Comic Book Review: Out From Boneville by Jeff Smith
The Basics
Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone just got kicked out of Boneville. Wandering in the desert with nowhere to turn, they get separated, yet each finds their way into the fertile valley full of talking animals and fantastical creatures. And it’s looking more and more like they’re on the path to adventure, whether they’re ready or not.
My Thoughts
Have you ever been shocked by how much you enjoyed something? Like it just seemed as if it shouldn’t be your thing. But Jeff Smith’s Bone series immediately starts with such a strange and unique marrying of genres that I think I was destined to like this. Somehow he put together the ascetic and comedy of old, black-and-white cartoons with a fantasy setting, and it’s not awkward. In fact it’s funny, sweet, exciting, and very readable.
Something I have to say first and foremost about this is it’s surprisingly funny. There is a lot of humor, but it doesn’t feel choked with it, and none of it is insipid. In fact, it’s some of the most well-timed comedy I’ve ever seen in a comic book format. I was giggling all over the place at this. But it also clearly has a more serious end game that’s only beginning here. I have seen other readers say that it gets more epic as it goes along, and I can already see hints of that. Incredibly intriguing hints that make me eager to read more.
It’s not yet quite the fantasy epic I’ve heard it is, but I did find it really charming. If you’re looking for something very different, fun, and a bit experimental, try this out.
Final Rating
4/5
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