Kamandi, the Last Boy on Earth #27
Published and © by DC, March 1975
Title: Untitled
Synopsis: Kamandi and mutant friend Ben Boxer join the Horse Marines to explore “the dominion of devils” … aka Canada!
Writer: Jack Kirby
Penciler: Kirby
Inker: D. Bruce Berry
Review: Jack Kirby’s longest-running DC title was a work of mad genius: impossible to take seriously, but still capable of commenting on the world in broad, almost abstract strokes (that description is meant to describe his writing, but Kirby’s art from this era was headed in that direction, as well). As often on this series, the King marries heavy-handed social commentary and madcap adventure with an abundance of bizarre, animal-based characters. Kamandi himself is a bit of a whiner this time out, but an interesting supporting cast – including a giant ant soldier (a great visual!) – make this installment a winner.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: Can one really get enough of Kirby’s anthropomorphic post-apocalypse? Really?
Character quotable: “Bow your head … so he can touch your brow with his feelers.” – Captain Pypar, bulldog general
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Feb. 1, 2009.
