Muppet Comic Mondays: The Muppet Show Comic Book #7 - Family Reunion

The Muppet Show Comic Book #7

Family Reunion

Written by Roger Langridge

Illustrated by Amy Mebberson 

 

James Gannon - Odd timing with this issue. Not even a month after issue #6 and already we get issue #7 of The Muppet Show Comic Book, part four of "Family Reunion." This being the fourth story arc, it seems that there are two types of arcs in this series so far. One that has a unifying theme throughout the arc, but each issue is a different story line (see: "Meet the Muppets" and "On the Road") and one that has a common theme, but has multiple recurring elements throughout the arc ("Treasure of Peg Leg Wilson"). "Family Reunion" felt like the in-between point of both types, as Skeeter was a recurring element and plotline, but everything else was episodic, having characters deal with their own matters of the Family. This issue it's Fozzie’s turn.

Fozzie gets an unexpected visit from his mother, and he’s nervous about how various lies about his success unravel right before her eyes. Not to mention the fact that she’s clearly trying to fix him up with an old childhood friend. And so, Fozzie pulls Skeeter down into his well meaning web of deceit. Not only does Skeeter become his girlfriend, but also master detective Wormwood Soams. After all, who wants their parents to find out how bad a comedian they really are (trying hard not to reference Dane Cook in this review)?

We all know Fozzie’s mother quite well from Muppet Family Christmas and The Muppets go to Walt Disney World, and Fozzie had no problem with his mother seeing his act on The Muppet Show that one time. But continuity is NOT what this comic (or the Muppets themselves) are about. It’s a very sweet story, perfectly Muppety, and a very deep character study on Fozzie’s part. That’s the best thing about these comics, they have all had very character driven story lines.

This issue is a strange animal. There are less and shorter Muppet Show sketches than in most other issues making room for a lot more story and the first sketch didn’t even happen. Instead, we have Fozzie’s fantasy sequence about being Wormwood Soams’s assistant. I’m not gonna lie to you, the detective DOES bear a bare resemblance to his Sesame Street counterpart, at least in the shape of the head. It almost seems like this segment and even the two covers are holdovers from the proposed “Guest Stars” arc (hence the parody name, even though a more human looking Sherlock on cover A). Not to mention Fozzie IS going to play Watson in Muppet Sherlock Homes, due after Muppet Snow White is done. However, if Wormwood is really a guy, I’m wondering why Emily Bear never questioned the fact that he’s a she when they meet. And other than a short “Pigs in Space” and “Rowlf’s Poetry Corner”, the sketches all focus on Fozzie. Especially the closing number, “Baron Munchfozzie,” which, at the risk of sounding ignorant, I didn’t quite get. I never saw the Monty Python related film nor read the original story. Dude’s a liar like Commander McBragg, right?

At this point, I have to also mention the fact that Skeeter was never mentioned by name in the past three issues (I’m not saying if she is or not, and what she really does… that’s for YOU to find out) seemed like the ultimate joke. Now, it was the general consensus of the fan base (and this reviewer) that there was some odd provisions of her appearance that she couldn’t be mentioned by name, maybe at the suggestion of someone at Muppets Studio. After all, the Statler and Waldorf gods playing their game suggested that this may or may not be happening. But after reading this issue, I came to this conclusion… Roger was teasing us the whole time since there was no reason or call for Skeeter’s name to not be mentioned. After all, Disney owns that too.  Touché, Roger. Well done.

How does this rank with the other arcs? Without a doubt my favorite, followed closely by Peg Leg Wilson. Skeeter being the glue holding the arc together, while Andy, Randy, Cousin Mo, and Emily Bear just so happened to visit during her stay. If it wasn’t all a game, I’d suspect that it’s an odd coincidence. As I said in the other reviews, something about Roger only doing the writing seemed to make it more focused and sharper than normal. Amy’s artwork is a lot more cartoonishly animated in this series than in Muppet Peter Pan, which had a more Disney animated feature look to it. Of course, when most of the gags are cartoony, that kind of style is the way to go. That said, I’m looking forward to seeing Roger’s artwork again in the next arc. It is nice to have a change of artist every so often, but I like his style as much as all of the other artists. He really manages to give Gonzo and Animal a very manic look in their eyes. Now we just have to sit back and wait for Monster Mash.

 


 The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: The Muppet Show Comic Book #6 - Family Reunion

The Muppet Show Comic Book #6

Family Reunion

Written by Roger Langridge

Illustrated by Amy Mebberson

James Gannon - After an amazing reunion where we meet a grown up Skeeter, and introducing future characters Andy and Randy to The Muppet Show, Family Reunion part 3 decides to do things a little different. Instead of a rare family member we rarely see (or never see in the context of the original series), we get a Muppet Show regular. We get a great story focusing on Kermit’s own nephew, Robin.

