3 out of 5

So, randomly, Simpsons comics will employ writers or artists I dig.  This time it’s Shane Houghton.  Since I’m not a regular reader, I can’t say whether or not this issue is average Simps fare, but it was enjoyable either way, with some amusing meta-humor that’s in line with the show’s style, but definitely geared more for the book format.

Lisa convinces Mr. Burns to fund an electric car project, which ol’ Monty does in the hopes of controlling the city’s power.  This puts him up against Rich Texan and his gasoline-powered automobile industry, which of course results in a big Transformers duel.  Meanwhile, Moe’s Tavern, much to Homer’s chagrin, becomes host to a trivia night, at which Homer doesn’t do so well.  …Until he discovers the facts inside the bottle lids at a drink machine at work, and then goes about collecting these to accrue factoid knowledge.  These two storylines intertwine, and then, y’know, status quo returns.

John Delaney’s pencils, Andrew Pepoy’s inks, and Art Villanueva’s colors all take from the show but – through unique background palettes, some intenser shading, and nifty angles – work to create a look that’s definitely comic and not show.  While the Boom! kids books give alternative artists their shot in mini-backups in those books, it’d be cool if the main features didn’t have to so religiously play by the show bibles, though perhaps Simpsons’ legacy and older reader skew might allow for that bit of liberalism.  Houghton’s script has the light and breezy comedic feel that got my attention on his Reed Gunther series, but he certainly displays an appreciation for Simpsons pacing and lore while, as mentioned, suiting the meta-commentary to match the presentation.

It’s a fun, fast-paced, ridiculous tale that would make a good episode, which is probably a sign of quality for the book as well.  I mean, yes, I can weigh in on that: it’s a sign of quality for the book as well.