Broken Frontier

Peter shows off his mad parenting skills and Brian defends immigrant rights in the second installment of the Griffin family’s foray into the world of comics.

The loveable Griffins stormed the world of comics earlier this year just like their predecessors, the Simpsons, did in the mid-nineties. There wasn’t a lot of fanfare, but those who like it, really, really like it. I can tell why. This issue contains a wraparound story wherein Peter explains to the readers his . . . colorful . . . parenting techniques. In the first five pages he ignores, blunders, and abuses his way into the comedy comic book annals. As is the nature of the television show, we are then left hanging as a new and even stranger story ensues. This second one begins when Mayor West (yes, the one and only Adam West for those unfamiliar with the mythos) needs cheap labor to build a pipeline to Arizona and droves of immigrants storm Quahog. Peter loves it at first—churros, Mexican nannies, and impeccable service everywhere make him a happy New Englander. But things change and he shows us the bigoted idiot we’ve all grown to love to hate to love.

Matt Fleckenstein has a knack for the comedy style of the television show. The signature sporadic flashbacks are there—though they are a bit heavy due mostly to the form and not the storytelling. It just doesn’t work as well in a comic book as it does on the television. Nonetheless, Fleckenstein can bring the funny. He has a knack for satire that keeps me laughing for the full forty-five pages. I don’t feel comfortable giving away all the jokes, but know this: there is enough farting, puking, cursing, irony, and satire for any fan of the television show.

The art team does a stand out job as well. Each panel looks like a still from the show. The colors are as bright and popping as the ones I am used to and the Family Guy stamp is clearly there. In other words, looking at the art in this comic is deceptive. If you read it quickly, or inebriate yourself in some way before picking it up, you may, some time later, be out, talking to your buddies about a really funny episode of Family Guy you saw. But they’ll all say, "You’re crazy. There is not an episode of Family Guy like that." Then you’ll say, "Yes there is!’’ And before you know it, you’ll get belligerent, a fight will ensue, and you will lose all your friends. That, dear reader, is the power of good art.

So, yes, Fleckenstein and company have created quite a comic here. Though the price tag may be a bit much, you will be able to read it as many times as you watch reruns of the show. Which, admit it, is quite a lot of times.