Hey and Welcome to the next Lesson.
SWAG PATROL. (#2)
Look, fam, from the jump this issue takes it up a notch –
Getting right into it, this issue picks up seconds after the first with the team making a daring escape. To not spoil it, I’ll give a general overview with my insight.
The thing about reading a bunch of comics is you tend to pick up on story beats and even start to predict how some issues would go. The teen superhero story is kind of predictable these days, but, thankfully, I was wrong on some of my theories.
Instead of fighting with their mentor about the safety of fighting, he reprimands them the same way one would a younger sibling. Protective but not outright bashing. When they go home late for curfew, there’s no tragic backstory about a dead relative explaining why the parent is so angry. She’s just mad they’re out after dark. (Been there. Done that. Never again, Mom’s Belt Fu is too strong)
Issue 2 continues with teens dealing with insecurities and a threat that proves a much bigger threat than the previous. Unlike last time, Mr. Flexx is given his moment before his turn and allows us to get to know him as a character, not just a villain.
This issue continues on that same stride it hit in its debut and doesn’t let up. The story is still solid for a younger-audience-aimed book and the art just keeps kicking up.
What I like the most are the campy moments clearly meant to be taken as campy superhero moments, especially in comedy.
Like here, I’m reminded of Spider-Man (2002).
And with his moment, campy, but hella good enough to roll with.
ALSO, BEFORE I FORGET, the fact that a teenage superhero has self-esteem issues isn’t exactly new but the symmetry between her insecurities and her superpowers being similar to those of the Invisible Woman, her being seen plays a subtle, poignant subplot.
What strikes me most about Mr. Flexx is that he’s a clear homage to Mr. Fantastic, but, evil like The Maker of Marvel’s Ultimate line of comics aka Earth-1610. While not on the level of complexity of the Maker, you do see the parallels.
Issue 2, at the very least, meets the initial issue in all things that made it a joy to read, but with the debut of Mr. Flexx, has more room to stretch its legs going forward.
If YOU would like to support and read more of his work, you
can find his #0 issue on: https://swagpatrolcomic.webs.com/downloads
and issues #1 & #2 on
https://peepgamecomix.com/?s=swag+patrol&post_type=product
, Official twitter @rubyncomedy & their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwagPatrolComic/
Well, that’s all for now. So, until we see K-Swag race Dash from the Incredibles, or Killmonger comes back for Black Panther 2, I’ll see you for the next lesson.
Until then, class dismissed!
R.J.'s FAQs of LIFE 
Is Killmonger coming back in Black Panther 2?
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It’s definitely possible, but I don’t even know if there’s going to BE a Black Panther II. 😔
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