Future Quest #2
Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Evan “Doc” Shaner, Ron Randall, and Jonathan Case
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Letters by: Dave Lanphear
Future Quest #2 builds upon the first issue of the series by reintroducing the reader to old friends of the Saturday morning cartoon variety in a way that offers a somewhat modern take on them while staying true to their wholesome roots. On full display this issue, besides the wonderful art of trio Evan “Doc” Shaner, Ron Randall, and Jonathan Case, is Jeff Parker’s ability to transition the story between the various Hannah-Barbera characters smoothly. In one moment we will be on a far off world reading Space Ghost and the Galaxy Trio helping the Herculoids battle the nefariously name Omnikron, and the next we will be in the Everglades with Johnny Quest and Hadji as they investigate weird storms that have been plaguing the area. In the hands of a less skilled writer this would be disjointed and unappealing but Parker manages it with finesse and fluidity that encourages story growth without giving up pacing.
As the issue progresses more and more classic characters are reintroduced, fully establishing that this is just a mash up of disconnected heroes of childhood’s past but rather they are all part of a connected universe that up until now we did not know existed. In addition to writing a stellar story, Parker has proven himself to be a true talent of introducing a character into a story without it being overpowering at the cost of the narrative. When “Race” Bannon swings in on a rope to save the day Parker isn’t just creating a dazzling entrance for a fan favorite he is also establishing who this character is so that he doesn’t need to take a panel or two and have another character tell the audience. Bannon doesn’t swing on ropes to look cool; that’s just how he gets around.
Reviewing this issue would not be complete if I failed to mention the phenomenal art and colors contained within. Anyone with the least bit of familiarity with original cartoons from the sixties, or even the revamped and satirical Birdman and Space Ghost from the mid nineties and early 21st century, knows that these characters have always had a certain look. The fear with reboots or revamps of cherished characters from decades gone by is that the artist, or artist as is the case here, will feel the need to change something about the original design in order appeal to a modern audience. Neither Shaner, Randall, nor Case do that here and the colors of Jordie Bellaire are so spot on that it is hard to believe none of them worked on the originals. In fact, the only change in design that these artists have made is in the design of the technology used by the Quest family and friends, thankfully updated from the 1960’s “advanced” technology of the show. Even if the story were not spectacular, this issue would be a treat for fans of the original shows or anyone that has an appreciation for an animation style that is all but extinct.
As someone who went into this review with very minimal familiarity with the Hannah-Barbera cartoons let me assure you that this issue and series is for new fans as well as old. I am eagerly awaiting the next issue and I’m sure you will too.
Art by: Evan “Doc” Shaner, Ron Randall, and Jonathan Case
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Letters by: Dave Lanphear
Future Quest #2 builds upon the first issue of the series by reintroducing the reader to old friends of the Saturday morning cartoon variety in a way that offers a somewhat modern take on them while staying true to their wholesome roots. On full display this issue, besides the wonderful art of trio Evan “Doc” Shaner, Ron Randall, and Jonathan Case, is Jeff Parker’s ability to transition the story between the various Hannah-Barbera characters smoothly. In one moment we will be on a far off world reading Space Ghost and the Galaxy Trio helping the Herculoids battle the nefariously name Omnikron, and the next we will be in the Everglades with Johnny Quest and Hadji as they investigate weird storms that have been plaguing the area. In the hands of a less skilled writer this would be disjointed and unappealing but Parker manages it with finesse and fluidity that encourages story growth without giving up pacing.
As the issue progresses more and more classic characters are reintroduced, fully establishing that this is just a mash up of disconnected heroes of childhood’s past but rather they are all part of a connected universe that up until now we did not know existed. In addition to writing a stellar story, Parker has proven himself to be a true talent of introducing a character into a story without it being overpowering at the cost of the narrative. When “Race” Bannon swings in on a rope to save the day Parker isn’t just creating a dazzling entrance for a fan favorite he is also establishing who this character is so that he doesn’t need to take a panel or two and have another character tell the audience. Bannon doesn’t swing on ropes to look cool; that’s just how he gets around.
Reviewing this issue would not be complete if I failed to mention the phenomenal art and colors contained within. Anyone with the least bit of familiarity with original cartoons from the sixties, or even the revamped and satirical Birdman and Space Ghost from the mid nineties and early 21st century, knows that these characters have always had a certain look. The fear with reboots or revamps of cherished characters from decades gone by is that the artist, or artist as is the case here, will feel the need to change something about the original design in order appeal to a modern audience. Neither Shaner, Randall, nor Case do that here and the colors of Jordie Bellaire are so spot on that it is hard to believe none of them worked on the originals. In fact, the only change in design that these artists have made is in the design of the technology used by the Quest family and friends, thankfully updated from the 1960’s “advanced” technology of the show. Even if the story were not spectacular, this issue would be a treat for fans of the original shows or anyone that has an appreciation for an animation style that is all but extinct.
As someone who went into this review with very minimal familiarity with the Hannah-Barbera cartoons let me assure you that this issue and series is for new fans as well as old. I am eagerly awaiting the next issue and I’m sure you will too.
A Look Inside
