Graphic Novel Review: Dr. Horrible

Writer: Zack Whedon

Art: Jim Rugg, Joelle Jones

Dust Jacket Summary

Based on the Emmy Award-winning web series Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, this collection of stories written by Zack Whedon (Deadwood, Fringe) chronicles some of the earliest adventures in the lives of archenemies Captain Hammer and Dr. Horrible. This anthology solves many unanswered questions left over from the show. For instance: What event inspired Dr. Horrible to become the world's greatest criminal mastermind? Why is Penny, the beautiful girl from the Laundromat, still single? How can you, the reader, be like blustering do-gooder Captain Hammer? And why is Horrible's sidekick, Moist, so... um... well, you'll find out! Collects the first issue of Dr. Horrible with all three digital comics from MySpace Dark Horse Presents.

What I liked

You will need to watch or re-watch Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008) in order to fully enjoy these stories. Since I am big fan Joss Whedon’s quirky, inventive musical then this graphic novel was a no brainer.

It was awesome to learn the back story of certain characters such as Penny, Dr. Horrible and Moist. My favorite by far was Penny’s back story. She is so sweet and sympathetic that her fate is even more tragic.

There is some real laugh out loud moments like The Evil League of Evil story. The interplay between Johnny / Donnie Snow and James Flames is pure gold.

What I didn’t like

The stories are way too short and would have loved for them to a bit longer.

The Captain Hammer story is the weakest of the bunch.

Last word

An awesome companion that is required reading for any fan of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

                                                           My Rating