The Flintstones #1 | A Clean Slate

06.30.2016 - “The Flintstones” where the original ‘first family’ on television since being introduced in September 30, 1960 until The Simpsons replaced them, but still known for being one of Hanna-Barbera’s iconic animated series. The series originally for six seasons and over the years it expanded to animated specials and two live action films. The latest comicbook incarnation takes its adaptation of the live action movie that have John Goodman in 1994 and the prequel ‘Viva Rock Vegas’ as portrayed by Mark Addy. In comicbook form it’s written by Mark Russell with art handled by Steve Pugh. The plot is that Fred Flintstones was asked his boss Mr. Slate to bring the newly employed Cro-Magnons to have a good time, while at home Wilma discovered her talent in art. For most of the time The Flintstones are more portrayed and likable in their original cartoon form and it feels rather weird to see them drawn on a serious tone like their theatrical counterparts, but none of them resembles the actors that portrayed them.

But the art is just right with Steve Pugh doing his best to balance the characters and put well detailed look at Bedrock, but the narrative how it flowed in each page is difficult to figure out the direction where it wants to go. Though it’s worth noting that one of the Cro-Magnon dude was tagged as a ‘hipster’ that perished in one scene that was found in modern times ending up as a display in a museum.

There’s not enough humor to feel that this is The Flinstones most people have known, but it’s worth the try to get an idea what the creative is trying to do with this series. But they could have been best drawn a little back to their own art style in the classic cartoon it would probably be noticed for its aesthetics. Though they want to have this comicbook to appeal to an older audience its understandable why they went to use the live action film’s appearance than go cartoon-y.

In the classic cartoons Fred Flinstones is portrayed as a bit of a rebellious caveman, but it seems in this book he takes a backseat as a passive aggressive individual who wants to set a good example for the Cro-Magnons, but it felt flat to understand what his real role in the series. To add less of what made The Flinstones entertaining is the supporting cast making them appear like second fiddle to the main story.

The series looks like a re-do and starting all over again to please new readers when they can just establish the characters what they’ve been known for. Its definitely a challenge for the creative team to making it happen unlike the other book like Future Quest, where they got everything if not almost right.

This is similar to what they’re trying to do with Scooby Doo Apocalypse, but there’s a saying “If it ain't broke, don't fix it” which seems to be the way things happen in this first issue and it kinda lost its original appeal. This may be the first issue but moving forward they shouldn’t change anything entirely.

Overall it wasn’t as funny as you’d expect it to be and humor didn’t much stick to the anticipation those who have known this series. At the end of the day it was fun while it lasted, but there’s always hope that the second issue get back to its roots.

RATED: C-