Graphic Novel Review: Axe Cop!

Axe Cop Volume 1 by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle
Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Books, 2011
144 pages
5 out of 5

Created by five-year old Malachai Nicolle and illustrated by his older brother, the cartoonist Ethan Nicolle, Axe Cop Volume 1 collects the entire original run of the hit webcomic that has captured the world's attention with its insanely imaginative adventures. Whether our hero is fighing gun-toding dinosaurs, teaming up with Ninja Moon Warriors, or answering readers' questions via his insightful advice column, Ask Axe Cop, the adventures of Axe Cop and his incomparabled team of crime fighters will delight and perplext even the most stoic of readers.

Thanks to the Best of the Best challenge, I was introduced to the world of Axe Cop. It's chaotic, funny, and just plain awesome. Packed with secret attacks and being on duty always, there's something for everyone.

Kid logic is unlike any other logic in the world, and Axe Cop is all about it. If you're not sure what kid logic is, a fantastic example can be found in Big Daddy. Remember when Julian wins every hand of cards no matter what he has? And why does he keep winning? Because the game is "I win."

Ask Axe Cop is definitely my favorite feature. "The Ultimate Battle" is also pretty great.

Axe Cop Volume 2: Bad Guy Earth by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle
Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Comics, 2011
104 pages
4 out of 5

This volume is Bad Guy Earth, the epic, three-volume Axe Cop extravaganza. Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth definitely takes it to the next level, moving away from strips to a full-length story. Shawna Gore writes in the introduction that it was an experiment to see if there was enough fun left in the Axe Cop universe for such a story to exist. Luckily there was!

Although I LOVE the fact that the writer is a 6-year-old, as a result, some pieces do feel a little disjointed here and there. Even so, Bad Guy Earth packs plenty of laughs and surprises. Plus, I loved getting a sneak peek at the process with the feature "Making of Bad Guy Earth" that appears after the story.


Axe Cop Volume 3 by Malachai Nicolle and Ethan Nicolle
Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Comics, 2011
160 pages
5 out of 5

The format of Volume 3 is similar to that of the first Axe Cop compilation The first one is epic in that it is the first, and this one continues to build on the universe. In Volume 3, you'll find various episodes, holiday specials, more Ask Axe Cop, and other special features.

The comics have been anthologized into volumes, but (most) can also be found online at www.axecop.com.

Seriously, it's awesome. If you've never read it, you should absolutely click that link right now.

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Disclosure: Borrowed all three titles from the library.