- Writer: Larry Hama
- Artist: Aurelio Mazzara
- Colorist: Alessandro Buffa / Grafimated Cartoon
- Letterer: Zach Matheny
- Editors: Brian Augustyn and David Lawrence
Thanks to Absolute Comics Group for the review copy!
ABSOLUTE FLIPBOOK is an anthology series from Absolute Comics Group that brings back a format from back in the day, where one side of the book is one story, and you can flip it over to start another story from the other side. As the introduction notes, comic book anthologies used to be the way publishers introduce new characters, so there is a pedigree to this approach. This issue gives us the first part of two stories, Monster Isle and Pandora’s Blogs.
While both books feature gorgeous art, with vivid coloring and bold lines, Monster Isle is the stronger of the two story wise. Monster Isle features three friends searching for Monster Island, which has a very creative backstory to it. I really enjoyed the banter between the three main characters. While the issue mainly introduces the concept and characters, it manages to fit in enough creepiness and mystery in its half of the issue to warrant further reading.
Pandora’s blogs is about a girl named Pandora who blogs. When circumstances force a change of scenery, her blog goes on a road trip. The bulk of this story introduces Pandora and her family. Just when I started thinking the story wasn’t really headed anywhere, it took a major swerve to the right at the end that amped things up. Kudos to the writer for coming up with a creative twist on a genre that has been featured a lot in popular culture. While the story is enjoyable, readers should be aware that at least in issue 1, the cover is a bit misleading.
ABSOLUTE FLIPBOOK is a promising start to an anthology series. The best part about it is you get two shots at finding something you like. Both stories in this issue will be continued, making the book a good starting point.
ABSOLUTE FLIPBOOK #1 is now available
Have you read the issue? What were your thoughts? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!
