Thunder Monkey

One of the unique features of this comic book is the Thunder Monkey “freeze frame” which graces the center spread. It depicts a single frame of the story in the appropriate spot as an action scene that is suitable for framing.

The Mexican Mafia is following a boxer named Knuckles, but Thunder Monkey, an ape like super-hero, comes to save the day. Thuner Monkey is described as “a cross between Chewbacca and Curious George.” This series is a reworking of a story originally written and drawn by Lee Oaks.

— Mark Arnold

From the Comics Buyer’s Guide:

As far as introductions go, Thunder Monkey’s is pretty well handled. The reader is made to empathize with Knuckles Wisebrow, a hospitalized minor thug. He was committing a crime to raise the money he owed somewhat more major thugs, namely, a Mexican mob family. Wisebrow’s initial encounter with Thunder Monkey is also ours.

Since the antagonists are a Mexican crime cartel, they speak Spanish with English translation provided for the benefit of the reader. The translations are fairly liberal. In one instance, the Spanish includes a four-letter word that the translation politely ignores. (Actually, in Spanish, it’s a six-letter word.) Similarly, a pun about fighting “mono a mono”—monkey to monkey—comes out the less accurate “mono y mono”—monkey and monkey. It’s hardly a crime, but the Spanish could be tightened solamente un poco.

The back-cover pull quotes are a little odd. Scott Hampton’s just says Oaks’ name. But a quote from Walt Simonson says, “This guy can draw!” Nothing in Thunder Monkey suggests otherwise. It’s furry, frenetic fun.

— Jack Abramowitz

Jump to issue:

#1

Apr 2006

Cover: $2.95

W: Lee Oaks · A: Lee Oaks

3 copies from $4.00
#2

Jun 2006

Cover: $2.99

W: Lee Oaks, Gavin Beattie · A: Lee Oaks, Gavin Beattie

B&W

2 copies from $3.40