Connect with us
Rugrats #1 Review

Comic Books

Rugrats #1 Review

Tommy and the gang are back in a new ongoing series.

[amazon_link asins=’B074TZVDHL’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9e1da8fc-b8d8-11e7-9a64-f547648b39fd’]

The tiny talking infants return in their own ongoing series, starting with Rugrats #1. Can the humor of this ’90s classic translate to the modern era?

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Immediately upon opening Rugrats #1, one will notice writer Box Brown’s use of the childhood imagination that formed so much of the show. The book opens with Phil and Lil appearing as a pair of attacking Reptars that must be foiled by Tommy and Chuckie. Later, Tommy imagines himself as a pro wrestler. It’s charming material that should appeal to both younger audiences and older readers.

Box Brown also demonstrates patience in the script. Rather than rushing to bring all the core cast together (to say nothing of later additions like Dil and Kimi), Brown focuses primarily on the relationship between Tommy and Chuckie. Brown does a great job capturing the voices of these infant friends and that will help to put older readers squarely in the nostalgia seat. The smaller focus doesn’t always help, though. Phil and Lil feel like minor roles at best, and while that was true of the show many times, it would have been nice to see a stronger balance in this initial outing.

Rugrats #1 Review

Lisa DuBois’ artwork is a fantastic adaptation of the cartoon’s looser style while still doing a great job telling a story within the comic book medium. Without the flow of a cartoon, it’s up to DuBois to convey the expressive movements of the young characters and she succeeds with the use of body language. Whether it’s Tommy’s tenacity or Chuckie’s anxious running, DuBois’ characters have a liveliness that comes off the page that is further bolstered by Eleonora Bruni’s rich palette.

One thing that Rugrats #1 struggles with is the change in time. It’s been over twenty-five years since the cartoon debuted in 1991, and the issue seems to struggle with knowing what to update and what not to. Being a licensed comic, Lisa DuBois may not have had much leeway in redesigning the adult characters, but they unfortunately seem trapped in a late 80s/early 90s aesthetic that is dissonant with the updated setting involving cell phones and social media. For younger readers, this is (hopefully) a non-issue, but for the adults visiting this series for nostalgia, it points to a larger concern: what is Rugrats in a world where the housing market has crashed and job security seems to be a long-lost myth? Even as a Midwestern guy, I found myself shaking my head and thinking, “It isn’t like this anymore.” In that way, the nostalgia of Rugrats #1 has a slightly bitter aftertaste.

[amazon_link asins=’B074TZVDHL’ template=’BottomAdAIPT’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ea84600a-b8d8-11e7-a846-77d76a379f65′]

Is It Good?

Rugrats #1 is entertaining, but lacks a definitive punch to make it memorable. For fans of the franchise, this should scratch that nostalgia itch, but it might also sting a little. At its core, though, creators Box Brown and Lisa DuBois have done a great crafting a book that can be read by children and adults and leave them entertained. Hopefully future issues will have a stronger angle on the material.

 

Rugrats #1 Review
Rugrats #1
Is it good?
Tommy and the gang are back in a new ongoing series.
Box Brown does a great job capturing the voices of the characters.
Lisa DuBois artwork is a perfect fit for the series.
The focus on the parents highlights doesn't always aid the book's nostalgia.
Phil and Lil already feel secondary to Tommy and Chuckie.
7
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Comic Books

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Full June 2024 Marvel Comics solicitations: Ultimates #1 and more Blood Hunt

Comic Books

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 20, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel reveals Ultimate Gwen Stacy coming in 'Ultimate Spider-Man' #4 Marvel reveals Ultimate Gwen Stacy coming in 'Ultimate Spider-Man' #4

Marvel reveals Ultimate Gwen Stacy coming in ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ #4

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup