While at HeroesCon 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina, a convention primarily and almost exclusively dedicated to comics, I was able to pick up the con-exclusive cover for Pink Lemonade #1. The comic is a wacky and psychedelic adventure written, illustrated, and lettered by Nick Cagnetti and published by It’s Alive!, the former IDW imprint that is now a standalone publisher. Recently dubbed Pink Lemonade by a young girl named Pammy running a pink lemonade stand, the issue follows Pink Lemonade on her various travels as she attempts to put her memories back together.
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Pink Lemonade #1 starts with Pink Lemonade dreaming of an epic space adventure where she fights the dastardly Barzibelly Jr. As Pink Lemonade begins to wake up, she realizes that while she isn’t going on space adventures anytime soon, she is free to travel wherever she wants, just her and her bike. Pink Lemonade dreams big and truly just wants to do good wherever she can. However, after leaving Pammy and her mother, Pink Lemonade hits a few bumps in the road and finds herself being thrown in jail over a misunderstanding.
The story of Pink Lemonade #1 matches the over-the-top, colorful art. Cagnetti’s art is incredible and the style and coloring are very reminiscent of the late Steve Ditko. The bright colors and old school panel layout create the perfect nostalgic feeling. Flipping through the pages, you get that silver age of comics feel while Cagnetti updates the lettering and layout just enough to still be appealing to modern readers.
Additionally, the design of Pink Lemonade herself feels like a cross between 1960s mod and the Retrofuturism made popular in the 1950s. Her helmet design, in particular, is bizarre but still fits well with the overall aesthetic of the story. Over-the-top designs run the risk of taking readers out of the immersion but that is not the case here. Pink Lemonade’s character, much like her design, is endearing. Her naivety, a trait that is difficult to come across well to readers, is portrayed perfectly with Pink Lemonade being a lovable, well-meaning goof.
Overall, Pink Lemonade #1 is a stunning start to a comic series with an art style that blows most of what is on stands out of the water. The comic is a light-hearted fun read and will brighten up any pull list. It is also an extremely unique comic that is unlike anything else currently on shelves. I highly recommend Pink Lemonade #1 to fans of kookier and zanier comics or anyone looking for a throwback to the Silver Age.
Pink Lemonade #1 is available in comic book stores everywhere.
Pink Lemonade #1
TL;DR
Overall, Pink Lemonade #1 is a stunning start to a comic series with an art style that blows most of what is on stands out of the water. The comic is a light-hearted fun read and will brighten up any pull list. It is also an extremely unique comic that is unlike anything else currently on shelves.
