Two-in-One: Sky Ape Join The Fourth Rail's resident reviewers as they delve back into the world of AIT/Planet Lar and another one of its recently released trade-paperback editions... one that introduces the reader to Sky Ape. Don: Well, it seems the creators behind Sky Ape weren't paying attention and did take the brown acid. This book was an insanely hilarious but intensely bizarre romp through a pop-culture mindset. It reminded me in tone of Kyle Baker's The Cowboy Wally Show... had it been a pulp adventure comic written by Salvador Dali. Randy: I remember my wife picking this up for me when it was originally produced by Slave Labor, and I couldn't make heads or tails of it because of the bad printing. Having read it again in this much better-printed edition, I still had moments of confusion, but it was more of a "what the hell were these guys smoking?" confusion than a problem of understanding the story. Sky Ape trade paperback published by AIT/Planet Lar written by Philip D. Amara & Tim McCarney illustrated by Richard Jenkins"spiritual guidance" by Michael Russo Don: These guys -- Amara, McCarney, Jenkins -- they're not right in the head. And I don't know what this Russo one is about, but I'm certain he's not all there either. The fellows in the white coats better not get their hands on this book, because it serves as ample evidence that a tailor needs to be brought in to make some straightjacket alterations. Sky Ape is madness poured out onto paper, but it's a clever, witty and silly kind of madness. Randy: I agree on all counts. You'd think that the base concept, a gorilla with a jetpack, would be the wackiest part of the book. But the truth is, gorilla with jetpack only begins to scratch the surface of strange and hilarious in a book that also contains innumerable pop-culture references and strange characters and plot goings-on. This is what would happen if Seinfeld was about a giant ape with a jetpack rather than a comedian. And centered around a plot to find a jacket capable of travelling through time. And all the writers and actors were taking copious amounts of drugs during the production. Oh, hell, I guess I can't describe it, I'll let Don take a whack at it. Don: Sky Ape tells the story of Kirk Madge, a millionaire/adventurer who just happens to be a rather large ape. Kirk can't remember where he came from, and his lifelong desire to get some answers regarding his origins. At the behest of a fellow millionaire, he sets out to find the Suspense Jacket, a blazer that can transport the wearer through time. The garment may just be what Kirk needs to get his answers. In reality, plot has little to do with Sky Ape. The point isn't the quest for the Suspense Jacket, but the weirdness that happens along the way. Like having Red Sox hallucinations. Like being forced to make pancakes at gunpoint. Like getting a pirate dressed in a leather mini-skirt. If one had to describe the book in one word, it would be "surreal." If one had five words to work with... "It's fuckin' out there, man." Randy: Or, alternatively, "Bwa-ha-hah-hah-ha!" That's five words, right? Don has hit it right on the head, the plot is really little more than an excuse to deliver more bizarre occurrences per capita than any comic, save perhaps those written by Grant Morrison. But the weirdness is always fun, and the dialogue in the book is full of winning lines that you'll find yourself quoting, hilarious non sequiturs like "Fenway! Time for the big pants!" or words to live by like "Watch yourself. Evil's a fucker." Don: Jenkins's art matches the script in its bizarre tone. There's a sketchiness to the art that seems purposeful, that makes it clear to the reader that the reality in which the title character exists is fluid, in which anything is possible. There are no rules, and that tone makes its way into the visuals. The character designs are memorable. Jenkins also provides a serene, thoroughly human sequence in the middle of the book. I don't know exactly what it represents, but the visuals put one in the mind of peace and contentment. Randy: I was also impressed with Jenkins's art. He handles the gonzo action sequences well, but is just as accomplished with the important scenes of the characters eating in a diner or playing Risk. And anybody who can handle a giant ape with a jetpack well enough to make the character stick out in my mind is okay by me. Don: While reading one page, the reader will find him- or herself giggling. The next, scratching his or her head with a feeling of entertained bemusement. Sky Ape is many things, but most importantly, it is unique. It defies accurate description, and adds to a much-needed sense of diversity in comics. Sky Ape is weird, wild and well worth reading. Email Randy and Don comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.