“Big Trouble In Little China” #3 is a side-splitting action-packed adventure. Even though the ’80s have passed, Jack Burton, our goofball action hero, is at his best when it comes to comic relief. This is the sequel to John Carpenter’s cult classic that I’ve been waiting for. The transition from screen to page is seamless.
WRITTEN BY: John Carpenter and Eric Powell
ART BY: Brian Churilla
PUBLISHER: BOOM! Studios
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: August 6, 2014
Reviewed By Jorge Solis
The life of a big rig driver is never easy. Not only was there a hideous stowaway hiding in the Pork-Chop Express, Jack Burton has to face an immortal warlord magician, who wants revenge for the death of Lo Pan. Jack must travel to a dark and nightmarish dimension to save his best friend. This is a carefully planned heist that goes completely wrong in the end. But knowing Jack, he always has something up his sleeve, even when there is no plan.
I don’t know how much involvement John Carpenter has in the series, but you can actually tell his style in the pages. With pitch-perfect dialogue, writer Eric Powell has captured the main character down pat. This dude loves to hear himself talk, even if no one is listening. I couldn’t wait to see the next word balloon pop up and read his next hilarious lines.
I really enjoy how Powell plays around his storytelling structure, placing stories within stories. As the supernatural heist continues, Powell steers away from the main cast and focuses on some cartoony henchmen. We get a short subplot with a laugh-out-loud punch line at the end. Plus, we get another one of Jack’s comical tales from his previous marriage. How many times has this guy been married?
Artist Brian Churilla does a great job with Kurt Russell’s caricature, aiming more for screwball comedy than tough guy machismo. Churilla is always hitting on the right cartoonish poses, without going to the extreme. The delivery is pitch perfect, especially in the opening with the monkey henchmen.
Churilla is giving more personality to Pete, the hairy beast from the movie. Because Pete walks around on all fours, the illustrations seem to point out that he is more of a guard dog. As man’s best friend, the pet listens to Jack’s yammering while scratching himself. Pete jumps into action when he sees Jack in danger.
“Big Trouble In Little China” #3 doesn’t skimp out on the laughs and action. If you loved the movie, you’re definitely going to enjoy the comic book.