“Yesterday’s” Comic> Fanboy #1

Can’t you take off a jacket like normal people?

Fanboy #1

DC Comics (March, 1999)

In this issue we’re introduced to Finster, the star of his own comic book, who also wants to make comics. (I like him already.) Too bad he doesn’t see himself as much of a hero. He pines for his dream girl who wants nothing to do with him (while another girl sees the good qualities he can’t see in himself). He works for a comic store whose owner couldn’t care less about comics, and the store’s been invaded by a biker gang who only leaves when they find out about the girls’ beach party. With a little help from Superman (not really) Finster comes up with a way to save the party…but try telling the party-goers that.

This is also features a text back-up where Finster discusses hie early years and how comics got him through the death of his uncle. And that’s why the comic held the top spot for so long, as you’ll see more of this week. This is just an introduction comic so there isn’t a lot to talk about, and I have nothing I can complain about. So let’s start gushing.

I like the idea that Finster’s fantasy sequences are done in traditional comic style instead of Sergio’s usual style. And while it’s obviously Sergio’s style (although the Superman on the cover of a comic in the non-fantasy world isn’t a parody like in Destroys DC) it’s the writing that makes it different. While the same humor Evanier brought to the comics we reviewed last week are here (minus the political swipes and only one pop-culture reference) there’s already a different approach because it’s not just about the comedy. As this series goes on Finster’s fantasies will help him come up with solutions to some big problems and learn a bit about himself, as well. Then there’s the prose back-up, as Finster shares how he got into comics, what it’s like meeting fellow fans, and a lot about his late uncle, who apparently was a big influence on his life.

Fanboy isn’t just about the humor, although there is plenty. There’s a certain heart to it and I saw the first inkling of it when I picked up the first issue. I thought this was going to be another parody, closer to Groo than Destroys DC. I’ll be going over the rest of the series in the usual review format, but I’ll tell you right now you should get this series, so I’ll be using “analysis” in place of “recommendation” for this one. I found you the first issue and the collected trade— on Amazon, because that’s where I have the affiliate link program with. But where ever you go to find it, do so. You will not be disappointed, as I’ll demonstrate this week.

Related articles

• “Yesterday’s” Comic> Sergio Aragones Destroys DC
• “Yesterday’s” Comic> Sergio Aragones Massacres Marvel
• “Yesterday’s” Comic> Sergio Aragones Stomps Star Wars