Shrek

(Dark Horse, 2003)
™ and ©2003 DreamWorks

Near the end of the Shrek feature film, Donkey’s fire-breathing girlfriend removed the diminutive Lord Farquaad from the plotline, making his reign as king a short one, indeed. So how does he star in this comic book? Well, just take it as a given that not only is that the case but also that he is, again, out to make Princess Flora his wife.

Shrek #1 isn’t as jam-packed with juicy tidbits as the average issue of an Evanier-scripted issue of Groo the Wanderer, and there’s little to no social commentary (after all, this is a kid’s comic book), but it does have plenty of humor and a number of priceless moments. There’s a great Blues Brothers reference, some tasty gingerbread-man puns (“That house cost a lot of dough”), and all manner of jokiness by a certain jackass. You can practically hear Eddie Murphy in your head while reading the assortment of Donkey witticisms.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the art, which captures the likenesses of the characters from the film while at the same time maintaining a style and energy of its own. Parents will appreciate the fact that, unlike the film, the comic book is bereft of foul language. There is one bathroom joke, but it’s non-gratuitous, perfectly timed, and very funny.

— Brett Weiss

Jump to issue:

Notes

Writer

Artist