REVIEW: Sex Criminals #4

If you’re a fan of sex and cool comics you might be reading Sex Criminals, a new book by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky from Image Comics.  The first three issues were funny, naughty and amazing.  Did issue four hit the spot for this reviewer?  Read on and find out!

SEX CRIMINALS #4
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Chip Zdarsky
Color Flatting: Becka Kinzie
Production: Drew Gill
Editor: Thomas K
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.50

Previously in Sex Criminals: Suzie and Jon have unusual gift.  After reaching climax they’re able to stop time.  Needless to say, they’re perfect for each other.  But what do you do with a power like this?  Rob banks of course!  But some others with the gift have shown up to spoil their fun.

TRYING SOME BUTT STUFF

The best thing about Sex Criminals is its unique and original ideas.  The premise alone is unlike anything I’ve read.  Fraction’s writing here is probably his best and his ability to introduce characters in fun and different ways is fantastic.  The humor has been another wonderful aspect as well and this issue continues to bring the quality of the previous ones.

A lot happens in this issue: More information on a new character shown, we learn a little more about Suzie’s past, see her and Jon plan their heist and even get to know Suzie’s roommate better.  None of it feels rushed or weighs the issue down which is a great tribute to Fraction’s ability to important story beats across without needless padding.  Suzie continues to break the fourth wall, telling her story directly to the reader and it’s fun and effective.  The humor kills as well, ranging from slightly juvenile to sly, without ever coming across inappropriate.  The introduction of Kegelface has caught my attention the most.  A soccer mom who secretly works for an organization of others with Suzie and Jon’s power.  And she’s the baddest of the bunch, after her kids go to bed of course.  All the characters are written realistically and are authentic.  There’s a touching little moment with Suzie and her roommate Rachel after a horrible experience with her boyfriend.  It unfolds in a way that’s unfortunately how many similar situations in real life do.  Suzie’s retaliation is hilarious and gives some sense of justice.  Originality continues to abound in the issue.  I mean, who’d ever have thought to have fleshlights with tasers in them?  I could go on forever, but needless to say, if you’ve enjoyed the first three then this issue won’t disappoint.

KINDA LIKE WHERE’S WALDO

Chip Zdarsky’s work is amazing all the way around.  His style, detail and, most of all, coloring are unlike anything I’ve seen before.  Colors pop and the effect used in “The Quiet” meshes with the pen and ink work perfectly.  Besides coloring, his biggest strength is the way he sprinkles in hilarity, both obvious and subtle.  From Suzie wearing a suit and bow tie in the college flashback to the hilarious posters and sex toys in the porn shop, it’s all great.  I loved going back and searching for jokes I missed and it kinda feels like reading those “Where’s Waldo” books as a kid.  If there really is a shirt that says “Pussy magnet. Wait, where are you going? Hello?” I must own one.  It’s a splendid addition to the reading experience and lends multiple readings to the issue.  Like the writing, exceptional work and one of the best looking books on the racks.

BOTTOM LINE: A MUST FOR MATURE READERS 

Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky deserve a good reach around for creating Sex Criminals.  It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read and keeps getting better with each issue.  With all the sexual acts and humor taking place it never feels forced and is appropriate for the story.  From the storytelling to the art, issue four continues the greatness.  I wish I could gush more but I’ve shot my wad.  If you’re over 18 and not a prude you should be reading this book.