Spongebob Comics #29

By Nate Neal, Chuck Dixon, Jacob Chabot, Monica Kubina, James Kochalka, Hilary Barta, David Degrand, Derek Drymon, Mike Devito, Stephen R. Bissette, Maris Wicks, Robert Leighton, R. Sikoryak, Travis Nichols, and Comicraft.

Imagine for a moment you’re reading a classic issue of EC’s Weird Science Fantasy. You’re transported to a magical place, guided by fantastical scenarios, harassed by horrific creatures. Now imagine this issue’s setting is Bikini Bottom. Spongebob Comics #29, the most recent installment in a series created from a love of fun storytelling, and a loving commitment to the characters of the Spongebob cartoon. With Sandy as a focus, each story in this multi-feature comic explores the bizarre, the strange, and the flat out weird things that happen around a certain pineapple under the sea.

One of the most notable features of Spongebob Comics is its almost complete lack of ads; a complete 32 pages (including cover space) of comic storytelling. Comparatively speaking this comic is one of the best values you can pick up off the shelf. It contains more pages than the standard comic, features more stories, and easily will be more fun to read.

Great value and no payoff isn’t much of an overall package, but Spongebob has that covered too. Every story is chock-full of fun and feels as if it happened in a televised episode of the cartoon. Each tale is funny or silly in an engaging way, never resorting to inane humor that neither child nor adult would be capable of getting a laugh from. On top of all this, in keeping true to the EC storytelling legacy, this comic is full of mysteries, monsters, and monkeys.

Above everything else Spongebob Comics provides entertainment and activity beyond reading the comic stories. Similar to features found in a Mad Magazine, Spongebob Comics has a series of activities, visual puzzles, and even a bit of marine life science. For a parent looking for a comic to engage their child, or one to share in some group activities, you can’t get much better than this.

It’s a shame more comics from Bongo don’t see a wider range of press or reviews. The entire line is packed full of fun comics, created by authors who are truly inspired by the source material. Spongebob Comics may be 29 issues into its run, but every one has been unique, unified by a different theme. It’s always a treat when the new issue of Spongebob or Simpsons Comics hits the stand, Bongo sure knows how to make a mighty fun comic.