THE INTIMATES #5 REVIEW

[BoomBot]

<a href="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0305/Intimates5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/previews/dc/0305/Intimates5T.jpg" align=left alt="The Intimates #5 Cover Preview"></a>Reviewer: Omar A. Safi, osafi@ucok.edu
Story Title: [untitled]

Story by: Joe Casey
Pictures by: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Spy Comics by: Jim Lee
Inked by: Sandra Hope
Colors by: Randy Mayor
Lettering by: Richard Starkings & Comicraft's Rob Steen
Cover by: Rian Hughes and Jim Lee
Assistant Editor: Kristy Quinn
Editor: Alex Sinclair
Created by: Joe Casey, Jim Lee and Giuseppe Camuncoli

The Intimates #5 is more than just a typical story about a suicidal teenager. This issue introduces Dead Kid Fred, a teen with some terrible problems. Readers can feel sympathy for Fred since they might have felt the same at one point. While most people think they have it bad, look at Fred and then think again.

Dead Kid Fred is a superhero-in-training who is literally rotting. So, more than looking only awkward, he is a horrid sight. His parents send him to the Seminary, where teens are taught how to be proper superheroes. Punchy, the cocky kid, has an unexpected development that redeems him from his rudeness in The Intimates #3, where he harshly rejected Empty Vee. This time, Punchy often reads someone’s awfully morose entries on an online journal called ‘Hive Journal’. He has a growing suspicion that the journal is someone’s at the school; well, after finding out that it was not a hot girl to catch. Also, Punchy has a concern for Fred and even asks him to sit together at lunch. Eventually, Punchy figures out that Fred is the one writing the entries and is close to committing suicide.

Events end up quite dramatically and Joe Casey illuminates the characters’ personalities greatly. The effects are left for later but readers can imagine the characters emotions. Punchy’s heartfelt efforts will make him a lot more likeable for some but he has never quit being fun. Destra takes on Punchy’s previous role by being a bitch when Fred asks her out and is rejected by her. Sykes’ apathy to Fred makes him objectionable since Fred told him about his feelings and he still did nothing to help.

Besides an emotional story, there is a lot to laugh at as well. The students’ sex-ed is quite funny, as it should be. Like usual, the subscript is enjoyable; personally, this quote was excellent: “Destra once told her parents she was bi-sexual to avoid a blind date with a Republican senator’s son.” Also consistent, The Intimates #5 is a thorough and lengthy read.

The artwork is a clean and pleasurable package. Jim Lee is a skilled artist who does not always lend his talent well to covers; but, Lee’s Intimates covers have been different with a fresh approach. His version of Fred is excellent and provides the appropriately decrepit look. Rian Hughes’ magazine format is what makes the covers unique though. Giuseppe Camuncoli’s interiors are lively and amusing. His version of Fred is not as fitting as Lee’s horrific one but more of a goofy gag. The scene where Mr. Baal is yelling is exaggerated perfectly and readers can sense the somber mood of the last scene. Lee’s spy comic feels unnecessary and has not found its place in the title yet; at least now it is not squished in with the rest of the panels. The incorporation of the online journal text is effective too.

The Intimates #5 goes above the exceptional quality it offers monthly. Casey’s script is authentic and moving. The characters change and develop unexpectedly and interestingly. Books about teens are usually not my taste but this title offers more. Be sure to look out for it.

ART:
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STORY:
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OVERALL:
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Order this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=1543&cat=INTIMATES)

[Alex Groff]

This issue begins the character development I think people were looking for earlier, in that we're seeing Punchy getting fleshed out as a person who can be an obnoxious prat, but at the same time does have a sympathetic side. What I think a lot of these stories have been showing (especially with this issue being about Punchy, and the next issue being about their silent comrade) is that beneath the surface, there is a lot going on. Its a shame more people don't see that or have the patience for that, but I think this is pretty much top notch work from Casey. Have to agree with you there, Omar: authentic and moving. What more can we ask for in a story?

[Wolverine]

This series has been nothing short of excellent. the story, art and feel of the book have given me the feeling I want to get at the end of every comic. absolute enjoyment

[Al Harahap]

Great issue. I can't believe people are passing this up just because the cast isn't going off to battle big bad supervillains. The suicide story may have worked better with one of the main cast because readers are more invested in them, but it's still got the intense social relevance of NYX and Young Justice. Bravo, Casey.

[Drew Shirley]

Great issue. I can't believe people are passing this up just because the cast isn't going off to battle big bad supervillains.

But they aren't doing anything else either.

And its my estimation that by 10 issues, Casey will have used every single high school cliche ever conceived.

[Jon Hancock]

They're doing plenty. Mainly having lives.

[James Groves]

They're doing plenty. Mainly having lives.

Well, anyone can have a life. Whether it's interesting or not is another matter entirely. ;)