Broken Frontier

Here’s the thing about Dynamite Entertainment and Liquid Comics’ all-ages Ani-Max One Shot: there’s a very good chance there’ll never be another issue. That is, of course, unless the animation development deal proves successful.

A pretty cynical way to begin a review about a comic book targeting kids but I figure I’m entitled as an avid fan of the medium for over 30 years to take umbrage when my favorite form of entertainment is hijacked as a platform to sell a property to the highest bidder. I swear, if Ani-Max makes to a programming schedule somewhere, I’ll be pissed. I get that comics are trendy in Hollywood right now. I understand the realities of the modern entertainment industry – that comic book properties are being plundered by everybody and their mother for application in everything from movies to video games.

Does it have to be so blatant as to be insulting, though? Did creators Sharad Devarajan, Gotham Chopra, and Jeevan Kang really need Dynamite to produce a one shot of Ani-Max to secure a development deal? There ain’t that many kids walking into comic shops these days and if the goal was to put out an all ages comic that appeals to adults as well as rugrats, then a more original concept is necessary. Ben 10 Light just isn’t going to cut it.

Well, now that the rant segment of this piece is over, let’s consider Ani-Max solely on its merits as a comic book.

Tapped by Liquid Comics to develop their concept into a comic book, writer Ron Marz performs his mercenary duties well. He turns in a light, fast-paced script that’s easily accessible and avoids condescending to its broad target audience. Marz showcases his diversity taking on a property at the other end of the spectrum of his usual adult fare. Although not the darkest of writers out there, Marz has never been afraid to address adult themes. In Ani-Max, he’s allowed to let loose without worrying about attaining a certain level of sophistication to appease today’s jaded comic book fans. Marz is a pro. He doesn’t phone this one in, though some might have opted for the easy way out, considering the likelihood of a sequel.

Similarly, Jeevan Kang showcases an entirely different style than his previous works, putting some real thought and effort into everything from the visual storytelling to the character designs. His pages explode with fluid movement and unique layouts that drive the action along smoothly without distraction. Kang’s animation style, like Marz’s script is easily accessible. The visuals evoke the slick production values of – oh, I don’t know…Ben 10.

The creative duo of Marz and Kang deserve kudos for doing more for Ani-Max than simply showing up. Dynamite and Liquid, on the other hand, deserve a kick in the junk for killing the trees necessary to print this unforgivably cynical use of the comic book.