cover image Kung Fu Jungle Boy Vol. 1

Kung Fu Jungle Boy Vol. 1

Jae Kyung Uhm, Choong Ho Lee, . . CPM, $9.99 (184pp) ISBN 978-1-57800-701-1

Firmly ensconced in Dragonball territory, this entry is well drawn but unremarkable kiddie fodder. The mythical atoll in the sky, Cloud Island, is home to a host of superpowered, martial arts–wielding monsters, anthropomorphic animals, and adventurers; chief among them is Kakoong, a wild boy who serves as the island's protector. Kakoong's nemesis is Lord Kojak, a visually bizarre megalomaniac whose main superpower involves his unspeakable flatulence, a noxious ability that he uses to subdue both henchman and foe alike while attempting to conquer the island. The lively illustrations keep the ensuing madness moving at a brisk pace, reminding the reader of the sumptuous art found in quality animation. There's not much more to be said, since the series reads like a primer for a video game or a toy catalogue, replete with endless kung fu throwdowns, juvenile humor, exactly one female character, superhuman pyrotechnics common to the genre and the protagonists shouting the names of their signature moves—such as "Big Fist!" and "Long-Range Blow!"—in other words a textbook example of a manga to amuse little boys. (Apr.)