Andrew Newton reviews Street Sharks #1…
If you’re a fan of 90’s cartoons then Street Sharks #1 from IDW may be the perfect blast from the past. Written by Stephanie Williams and with art by Ariel Medel, the issue kicks off with all the action-packed, over-the-top fun you’d expect from the iconic 90s series.
Right from the start, we’re thrown into the action as the four shark brothers charge in to foil a robbery at a tech’ factory. In classic Street Shark fashion the four brothers take on the trio of villains, Slobster, Slash, and Killamari, who, despite adding their own brand of chaos to the mix, are forced to make an escape. It’s a fast-paced opening that sets the tone for the whole issue.
What stands out is the balance between action and story. Even though many pages are filled with the shark brothers displaying their serious strength, the story never fails to let us know what’s happening. Williams makes it so readers aren’t just watching fight scenes, they’re also slowly getting a sense of the bigger picture. Dr Paradigm is back with some devious plan for Fission City, and the mystery of why he wants this expensive tech keeps you hooked, and eager to know more. This issue makes you ask just enough questions to make you want to pick up Issue #2 to see how it all pans out.
The art by Ariel Medel is a perfect match for a Street Sharks comic. It’s crisp and packed with colour (as much of the 90s seemed to be), which gives the whole comic a fun and lively feel that matches the original animated series. Medel captures the dynamic poses throughout the many action-packed sequences, making each page stand out. Even in the less active frames, the characters still have that energy and over-the-top feel that made the show so iconic.
Street Sharks #1 is a strong start to what looks to be an exciting series and is sure to tickle the nostalgia bone of those who watched the cartoon back in the day. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the show or a newcomer interested in these half-shark, half-human heroes, then this first issue gives you plenty of reasons to come back for more.
Rating: This new outing for the biggest fish in Fission City earns an 8/10
Andrew Newton
