Andy Naylor reviews Dexter’s Laboratory #1…
Everyone’s favorite boy-genius returns to comics! Dexter has reached the pinnacle of his greatest scientific experiment—one that will gift him with infinite clarity and superhuman intellect beyond all mankind. But with every precaution in place, will he be able to finish it before his meddling sister Dee Dee ruins everything…AGAIN?!
During the late 90s there were a surge of cartoons made that, not too far from the surface, were really for adults – Johnny Bravo, Power Puff Girls and the most popular of the lot, Dexter’s Laboratory (admit it, you said that in your head like you were singing the theme tune).
To get the negative out the way first, the problem with making a comic from an iconic a popular TV series is whether it transfers well to another medium as well as it was portrayed originally. Part of the pleasure of Dexter’s Lab, the cartoon series, was the sound. From the hilarious voice of the boy-genius, to the fluffy high-pitched squeals of his sister Dee Dee. As already pointed out, the theme tune is instantly an all-time favourite (…lives the smartest boy you’ll ever see…), so to remove that portion of the humour and joy from it (not through choice, obviously) is a bold risk that just doesn’t quite make it.
Now onto the positive, the story is straight out of Cartoon Network’s playbook. It’s amusing, outrageous and funny and as you turn every single page, the anticipation for Dee Dee’s inevitable intrusion continues to climb. Every character acts as, anyone familiar with the cartoon, would expect. It’s delightfully true to the animated source and will raise more than the odd chuckle as your proceed. Each panel could easily be lifted straight out of your TV, if you placed a screen grab from your digital copy and one from the TV show next to each other, I doubt you’d be able to spot any differences – it’s quite impressive.
Despite the excellent story, superb art and clear love for the original, Dexter’s Laboratory #1 just lacks a little. It feels incomplete somehow and never quite leaves a suitable level of satisfaction without the accompanying sound effects.
Andy Naylor – Follow me on Twitter.
Originally published May 1, 2014. Updated April 12, 2018.
