Buckaroo Banzai: Return of the Screw

    (Moonstone, 2006)
™ and ©2006 Earl Mac Rauch and W.D. Richter

Years ago in 1984, there was a science fiction movie released called The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension. It was basically a flop upon release, but soon developed a cult following. So much so that a TV series, an animated series and a sequel movie were all toyed with. Unfortunately, none of these projects came to pass and the scripts just sat in limbo for years while the creators were trying to figure out who owned the rights to what. Now, after two decades, the scripted adventures are finally appearing in comic book form. A must for devotees of this film!

— Mark Arnold

From the Comics Buyer’s Guide:

If you’re a fan of the 1984 cult movie Buckeroo Banzai and have watched it over and over again, then you’ll love this comic. However, if you’ve only seen the movie once or not at all, then you’ll find it incomprehensible.

Moonstone’s first issue, which includes all of the material from the moderately priced black-and-white #0, is as faithful to its original source material as a comic book can be. Which is to be expected, since it’s the work of the original creators. Nearly all of the characters from the movie’s ensemble cast return and have significant roles. Plus, a new, Fu Manchu-like villain is introduced. The problem is that the story lacks a central focus to hook the casual reader.

The art and coloring are fine, but this is a series for dedicated, diehard fans only. All other readers won’t know who’s who or why anyone acts the way they do. The same failings that kept the original movie from launching into an intended series are also present in the comic book.

— Michael Tierney
Jump to issue:
  • 1/B
    #1 Variation B
    Cover B by Michael Stribling
    May 2006
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Earl Mac Rauch, Joe Gentile  ·  A: Stephen Thompson
    3 copies from $2.55
  • 1/C
    #1 Variation C
    Cover C by David Michael Beck
    May 2006
    Cover: $4.50
    W: Earl Mac Rauch, Joe Gentile  ·  A: Stephen Thompson, Keith Williams
    2 copies from $4.50
  • 2/B
    #2 Variation B
    Cover B by Stephen Thompson
    Aug 2006
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Earl Mac Rauch, Joe Gentile  ·  A: Stephen Thompson
    2 copies from $5.25
  • 2/C
    #2 Variation C
    Cover C by Dave Dorman
    Aug 2006
    Cover: $4.50
    W: Earl Mac Rauch, Joe Gentile  ·  A: Stephen Thompson
    2 copies from $3.50
  • 3/A
    #3 Variation A
    Cover A by Dave Aikins
    Nov 2006
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Earl Mac Rauch, Joe Gentile  ·  A: Stephen Thompson
    3 copies from $3.50
  • 3/B
    #3 Variation B
    Cover B by Michael Stribling
    Nov 2006
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Earl Mac Rauch, Joe Gentile  ·  A: Stephen Thompson
    1 copy for $5.98
  • 3/C
    #3 Variation C
    Cover C by David Nestle
    Nov 2006
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Earl Mac Rauch, Joe Gentile  ·  A: Stephen Thompson
    1 copy for $2.55
  • Ash 1
    Ashcan #1
    Jan 2006
    Cover: $0.50
    W: Earl Mac Rauch, Joe Gentile  ·  A: Stephen Thompson, Dan Berger
    3 copies from $8.50