Review - Quantum and Woody Must Die #1

"Maybe if season five didn't have that fake serial killer storyline. I mean--it's still such a great show."

Quantum and Woody are one of the better definitions of the "odd couple." The two are in something of a sticky situation considering their powers, but they still manage to make the best of things. That doesn't stop some from taking a strong disliking to them and seeking their deaths, as is the case in Quantum and Woody Must Die #1 from Valiant Entertainment. The issue is written by James Asmus, illustrated by Steve Lieber, colored by Dave McCaig and lettered by Dave Lanphear.

They came. They saw. They pissed off a whole lotta folks. And now a team of mystery vigilantes has singled out the world’s worst superhero team out for complete and utter destruction. The first target: their minds! But who are all these all-new enemies? Are Quantum and Woody really hitting it off with a sexy duo of cat burglars? And, dear god, what have they done to the goat? Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?

The duo of Quantum and Woody is nothing if not adventurous. That adventure comes with its own pitfalls though and Asmus really knows how to hit them home. Quantum and Woody Must Die #1 pits the two against the expected odds and gets them through them (for the most part) with the requisite humor and outlandishness. The pacing the of the story feels erratic in the way that the two approach life; that is, with reckless abandon and a desire to wreak havoc. And kudos to Asmus for dropping in a reference to The Wire as part of the story itself. It's little things like that infused into the story by Asmus that keeps the tone extremely light.

Lieber maintains the look and feel that fans of Quantum and Woody are familiar with and expect from a book featuring the two characters. Faces are expressive and character models are defined by bold, black lines that accentuate the details of the character's clothing. Many of the pages are packed with panels in a standard grid format, which gives the book a clean look amidst the chaos. The action sequences are illustrated with a keen eye on the kinetics of the players, with Quantum and Woody showcasing their fighting style well. McCaig's colors are muted for the most part, but still manage to add life to the book that effectively complements the art overall.

Quantum and Woody Must Die #1 is everything you could want from the duo in a story that pits them against an opponent they may not be able to beat. They'll still manage to work in their own brand of handling the problem, as well as bringing a goat to the party, but the Domino Twins might be worthy opponents. Asmus presents the two without pulling any punches, tapping into their dysfunctional relationship to offer up a great character dynamic. Lieber's illustrations hit all the right notes in presenting the characters and helping the reader visualize the trials and tribulations that go into being Quantum and Woody. Quantum and Woody Must Die #1 is more of the same in many regards, but when the main characters hate each other at times yet have to stay together to live, you can't really go wrong.

Quantum and Woody Must Die #1 is in stores January 28.