by Randy Lander

STAR WARS: TAG AND BINK ARE DEAD #2 Recommended (7/10) Dark Horse Comics Writer: Kevin Rubio Pencils: Lucas Marangon Inks: Howard M. Shum Colors: Michelle Madsen Letters: Steve Dutro Editor: Dave Land Price: $2.99 US/$4.50 CAN The first issue of Tag and Bink was a laugh riot, so I was a little let down when this one arrived in shops a month late, still amusing but not nearly as laugh-out-loud funny. There's a lot to like, including the strong comedic timing possessed by Rubio and Marangon, but the pacing and the story didn't seem quite as strong in this one. If nothing else, it seemed like three issues, one for events in each movie, would have been a better structure for the series. However, despite problems of pacing and humor that wasn't quite as strong as the first issue, the basic story is strong and there are enough funny moments to keep me interested. The story here has revolved around Tag and Bink bumping into important characters and events, with a humorous spin put on the whole thing. That is kept up here, especially in regards to a run-in with Boba Fett and a surprising revelation about who shot C3PO in Empire Strikes Back. This is geek humor at its finest, likely to be appreciated most by those who know the movies pretty darn well, but still accessible to those who are only familiar with the films. However, there is a law of diminishing returns with these sort of gags. Tag and Bink's unerring ability to find trouble remains amusing, but it's not as hilarious seeing these guys get on the bad side of Boba Fett when they've already run afoul of Darth Vader, and we probably got our fill of "posing as Stormtrooper" jokes from the last issue. There is still some fresh humor to be found, though, particularly in the visual details. Marangon has a great sense of comedic timing and wonderful expressions. Any artist who can pull off a convincing double-take is okay in my book. Some of his background details, such as the left-over trash after the rebel celebration or the walls of Lando's home, really make for the biggest laughs in the issue. I enjoyed a lot of this issue, and laughed throughout much of it, but I kept feeling like Rubio had to wrap things up awfully fast. Certainly there were enough opportunities for gags to continue this through to Return of the Jedi, and the comedic possibilities suggested by their escape from Cloud City and their journey back to the rebellion was good for another issue as well. Two issues wasn't enough, and the latter half of the book felt a little rushed as a result. Email Randy Lander comments about this review, or discuss it on the Fourth Rail message board.