‘Kim & Kim #1’ Comic Review

Written by Magdalene Visaggiol; Art by Eva Cabrera; Coloring Claudia Aguirre; Covers by: Tess Fowler with Kiki Jenkins, Devaki Neogi


The world of comics is changing. Writers and artists are crafting narratives that ignore traditional story tropes, much to the enjoyment of the progressive reader. For an alternative comic to be successful, it has to honor the concepts of traditional storytelling while still creating a unique experience. Kim & Kim is a riveting space romp that feels like an amalgam of the underground bounty-hunter world of Star Wars and HBO’s hipster sitcom Girls. The artwork is fun, the dialogue is humorous, and the action is bright and cartoonish.  Oh yeah, and the main characters just so happen to be queer.

Focusing on the LBGTQ aspect of Kim & Kim means that you may ignore everything else that makes the comic special. Kim Q. and Kim D. are rock star bounty hunters, so much so that Kim Q. smashes her bounties with an electric guitar. Kim D. is a little more level-headed, but still would be a riot at a party. This odd couple is tasked with collecting bounties across the universe for the sole purpose of earning some cash and paying the bills. This comic would feel great as a Netflix show, animated or otherwise. It’s refreshing to see space-based characters using hip, current dialogue.

Kim & Kim: Our Protagonists

Utilizing two protagonists allows for the writer to take the story in many different directions. Both Kims are very similar in personality, filled to the brim with spunk and gumption. The subtle differences in their personalities and motivations allows them to be further fleshed out. Kim D. angrily argues with their handler while Kim Q. calmly negotiates. There seems to be a good cop/bad cop dynamic developing.

Eva Cabrera’s artwork is bouncy and energetic. She easily captures the various facial expressions of her characters, from the bounty hunters’ stern looks to Kim’s full blown smiles. Claudia Aguirre’s bright, bubblegum colors are a fun contrast to the world of underground mercenaries. The hot-pink color scheme of the cover was enjoyable as well, capturing the essence of the story. Thematically, the art style allows for the comic to have an anime feel. Some of the action is silly while is some more serious. One panel featured a head shot illustrating that Cabrera is not afraid to get bloody.

Kim & Kim: Something is Up

Kim & Kim isn’t just a queer comic, it’s a great comic. The new era of modern comic book fiction is going to be pioneered by titles like Kim & Kim. Indie publishers like Black Mask Studios have been publishing creative alternative comics for years. The major publishers have recognized the hunger for alternative stories and have responded in kind by “modernizing” their most popular superheroes. If you’re looking for an intergalactic space-mercenary adventure featuring characters of all styles and sexual orientations, then look no further than Kim & Kim #1.

Comic Review
  • 65%
    - 65%
65%
Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
BRAND PARTNERS
Recent Posts