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White Picket Fences – Issue 1

June 2007 – Ape Entertainment – Story and Writers: Matt Anderson & Eric Hutchins – Art: Micah Farritor – Lettering: David Hedgecock

While some people roll their eyes at it, I find a genuinely compelling bit of nostalgia to be extremely refreshing. It is not at all easy to generate, most of the time it does come across as cheesy and heavy-handed. However, when it works you can't wait to read or watch the next installment. While White Picket Fences from Ape Entertainment hasn’t hit Iron Giant levels of pure fantastic "gee-whiz" storytelling, it is getting darn close...

Like so many classic tales, this one opens relatively simple:

A young boy in 1950s America lives a simple and secure life. He plays "red menace" with his friends, his ma keeps the house running smooth, his pa goes to work and reminds him that sometimes a man has gotta’ stand up for what he believes. A simplified version of Americana? Sure, but when you are a young kid whose entire life revolves around your friends, fresh cut grass, and your favorite adventuring superhero, that about cuts it. Until, of course, our hero Charlie does what all young boys do... He sneaks into that creepy barn on the Old Miller Farm... However, unlike most boys that then run away only to tell tall tales to their friends; Charlie finds a machine from outer space and sets in motion a series of events that may indeed usher in a new World War... A War of the Worlds!

Does this sound simple?

Of course it does and that is exactly why this book works. There are some extremely serious events about to come down on this quiet town in Anywhere, USA. However, we get to experience it through the eyes of an extremely imaginative young boy who wishes to travel beyond the stars in a rocket pack and have epic adventures worthy of his dime store comics. I just can’t help it. I love stories like this. My obsession with Batman and the dark world he resides notwithstanding, my biggest pleasure comes from the classic pulp era. Heroes on jetpacks. Noble beasts. Drooling aliens. Wise talking dames. Love it. Can’t get enough of it. With hints of more sinister forces working behind the scenes and the ever-present shadow of the Red Menace; White Picket Fences #1 promises great fun. I, for one, can’t wait to read more.

Looks gorgeous as well.

Artist Micah Farritor’s use of watercolors brings a rich texture to White Picket Fences. Within one page, his use of darker inks reveals the peace and calm in this small American town… Only to have an alien beam shatter that calm with blinding colors and light. Fantastic work. The story, while one could argue isn’t all that original, is populated with fun characters and sharp dialogue that is period appropriate. (Something that many books set in previous decades lack).

In addition, you get two books for the price of one!

Well, almost. As a short follow-up feature to White Picket Fences, we get an "issue" of The Astounding Adventures of Captain Odyssey! More that just a fun romp in space, this follow up book gives us a little insight into what makes young Charlie a hero. He reads Captain Odyssey. He is an Odyssey Cadet. Most importantly, he believes in Captain Odyssey and all that he stands for. Something tells me this will play a greater part in Charlie’s life as the US Army and Aliens from beyond meet in his small American town.

Well, consider me a Cadet as well... Cause I am hooked and can’t wait to read Issue 2!