Quantum and Woody #2
Recap
The world's worst superheroes strike again, this time hunting down the parasitic Dr.Toilet in the midst of a "brain jacking" on ice. Woody of course still continuing his latest con, pretending his energy powers are giving him "prophetic visions" of future crimes, is what gets them in this latest jumbled attempt to fix their rep.
A third party, a myth of a high tech hero named The Apprehension (just rolls right off the tongue doesn't it?) appears to pick up the slack as things go south for the duo quiet quickly. Our three heroes are now on the trail of Doctor Toilet and things will never be the same when the Apprehension lays down an offer Quantum and Woody (seemingly) cannot refuse.
Review
Quantum and Woody have long endured as a comedic duo but also something deeper. Hastings and Browne are only two issues into this run and already show a firm grasp on this concept. The duo is depicted of course as their usual semi-bumbling selves but at the same time Hastings explores the very nature of their powers and source of their “buffoonery”. While Woody might be lying about (some of) his new powers, Quantum actually does expand his abilities by thinking outside of the box. It seems like such a small moment but it reminds one of subtle shifts in the status quo like when seeds of Jean Grey’s true power were sprinkled or the realization that Invisible Woman is easily the most powerful of the Fantastic Four.
What will develop from Quantum and Woody really understanding what they can do and stepping up to the plate are the big questions the fans are left wondering. The fact they could finally be the heroes they desire to be OR Quantum and Woody could just become not just monumental screw ups but quite literally weapons of mass destruction is the kinda of unnerving subject matter that pairs so well with the quirky yet crass humor inherent in their relationship.
Now can we take a second to talk about how spot-on Ryan Browne and Ruth Redmond are for Quantum and Woody? The pair nail a blend of genres like ’80s heavy metal aesthetic meets Garbage Pail Kids meets the best of the late ’90s/2000s-era comics art. Fans of legendary artists like Scott McDaniel, Mark Bagley or Darryl Banks who have never checked out Ryan Browne, this book is right up their alley. It has the perfect mix of grit, fluidity and quirky charm that seems custom made for Quantum and Woody.
When you see the sum total of each issue of Quantum and Woody it’s a solid reminder that even a book that’s lighthearted on the surface can be much deeper underneath. A reminder of why Valiant is so good at what they do when putting these teams together, sure they could have just slapped together some fart jokes and made a 22-page long meme but Hastings and Browne show respect for the legacy their picking up here and show the level of skill they bring by not just rehashing what’s been done before.
Final Thoughts
Quantum and Woody #2 (Hastings, Browne, Redmond)
Hastings and Browne flex an impeccable sense of humor, action, style and introspection that continues to make Quantum and Woody the best superhero duo on the shelves.
Quantum and Woody #2: Three’s Company
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9.5/109.5/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10
