The Wonder Twins #2 is published by DC Comics under the Wonder Comics imprint and written by Mark Russell, with art by Stephen Byrne, and letters by Dave Sharpe. The issue picks up with another adventure with the twins, Jayna and Zan, as they continue “interning” at the Hall of Justice. But after an odd field trip to the LexCorp Prison, the two notice a few things are off and find themselves caught up in dastardly plans of the newly escaped villain the Scrambler, the League of Annoyance, and Drunkula.
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Similar to the previous issue, the comic doesn’t take itself too seriously. The dialogue is dripping with references from both old and new DC Comics properties. Additionally, the comic takes a nonsensical tone to really serious issues like prison reform and even alcoholism, one of the main villains – Drunkula – is an alcoholic vampire working on his sobriety, but through the lens of two aliens none the wiser to earth customs. As I write this, I realize these topics should seem crass but the comedy itself comes off more like What We Do In the Shadows and less like and an episode of South Park.
The concepts are out there and at times straight up bizarre but in a world of gritty reboots, this is a refreshing take. However, it could be executed better. While Russell’s script is funny, it doesn’t have me rolling on the floor. Comedy in comics is hard to write, much harder than horror or action. I do however appreciate the political commentary in this book but worry that without more comedic effect it won’t hit the right notes.
Byrne’s art, on the other hand, is still incredible. Byrne’s style works well not only for this story but for the Wonder Comics imprint as well. His roots in animation shine here and that is important in a series geared for a younger audience.
Overall, while the Wonder Comics imprint might be geared towards teens that doesn’t mean the books should be boring and currently, this comic is teetering on the edge of boring. There is a lot of potential here but not enough laughs to keep engagement on the page. This isn’t an action-heavy read and compared the criminally underappreciated West Coast Avengers, a book that is hysterical while also delving out some serious action, it is hard to justify keeping this on a pull list unless you are a die-hard Wonder Twins fan. Unfortunately, The Wonder Twins #2 is not something I can give a glowing recommendation for.
The Wonder Twins #2 is available now wherever comic books are sold.
The Wonder Twins #2
TL;DR
This isn’t an action-heavy read and compared the criminally underappreciated West Coast Avengers, a book that is hysterical while also delving out some serious action, it is hard to justify keeping this on a pull list unless you are a die-hard Wonder Twins fan. Unfortunately, The Wonder Twins #2 is not something I can give a glowing recommendation for.
