This review is from David Hedgecock's R-Evolution column at Smallpresscomics.com.

  
     
  THE ATOMIC PICK…

Each month I'm taking one exceptional book and making it my ATOMIC pick. Basically, it means that James Sime, owner of ISOTOPE, the comic lounge in San Francisco will be purchasing 10 copies of said issue and selling it in his store with loving care and special attention.

This month:

STREET ANGEL #1
Send $3.00 to:
Aweful Books
PO Box 4517
Pgh, PA 15205
digest+/bw/24 pgs/duo tone cover

Take a small time street urchin, a power mad geologist bent on ruling the world, throw in a torso on a skateboard with a whole gaggle of ninjas for good measure and what do you get? The impressive debut of STREET ANGEL by Dick Troutman and Brian Maruca.


Street Angel, a.k.a. Jesse Sanchez, is reluctantly sent by the Mayor to defeat Dr. Pangea who plans to re-unite the continents back into one giant super-continent so that he might become a god. After some skillful detective work (and some dishwashing at Bruno's Kitchen), Jesse discovers the evil Doctor's hideout and resolves to karate chop some evil heads in.

Sanchez has just the right blend of sarcastic, street tough kid in her to make her a truly unique comic character. This orphan's realistic personality serves as an anchor for the incredible silliness that surrounds her- evil geologists (geologists!?), basketball playing ninjas, even her own fantastic abilities- all of it made acceptable by her consistent portrayal.

If Mike Allred and Paul Pope got together and had a baby, their offspring would draw like Dick Troutman (conspiracy theorists, start your keyboards!). Some wonderful cartooning going on here with just the right balance of whimsy and detail to keep the story flowing ultra smooth.

If you only have enough cash to sample one new book this month, put the latest TIDAL WAVE of 'pro' books back on their shelves and order a copy of STREET ANGEL #1. You can thank me later.