Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum introduced us to Twilight City in the stellar comic series Minor Threats, now the enlist the help of writer Kyle Starks and artist Ryan Browne to create a series surrounding a little known henchman in Barfly. With a perfect blend of humor, action, and crime, this comic brings a unique twist to the world of Minor Threats.
The Lower Lair bar is home to all sorts of supervillains, lowlifes, and scumbags… but only one of them has to puke digestive fluids onto his food to eat. Shiteater, the humanoid mutant fly is a loser, a lifelong minion who lives to serve his criminal master. But what happens to a henchman when he no longer has anyone left to hench for?
When you tell me Kyle Starks is writing a new comic, I am already hooked, but when you add in the fact that Ryan Browne is going to illustrate…just take all my money. Starks’ storytelling skills are on full display as he tackles Twilight City and introduces us to a colorful cast of characters including Shiteater. The premiere issue is paced just right with the perfect amount of well-timed jokes. While extremely funny, this book is so much more and we were hooked from the first panel to the last page. Kyle has crafted a comic that is entertaining and extremely funny.
The signature art style of Ryan Browne is also front and center in Barfly. He brings a comedic flair to every panel that shines in this series. The attention to detail and cleverly paced jokes makes Barfly one of those comics you have to revisit over and over. Each page is packed with visual gags and wonderful humor that is balanced with dynamic action sequences that immerse us in the world of Twilight City.
With talented comic book creators such as Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, Scott Hepburn, Christopher Mitten, Tess Fowler, Tim Seeley already playing around in Twilight City, adding Browne and Starks to the mix only elevates the creative team behind Minor Threats. You can feel a true synergy between writer and illustrator on every page of Barfly which creates a seamless reading experience. Ryan and Kyle being both amazing writers and illustrators in their own respects gives Barfly that extra special attention that is evident on each page.
Barfly #1 is a delightful addition the world of Minor Threats. With its outstanding writing, stunning visuals and memorable characters this comic is a true work of art. If the next three issues are anything like the premiere issue, we are in for one hell of a ride and is in serious contention for our comic book of the year!
From the World of Minor Threats: Barfly #1 hits local comic shops on July 10, 2024 from Dark Horse.
Ryan Browne and Kyle Starks joined the Capes and Tights Podcast for Episode 173 to discuss Barfly and so much more!
From the World of Minor Threats: Barfly #1 Covers
