If you were waiting for Cam to give you his next impassioned Jurassic League review, then I have bad news. Cam is sick and needs some time to heal. The good news is that I will be your host for the time being. I won’t lie and say that you’re in good hands, but I promise to name drop as much as possible.
Gedeon’s art is a reliable standout of the book. As a new reader of Jurassic League, I am shocked to see such cartoonish action come to life. The artwork reminds me of a Saturday Morning Cartoon like Street Sharks and Dino Squad, with the tone of Axe Cop. The deep shadows compliment the stumpy designs, giving the muscular action figure ready characters and backgrounds much needed grit. It reminds me to name drop another artist like Yale Stewart, whose kindly Young Justice League drawings could easily mesh with Gedeon’s child-friendly dinosaurs.
Avenge My Tragic Backstory
It is also the first time the would-be league have their first big argument and heart to heart. Batsaur has a huge refusal of the call and values his quest for vengeance instead. In a huge contrast, the human-raised Supersaur advocates for selflessness, while Wonderdon similarly dedicates herself to the greater good. Batsaur’s character arc will clearly rely on abandoning his vengeful lust in favor of something more appropriate for a cereal box. For now, Batsaur builds a Primal-style partnership with his human tag-a-long.
In a hilarious bit of irony, Green Torch casually captures Batsaur’s arch nemesis after a big fight with Atrocitasaurus. It is a pleasing battle with a few new nuggets of lore. Apparently, Green Torch found his power in deep space and has to protect the jungle from aliens. Even Batsaur and Supersaur get a bit of cave illustrated foreshadowing. While the ratio of questions raised to answered mount substantially, with a series so ridiculous, is it fair to ask any at all?
The Bigger and Badder
For a series with the lightheartedness of a Spongebob episode, the book gets dark fairly often. Issue #4 in particular aims to develop it’s egg-shaped mastermind’s evil plan. Dark Embryo uses his villains to assemble a tower “small beasts” capable of healing and powering the creature. Aquamanyx corners Blackmantasaurus hilariously pleading for Dark Embryo’s blessings. In a twist, both characters are not-so-cutely mauled to replenish its strength.
The long awaited reveal of Dark Embryo’s “hard” to figure out identity happens this issue. Unfortunately, you will have to read it and unmask the yolk yourself. However, I confess that it’s another mouthful. I’m still not sure the dinosaur naming system is somehow the most brilliant idea or a terrible sin. Although, it’s biggest flaw is the book’s growing predictability.
Recommended If…
- You need a dose of Saturday Morning Cartoon energy.
- Sometimes things in comic books have become too self-serious for you.
Overall
Ultimately, Jurassic League manages to keep giving readers a satisfying tongue-and-cheek adventure. Little hints of blood or violence mesh seamlessly with the humorous world. The delightful artwork blooms from page to page. The charm does slightly wear off at times as more complex plots begin to form. Even as the honeymoon concludes, the book still finds sure footing by grounding the characters with moral disagreements. As far as I’m concerned, there is still fun to be had in the Dino World.
Score: 7/10
DISCLAIMER: DC Comics provided Batman News with a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review.
