Pipedream Pull List: The Mask of the Red Panda #1 (MonkeyBrain Comics)
It’s another big week for MonkeyBrain Comics this week, with a new issue of the excellent High Crimes and another new series in the form of the brilliantly titled Mask of the Red Panda by Gregg Taylor and Dean Kotz.
This 40s inspired Eisner-esque crime adventure follows in the Golden Age footsteps of classic crime fighters like The Spirit or The Green Hornet and perfectly captures that radio serial feel – a large part of which is down to the fact writer Taylor produced The Mask of The Red Panda as a podcasted radio serial in his native Canada. This means the book already has a very well rounded feel with superbly-defined character dynamics which makes it feel less like a number one and more like you’re jumping into a familiar favourite.
Although focusing on the well trodden path of a billionaire mask wearing detective and his youthful ward/driver the story doesn’t feel overly cliched, despite having such familiar character types. Part of this is down to the supernatural/magical monsters who the Panda is pursuing (which made the book feel a bit like a family friendly version Pipedream favourite Fatale) but also thanks to the Panda’s young ward Kit Baxter aka Flying Squirrel. This plucky female sidekick is more than just another Robin/Kato knock off and actually pushes the story forward with her smart, sassy attitude, which makes her much more than just another ‘girl in peril’ and ends up making her the most interesting part of the story.
The smart, fun-filled story is ably backed up by artist Dean Kotz who’s style is much looser than you’d expect from a book of this style, but as a result it gives the story a sense of dynamism and excitement that a more formal artist might not manage. Equally at home rendering the stylised 40s decor as he is the magical monsters.
Mask of the Red Panda is another cracking addition to the MonkeyBrain roster which we hope will endure beyond it’s initial 3 issue run. Mixing all the best elements of classic pulp adventure serials with a magical subplot, the real star of the book however is sidekick Kit Baxter the Flying Squirrel who is a truly great creation.
Mask of the Red Panda #1 is available via the ComiXology app for £1.49
March 5, 2013 @ 1:03 am
nice review, though I’ll point out that The Red Panda Adventures podcasts are still being produced and distributed via Decoder Ring Theatre online, as part of a continuing storyline that started around 1933 and is currently dealing with World War II. I suggest readers of the book check these out, as the stories flesh out the characters quite a bit, and may give them a few surprises – Gregg has a way of making you look at superheroes in some unique ways. And you’re right about Kit, she’s one of the strongest female characters to don a mask and kick serious butt without going into cliche or being a girl hostage. Finally, if you think this is cool, wait until you meet the Panda’s rogue’s gallery 🙂
March 6, 2013 @ 8:59 am
Thanks for the tip Dan, will have to check those out!
March 5, 2013 @ 1:17 am
Cool review guys but its Kit Baxter not Kid Thank you for spreading the word DRT needs all the help they can get here in the UK
March 6, 2013 @ 8:59 am
Thanks for the correction Martyn – not sure where I got Kid Squirrel from – sounds like a cool name though, might have to keep it for my own comics project!
“She’s totally true to the spirit of the era” Mask of the Red Panda writer Gregg Taylor discusses how to write the perfect female sidekick (and also get the girl) | Pipedream Comics
March 29, 2013 @ 8:01 pm
[…] mix of 1930s adventure serial mixed with a brilliant supernatural/ magical under current we raved about the first issue and so couldn’t wait for this latest installment of the adventures of August Fenwick and his […]
"She's totally true to the spirit of the era" Mask of the Red Panda writer Gregg Taylor discusses how to write the perfect female sidekick (and also get the girl) | Pipedream ComicsPipedream Comics
July 25, 2013 @ 10:18 pm
[…] mix of 1930s adventure serial mixed with a brilliant supernatural/ magical under current we raved about the first issue and so couldn’t wait for this latest installment of the adventures of August Fenwick and his […]