An enjoyable tribute to Saturday morning cartoons and comics before the 80s darkness, “Captain Ultimate” #2 continues to be a gleeful nostalgic trip to childhood innocence. Readers are sure to have their pants charmed off because, after all, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a comic book about superheroes and villains.

WRITTEN BY: Benjamin Bailey & Joey Esposito
ART BY: Boykoesh
PUBLISHER: MonkeyBrains Comics
PRICE: .99 cents
RELEASE: September 18, 2013

Children are now overjoyed with the sudden return of their long-lost forgotten hero, Captain Ultimate. Just when the city thought it was safe after an attack from a giant octopus alien monster, something much bigger and badder is brewing. After his previous defeat, Dr. Destruction wants a rematch with Captain Ultimate and he doesn’t care if innocent civilians get caught in their fight. After their first encounter, Milo wants to believe nothing can stop his hero from bringing down Dr. Destruction. But when Captain Ultimate starts to feel his age, can he actually stop Dr. Destruction’s reign of terror on the city?

Writers Benjamin Bailey and Joey Esposito let their characters grow in their arcs from the previous installment. After being rescued by Milo, the Bully isn’t really the same person as before. As his relationship with Milo shifts, the Bully has changed his tough-guy attitude and even his wardrobe is different. Also developing, Milo isn’t a nerdy kid hiding in the corner anymore. Milo acts and feels more confident, especially when his classmates appear to be in trouble.

What I really liked is how Bailey and Esposito play a spoof on the movie industry and popular culture, while teaching a valuable lesson to children. The Super Revenge Society have lost their studio deal for a movie because brooding anti-heroes aren’t popular anymore. Being nice and squeaky clean has become a new fashionable trend. During the battle with Dr. Destruction, Captain Ultimate realizes he has to clean up his mess. Captain Ultimate teaches about serving and helping the community, especially after a disaster.

Artist Boy “Boykoesh” Akkerman delivers a cartoonish take on the physicality of superheroes. Captain Ultimate has this big and muscular chest with slim legs. A combination of Superman and Sinestro, Dr. Destruction wears a cape and has a pointy mustache. Aiming for screwball comedy, Boykoesh illustrates a plucky and feisty reporter, who looks straight out of Howard Hawks’ movie, “His Girl Friday.”
Boykoesh knows how to punch up the humor in his panels. When Milo’s mother threatens Captain Ultimate, she grinds her teeth and her eyes turn red. After she is done with her threat, Milo’s mother returns to back to normal, all smiles and cheerful. Ed Ryzowski keeps the animated spirit with his eye-popping colors.

Fun for all ages, “Captain Ultimate” #2 has such a good-fashioned heart that flows within each page. With a strong message about community, this is a great way for kids to be introduced to comics. Be sure to get your copy over at ComiXology.

4/5 Skulls

Reviewed by – Jorge Solis