the narrative tie well with what has come before in a way that is both fun and satisfying.
The art is great once again, perfectly capturing the required outlandish emotion that is necessary to convey all the humour, strength, courage et al that fills every issue of this comic. New colourist Josh Ulrich also seems to be an excellent addition to the Reed Gunther team as this issue is quite possibly the best looking of the lot so far.
If nothing else, it is so much fun seeing Reed and Sterling’s first adventure together. I don’t know how anyone could read this comic and not end up with a massive smile on their face, Reed Gunther is pure joy.
10/10