The twist is that Statler and Waldorf’s Greek god counterparts decide to play a piece that has no connections to anyone whatsoever, causing an internal struggle. Robin feels very underappreciated, especially having to sort props and other smaller, overlookable tasks. Things get worse for the little frog. Just before he has to perform the Frog Scout mime interpretation of Death of a Salesman, the mysterious piece is played. A cross eyed woman wearing a suit with a badge that says “C.O.” on it. Skeeter gets involved in the mess, and they both come to the conclusion that C.O. means County Orphanage, and that somehow they’re coming for Robin. Fearing a Follow that Bird situation, Robin eventually decides to run away.

Which brings me to thinking that it never was explained why Kermit is usually seen taking care of Robin. Did something happen to Robin’s parents? Did they have a bad trip to Paris where they lost their legs? Or does Robin just hang out with his Uncle a lot? It’s not explained here, nor does it really need to be. My guess? Robin’s just young enough to think something bad’s going to happen without thinking it through.

Meanwhile, Kermit has to take a collection for something. What it is, I won’t say. And, of course, there IS a surprise family member that pays a visit… but it’s a surprise. It’s basically a throwaway gag, and you’re gonna have to read to the end. But it’s well worth it.

The standout sketches from this issue follow the old Muppet Show tradition of sharing something (an item or character) between 2 or more sketches. Wayne and Wanda sing “Mighty as a Rose” to a monster baby in a bassinet (they almost get to the end before any mishaps, making it all the funnier). Pages later, Link Hogthrob is smitten by the monster baby, spending all his time on the Swinetrek taking care of it, to the rest of the crew’s dismay.

On that note, if we ever get another full issue Pigs in Space story ever again, I really want Amy to draw it. She gives Link the goofiest look that fits the character even better than the actual puppet. Heck, if there’s ever another Pigs in Space animated series, she should do the model sheets. Of course, Roger should write on both counts. Out of all the sketches you usually see, he has the best handle on that one.  

All and all, this issue is a very sweet character piece for Robin. Rarely did they give him such a character exploration on the actual show, and this series really dives into every character in a more psychological and deep level than the show had time for. This issue didn’t NEED the same “look what character’s here” feeling as the previous 2, but it stands up just as well as the rest of them.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: The Muppet Show Comic Book #5 - Family Reunion

James Gannon - The Muppet Show Comic’s Family Reunion arc has been full of surprises, and it’s only been two issues so far. First, we get the return of Scooter’s long lost sister, now we get our first Muppets Tonight characters in the series. Since no one here is related to Johnny, Sal, Pepe, Dr. Van Neuter, or Mulch, unfortunately it’s Andy and Randy Pig. Piggy’s Nephews that haven’t been long nor lost enough. But you’ll still want this issue anyway. Trust me.

The difference between Skeeter and the pigs is simple. Skeeter is a fan favorite, and her absence in any media besides Muppet Babies has been the subject of fan fiction, fan art, and all that other stuff with the word “fan” in it. Andy and Randy Pig are on the opposite end of the spectrum. While they were initially created for Muppet Classic Theater, they were absorbed into Muppets Tonight. There, the characters were basically the standard dumb characters acting dumb and making jokes about how dumb they are. Roger Langridge’s first challenge in this arc was to develop the adult personality of a Muppet Babies character. Now he took on the much more difficult challenge of making Andy and Randy funny. Let’s see how he did, shall we?

After mishearing a (justifiably) nasty comment from Piggy, her nephews accept an invitation to come to the theater for a week long visit. To keep them underfoot, Kermit pulls the ultimate act of self sacrifice for Piggy, giving those klutzy morons work to keep them busy. Right there you can tell Kermit has deep feelings for Piggy. With those two in any position, the whole theater could burn down. If you’re wondering, yes... Skeeter is in this issue too. She plays a very pivotal role, actually. The Pig brothers decide that she’s a genius after she’s able to open doors they can’t. And I mean that literally. The plot eventually shifts to Andy and Randy feeling they need to show Piggy how much they appreciate her and her “invitation” by getting her a gift, but not before earning the money for one. Langridge attempted something here that the Muppets Tonight writers didn’t. They turned from one note jokes to actual feeling characters in this story, even though they keep all their idiot screw up traits from the opening introduction to the closing number.

I would say that Langridge was pretty successful in making the characters personable and even funny in some parts, and that’s a tall order for characters the entire fan base hates. There’s also a subtle cleverness in the writing, hinting that the events of this issue takes place in the realm of the Muppet Show, as opposed to after Muppets Tonight. Only Piggy knows the extent of pain and disaster they can bring, Kermit knowing only through stories. I also noticed how this issue’s A cover has dialogue to help re-establish the characters for the casual Muppet fan. Seems that sort of thing has been avoided till now.

