How a Bad Idea can be a Good Thing

Hey all, Katie here. Today I am going to talk about Bad Idea and the comics they have released so far. For those of you in the comic book world that don't know about Bad Idea, you are missing out! Bad Idea is a new company that is doing things their way. If you haven't had a chance to read any of their comics yet, I am sorry because they are fabulous. Bad Idea comics are only available in comic stores, and only in a select few, but there is bound to be a comic bookstore somewhere near you where you can find these awesome books. Right now, they have released a total of three different comics: Eniac, Tankers, and Whalesville x Rocks and Minerals, and I am going to tell everyone what I think of them.

Eniac Writer: Matt Kindt Art: Doug Braithwaite Colors: Diego Rodriguez Cover: Lewis Larosa with Laura Martin

Eniac is the story of a supercomputer that is created for the good of humanity. Right, because that always goes well, right? The computer is made in order to help win World War II. All is going well until Eniac, Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, goes off the rails. (Is anyone else wondering if a crazy robot is going to come from the future and start wreaking havoc?) Like various other supercomputer stories, the computer gets a mind of its own and decides that "he" knows better.

The first bomb in Japan was part of the plan, but the second was all Eniac. Suddenly, the computer that was supposed to be their savoir has now become a problem. Now, it is time for the computer to die, but how do you kill something that knows everything? Fast forward to the present and Eniac is up to no good again and the reader gets to experience the frantic journey to stop the computer once and for all.

There are currently three Eniac books, and so far, I am enjoying the ride. When the characters are standing in the middle of nowhere butt naked, just to avoid being detected by Eniac, you know things are serious. The characters are trying to stay one step ahead of a supercomputer that seems to know what they are going to do before they do. The frenetic pace, and interesting plot keep the reader at the edge of their seat throughout. The art, which is intense and striking simply adds to the tension of the tale. If you want an intense, interesting story that takes the reader on a thrilling quest to save humanity from a computer with dubious motives, you should find a comic book store that sells Bad Idea comics immediately. There is only one issue left, and I am biting my nails in nervous anticipation. I can't wait to see how the story ends.

Tankers Writer: Robert Venditti Art/Covers: Juan Jose Ryp Colors: Andrew Dalhouse

The world is desperately low on oil, so the world worked together to create a new energy source... SIKE! No, why would they do that when there is time travel? Why not go back in time and make sure dinosaurs survived their extinction so they can create more oil. That makes total sense right? Greenleaf Oil, a Texas oil company, has discovered time travel and decided that we need more oil. They send an elite crew of mech wearing soldiers to the past so that scientists can stop the meteor that killed the dinosaurs... What could possibly go wrong?

When I was sitting in my lcs, Comic Book Clubhouse, I overheard someone saying that they didn't like Tankers because the science was wrong... Errr... Seriously? It's freaking time travel. I am pretty sure that there is no "right science" for something like this. Let's be real- this comic is not some deep spiraling story that is going to change your life, nope, it is just good ole fashioned fun. Dinosaurs, mech warriors, and time travel WOOHOO!

This lively tale is wonderful, there is nothing wrong with a comic that is pure enjoyment/entertainment. Sometimes you need books like Tankers, the premise is silly and light. The art is incredible, the dinosaurs are larger than life and the mechs are ready to leap off the page. Are you looking for an excitement filled book with awesome mech warriors fighting dinosaurs? Then Tankers is the books for you.

Whalesville X Rocks and Minerals Writer: Matt Kindt Writer: Matt Kindt Art/Cover: Adam Pollina Art: Tony Millionaire Colors: Matt Hollingsworth Colors: Jim Campbell

In the newest Bad Idea release Matt Kindt brings us not one, but two delightful stories that are deeper than they appear on the surface. The whimsy of Whalesville drew me to it from the very beginning. While everyone else was gushing about Tankers or Eniac or Slay Bells (which looks amazing btw), I was making googly eyes at the adorable boy in his rain coat and the giant whale.

Whalesville tells the story of Wawae, a little boy who fell overboard and was swallowed by a whale. Instead of finding the afterlife, Wawae finds a whole mini world complete with a town and talking ocean critters. The art is perfectly suited to the tale, whimsical and interesting. I love the sea creatures they are so vivid that I want to jump into the pictures and start talking to Lilly or maybe Angela the Angler fish. The snail riding seadragon, is named Lilly and she steals the show with her philosophical musings (I thought, at first, she was a weird looking sea horse, but nope sea dragon. You learn something new everyday). Her thoughts on life, and her limited world are enlightening, and a power lesson wedged into a fun tale. What defines life, and what changes peoples opinions about people (or sea creatures)? I enjoyed the comic, but it was so brief and it was over too soon!

Rocks and Minerals is what seems like a silly tale about talking, walking, thinking rocks and minerals. A post apocalyptic(ish) tale, since there are no people left. Yet, there are some themes that are relevant to our world right now sprinkled in. The story follows two rocks that go into the forbidden zone and find something new. What follows is the characters trying to do what's right against all odds. The story brings up themes of acceptance, understanding, and tolerance. The world is not just rocks and minerals (or whatever group you fall into), and how we react to the differences of others defines who we are. That is what this enchanting tale says to me. The art is interesting and evolves with the story. In the beginning it's this only wild westy wasteland I kept expecting a tumble weed to fly by, as they go more into the wild the world shifts to lush and different and the art softens and shifts with the story. These two great stories are worth your time and are a great addition to Bad Idea comics.

Bad Idea hasn't been around long, but they started strong. All of their books so far are worthwhile reads. Plus, they have something for everyone, thrilling stories, philosophical ideas, relevant social themes, and let us not forget mechs and dinosaurs! If you aren't reading Bad Idea comics you are missing out on some amazing books.