Everything is approaching Coplan.
For example, it is not a way to mean anything to my own personal improvement or to the continued happiness of humanity. I mean only in regards to the adaptation of my favorite 90s cartoons. After Mars and the Toxic Avenger/Crusade biker Mouse, Gold Rush follows along with the street sharks of writer Stephanie Williams and artist Ariel Medel (joined by colorist Valentine Na Pinto and letterer Jeff Eckleberry).
Despite these solid series, my millennials mean that I’m always waiting for other shoes to fall. And my brain is not overjoyed/excited, but wondering if street sharks can keep pace. Notably, the genetically modified Man Shark hybrid is Xtreme from the 90s, and even with the sibling dynamics at the core of this story, resonant and fascinating might defeat the megalodons of these metropolitan cities.
Luckily, Street Shark #1 is the reason your boy indulges in eccentric nostalgia.
Variant cover by Elizabeth Beals. Provided by IDW.
There was nothing particularly clear when reviewing these other throwback titles. It’s the standard of success. This is similar to other stories, despite being slightly looser in these specific books, including exciting action, solid character development, general quality and consistency. The source material can only go so far, and at the end of the day, even the best adaptation, is to weaponize weapons for our own money. (Most?) It’s fine for me. Classifying books about a particular experience or level of engagement is fine as not all stories should be considered the same.
I’m referring to street sharks because I feel this dynamic is particularly common than the other books I’ve reviewed. For example, it seems that Street Sharks will do well with a more direct approach, even though Toxic Avenger has reworked the innate sociopolitical elements of the 2025 America story. Street sharks, which took place a few weeks after the Bolton Brothers transformation, are essentially a direct continuation of the show. So, expect a whole battle scene between the brothers and Dr. Pyranoid’s ceviate. If that’s what you want (and that’s an eternal need for Ya Boy), then you’ll feel more fulfilled than the great white after giving you a frenzy.
At the same time, its “basic” approach means taking over the same problems as the comics. The way the brothers often find themselves indistinguishable (except for their respective gimmicks, like the whole Roller Blader of Streets), is the derivative nature of pyranoids and company. Even skipping stories of origin is very efficient and both a potential disadvantage for some readers. (I try not to update the actual origins of sharks as a cultural phenomenon, with over 20 years of interest and knowledge about genetics and shark rise.) I certainly feel like things are cooking, but I’ve seen every episode.
Variant cover by Khary Randolph. Provided by IDW.
That’s not to say that Street Sharks have not made some choices to build up the comic to make this series stand out or to make it easier to connect with this particular medium. There are threads that make the story question the safety and feasibility of having a destructive shark. And of course, such a “Does a Hero Do Just As Good Harm?” device is a bit old/overused, but it seems perfectly suited for giant shark heroes.
There are also some rumblings about new genetic splicing solutions that not only turn everyday citizens into sea monsters, but also prove to be more powerful and dangerous for sharks. Again, that’s a bit of a derivative, but anything that gives street sharks a disastrous odds is both exciting enough. The brothers need to be provided with more character building pauses and uncertainty. These decisions respect the reason for creating the book (give you money to enjoy your heyday, stupid millennials), inject enough freshness, and feel like there are at least some new textures/layers there.
Still, it is the art itself that really separates this book. Aesthetics alone makes it even more vivid and playful, with a deep hoke and energetic tone of the 90s. (The more fun, intentionally cartoonish approach reminds me of the profane and somewhat ironic tone for best consuming stories featuring shark-tellers in Jean Shorts.) Similarly, the appearance of the Sieviate is better balanced and feels important in a better belief in mutant crabs as this sincere threat. Plus, for example, you can’t make mistakes in a completely structured montage/loop where your brothers are broken, just by eating more wrestling moves and eating scientific equipment.
Variant cover by Kevin Anthony Catalan. Provided by IDW.
In fact, it is actually what this street shark is (even if the story may move somewhat slowly). (Finally, their street swimming doesn’t somehow look strange or feel strange.) It’s enough energy and emotions to forget about the slightly derivative nature of the street shark and accept what it is (a mountain of stupid fun).
Because if you continue to mine the 90s for a new comic title, it’s important to reconcile with its pedigree and context and create something that fits the comic medium. We know how long and deep these Condrissians really get, but street sharks own the past and are pushing towards the future (if not the entire finpower of the past). So, as a manga and manga fan, think of this very specific victory for me. And while I may have real issues/concerns, none of them separate from the book’s brilliant achievements.
In short, give me more amazing actions and I will be a happy boy forever.
‘Street Sharks’ #1 Advance Review: Dive In for More ’90s Nostalgia Fun
Street Shark #1
A bit basic to comprehensive execution, “Street Sharks” #1 does what is necessary (promoting sparkling nostalgia) and suggests more.
Art nails the excess top and joy that this book really needs to swim.
There are enough new ideas and textures to make this story shine within the comic medium.
Not so much would you like to feel more involved or robust in this update.
The action is big and bold, but so far I don’t feel like the sharks and bad guys have developed very little.
