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Review: Trouble #1 (of 6)

Review by Francis Mao | 07/11/2003 | 16:18:13 PM PST

Marvel's Epic Comics line returns with a romance that has significant impact on Marvel continuity.

Written by Mark Millar
Pencilled by Terry Dodson
Inked by Rachel Dodson

The Story:
Meet Rich, Ben, May, and Mary, four healthy, red-blooded American teenagers who spend their summer working at a posh Hamptons resort during the late 60's. Ben and Rich are brothers and perpetually horny while May and Mary are really wilder than the good girls they appear to be. Inevitably, they all hook up after a night of skinny-dipping, and are about to do the dirty deed.

The Art:
Terry and Rachel have really come into their own with their fluid lines and mastery of the human form. They succeed in rendering realistic looking teens (not an easy feat), and all the ink spent on inking the many female curves are very much appreciated. I enjoy the straight, cinematic approach to the story without a single superhero graphic clich? in sight. The opening sequence hiding the creators' credits in the environment was an extremely clever touch.

The Verdict:
Why is this romance comic suddenly the hottest new title this summer and already set for a second and third printing? Well, its impressive creative roster easily makes this story just as compelling as any other quality Marvel superhero comic. However, Ben and May happen to be THE Uncle Ben and Aunt May of a certain Peter Parker, while Rich and Mary are that same boy's parents. All said and done, this is the ultimate Spider-Man origin story! Although the Hamptons summer resort setting is reminiscent of watching Dirty Dancing too many times on late-night cable, the characters are unique, and live and breathe on the printed page. Kudos to Millar and the Dodsons for pulling this off, and I hope the rest of this series pays off just as well.