Book Review: Bandette vol. #1

Why do I keep forgetting to add this: I borrowed a copy from NetGalley for review.

Book: Bandette volume #1: Presto! (issues #1-5) written by Paul Tobin with illustrations by Colleen Coover

Expected Release Date: November 19th

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I can see why this is an award winning comic book. It was delightful and fun to read. Bandette is like a modern day Robin Hood. She even has her own band of merry men or the Urchins as she likes to call them. They are the young people of Paris. From time to time she even helps Inspector Beligique who begrudgingly calls her for assistance. But mainly she's out to have a good time enjoying the treasures of the city.

I couldn't help reading this with a French accent. This lighthearted yet action packed comic features the first five issues of the Bandette series. It also includes eight short comics focusing on several characters in the series as well as one short story about Daniel (who's also one of the Urchins).

It's so refreshing to read a comic that not dark and dreary and overly serious. Bandette is a fun and cheery comic that focus on thief extraordinaire Bandette as she goes after one elusive prize after another. The artwork is also quite cheery. And when Inspector Beligique isn't asking Bandette for help like with a hostage situation, he's trying to apprehend the young criminal to bring her in for justice. The inspector isn't the only one she's crossed paths with the others are: master thief Monsieur and the international organization Friends In Need Improvement Society (FINIS), as well as her nemesis Matadori.

However, when Monsieur while out attempting a little thievery, he overhears the leader of FINIS declaring to put an end to Bandette once and for all. Not liking the sound of that, he decides to give his young rival the heads up. This resulted in a really funny moment with Bandette fighting with Matadori.

This little comic would go well with the Inspector from the Pink Panther cartoons or the Batman TV series from the sixties that starred Adam West and Burt Ward. It's just so campy and fun. Especially with such funny dialogue as this: from Bandette: Ahhh! These jerks! How dare they shoot at me! I will write a nasty letter to the President! or from Inspector Beligique: Ahh, damn this day and damn this underwear. I really enjoyed this. It was cute and funny. I'm quite interested to see how Bandette will continue her adventures now that FINIS is out to get her.

This comic might not be for some who are looking for something dark or serious but if you like lighthearted funny comics this might be for you.