Written by Barry Liebmann
Art by S.M. Taggart; Tim Harkins; & Rick Taylor
Cover Art by S.M. Taggart
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for June 1996, this 32-page adaptation is an origin in flashback re: ex-Acme detective-turned-super-thief Carmen Sandiego, and why her former employer resorts to an unconventional sleuth to track her down. Having won at the computer game five million times, teen Evan Sawyer has deduced that the characters in the popular Carmen Sandiego game actually exist in ‘real life.’ With help from his new employer, the young detective chases down clues worldwide re: the elusive Miss Sandiego and confronts some of her henchmen along the way.
REVIEW:
As an asset, this comic serves snarky tween humor that should appeal to fans of literary series like Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Occasionally, the humor may go over the heads of young fans, but even undemanding adults might get a mild kick out of this tale. However, the cartoony and generally unimpressive artwork is geared strictly towards tweens. Overall, this lead-off issue isn’t half-bad, as its adult appeal is quite minimal.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
DC’s Mr. Mind decorates the single-page “Watch This Space” column, which includes some industry publishing tidbits (i.e. what an UPC – Universal Product Code is). Some of the story’s historical content is explained in the single-page “From The Acme Detective Agency Files: Details of the Case” column.
In the single-page “Suspect Files” column, profiles on villains ‘Vic the Slick;’ ‘Top Grunge;’ ‘Robocrook;’ ‘Scar Graynolt;’ and ‘Len “Red” Bulk’ are provided. A well-played, sarcastic swipe at ex-jock TV sportcasters is included in one of these profiles.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
