4 out of 5

I’m going to keep reviewing these in four issue chunks, even though the trades might break down differently…

Same deal as the first collection, with a main Spike / Flower story with some continuity backed up by a gag strip, though this time Jim Zub is subbed out for a rotating cast of writers and artists.  And same as the first collection, Siddell’s hilariousness is the glue, with Ian McGinty’s art nailing the comic timing and Chunk Jones-esque expressions that sell the jokes.  However, it should be noted that the key part of this relationship might be Siddell after all (or the way he scripts), as Mike Luckas does art on issues 6 and 7 and all the beats are still there, whereas when Mike works on some of the backups, the humor’s not as sharp.  So that’s something.

Colorists vary but universally do a good job of keeping the book looking bright, every panel popping; Jim Campbell handles the lettering solo and is also responsible for the exuberant tone, with his bubbly letters and flowing bubble placement and floaty tails.

When details carry over between strips, it’s especially rewarding, and just the consistency of tone Siddell brings in make the first half of each issue, for better or worse, far outshine the backups.  That’s not to say those writers don’t get the gist of sarcasm and nonsense that works with the Munchkin tone – and some are particularly hilarious, like Shannon Campbell’s chicken curse in issue 5 – but again, with you’re-in-you’re-out efforts, there’s more of a tendency to do a punchline setup style strip, or reuse some humor that’s already been somewhat mined.

Still, a great humor book, with shockingly sharp humor from Siddell.