Review: MISFIT CITY #1

MISFIT CITY #1
Written by Kirsten ‘Kiwi’ Smith and Kurt Lustgarten
Art by Naomi Franquiz and Brittany Peer
Published by BOOM! Studios
Release Date: May 10, 2017

In the seaside town of Cannon Cove, the only attractions that bring people into town are the tourist traps surrounding the film The Gloomies. That is, until a mysterious chest is sent to the Cannon Cove Film Museum. Now, the search is on for the mysterious treasure that lies at the end of an archaic map, one that people are willing to steal for to find in this first issue of Misfit City!

Smith and Lustgarten set up a grand Goonies-esque adventure, with an interesting cast and an ominous treasure lusted after by a grand-niece and grand-nephew of an old captain in town. While some of the cruelty from the tourists seems a bit hyperbolic, I do find that the main characters feel fleshed out well for a first issue and show a great complexity within the people of the town.

Out of those introduced in this issue, I probably like Dot and Todd the most. There’s something that really makes me root for someone whenever they take the time to read Plutarch while working as a fisherman, and it makes me wonder what kind of life Dot could have had if she had the means to not just be a fisherman. Todd’s structure and sense of responsibility towards his craft compliments Macy’s artistic eccentricities and works well as a foil to her. They both just seem like awesome characters and I can’t wait to read more about them.

The art that Franquiz brings to the table is wonderful. I love the variety of characters she draws and how even the most minor of characters has details that make them stand out. I especially love how outrageous Old Captain Denby’s grand niece and nephew look, their tacky gothic attire is both fabulous and unappealing in the most amusing of ways.

Peer’s coloring choices really set the tone in the comic. While you don’t quite see the high amounts of fog Cannon Cove is known for, Peer creates an ominous tone throughout most of the comic through her noir shadowing and dark blue palette. It brings this sense of mystery and tension that pushes the danger to the forefront.

You should definitely check out Misfit City. It’s a fun story about treasure hunts and awesome young ladies living in a small coastal town. I think it’s worth your time.

The Verdict: 9.0/10

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