While some of us will find it amazing that a couple of Muppets Tonight characters actually got into this series (Pepe and Andy and Randy were drawn in the backgrounds before), I was more amazed by what else was in this issue. While we have another great Pigs in Space, a Swedish Chef and all that, this issue marks the first appearance of Bobby Benson and his Baby Band. The entire appeal of those characters is that they can play musical numbers with toy pianos and kazoos. Not a bad little gag, but it doesn’t sound like it would work in comics. But we all know what kind of thick skin and daringness Langridge takes to these comics. Not only does he put them in a great number that works in this format (“The Girl with the Goo Goo Eyes”) but he improves upon the source material, making a skit a lot more interesting than the Baby Band segments from the show. If you’re still disgusted by the very idea that Andy and Randy, check this issue out for those great Muppet Show skits.

You know I always gush about the artwork, so I’ll cut it quick here. While I love the usual Muppet Show Comic’s crazy art, Roger and Amy make a great writing and artistic team. Her artwork has becomes even better with each passing issue, drawing some nice little background gags all over the issue (Like Bunsen looking into Big V’s gaping maw with a flashlight in the opening splash panel). All the while, it seems that something gets freed up, making the writing better than normal. Can’t wait to see who’s family member comes back next issue.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: The Muppet Show Comic Book #4 - Family Reunion

The Muppet Show Comic Book #4:

Family Reunion

Comic Book Review 

James Gannon - I could beat around the bush here with “Spoiler Alerts” and all that… but who am I kidding? I know it, you know it. This is the issue that brings Adult Skeeter into the Muppet Theater. As far as fan fiction is concerned, it’s like Disney officially publishing a comic where Gadget chooses one of the Rescue Rangers as her soul mate. Sad that’s the only G-rated Fan Fic reference I can make.

Before we can fully grasp what this means, we have to revisit who Skeeter was. She was a character developed for Muppet Babies to flesh out the female quotient in a very male heavy cartoon (even though she was voiced both times by male voice actors). While they could have easily added Janice or at least Annie Sue, the old TV Trope won out and they needed an athletic character. And if anyone knows 1980’s “gang of kids” cartoons as well as I do, they’re required by law to have and athletic character and a nerd (Scooter, who gained a twin that contrasted his personality). So, they rewrote history and anachronistically added a character who was never seen outside the cartoon (or Muppet Kids books), and never adopted into any other medium. You know, for the longest time I thought Skeeter changed her name to Janice for professional reasons, but now I’m almost entirely convinced she somehow turned into a Fraggle and changed her name to Red.

Now, there are some odd conditions of her appearance. For one, she isn’t mentioned by name  for some reason (like it’s gonna fool anyone), and the Statler and Waldorf Greek Fates that appear in the beginning hint that this really isn’t happening. That’s the only thing here that bugs me, since I don’t see how Skeeter is any different from Creepy McBoo or Ninja Rogers as far as the comic is concerned. But it’s still her, unless there’s some unpleasant surprise in subsequent Family Reunion issues. And while we’d all like to see her Harley Quinned into some form of Muppet Media (added to the official legacy of a series after being a cult hit on a cartoon series that is), a comic book is the next best thing. Oh, and did I mention they didn’t want to reveal where she was all this time?

At any rate, Skeeter basically comes in for a job at the Muppet Theater, knowing Scooter would help usher her in. While everyone’s happy to see her after all these years (and apparently can’t remember her name), Scooter has a rush of conflicting emotions. Skeeter still views her brother as a nerd, and doesn’t let him forget it. Meanwhile, she proves that she’s better at Scooter’s job than Scooter is, effectively calming down an enraged Piggy that no one else could (“Link’s being Link,” Kermit points out). Not only do we get the opportunity to revisit with Skeeter (who retained a LOT of her Muppet Babies personality), but we get another great story that explores Scooter’s character. And after the years of Scooter-less Muppet projects, this is indeed a treat for Muppet fans.  

And of course, the same great Muppet skits, both from the show and original Roger creations, break up the action and somehow connect to the main story line. There is one great shake up. Much in the tradition of The Muppet Show, the closing number doesn’t necessarily have to be a song. While I do enjoy the poetic prose of Muppets speaking in rhyme (or singing), not having it in every issue gives it a nice randomness to the tone.

As with the other reviews, the last bit is about the technical stuff. Amy Mebberson, whose artwork I previously raved about in Muppet Peter Pan, seems to have improved (if that was even possible) in this issue.  While it still has a Disney quality to it, it seems to have a more animated movement to (especially on Link, the butt of many Piggy karate chops). She actually designed the conceptual Adult Skeeter that’s perfectly Muppety and completely believable as one of the gang. And as much as I also love Roger Langridge’s weird and wacky commix design of the characters, I feel when he’s only doing the writing, it has a lot more focus than when he does both. In fact, I’d say this is one of the best written issues yet. So fan service or boon to fan kind, this is an issue you cannot miss. And if you missed it… uh… there’s always the eventual graphic novel reprint. So there’s no excuse there.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier