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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't let this slip through the net again, 12 May 2004
It’s a crying shame that this comic didn’t gain the widespread recognition it deserved when first released. However, as the rights have been bought for a film version starring Johnny Knoxville, hopefully some new readers will come looking for it, and set things right.First thing I have to say is that Hawaiian Dick is one of the most beautiful looking comics in some time. Since the artwork is clearly inspired by 1950’s postcards from Hawaii, every frame has lush greens of foliage, vivid red and rich blacks of the protagonists’ clothing, and creamy skin tones of the love interest, giving everything an idyllic look. Of course, this was the intention, and it works very well. Of course, visuals don’t make a comic on their own, so it also helps that the writing is top notch. In the wrong hands, the story could have failed – since it is American cop goes to Foreign Culture, and has a local keep him acquainted with tradition and the locals (Rush Hour springs to mind…) – but it is well handled and is never an issue. Hawaiian culture and mythology gain a mystique within the pages of the comic, and seep into the idyll that is presented in the first few pages, yet never overrun it. It also helps that there are explanations for the customs, and translations for the Hawaiian dialect given, so not to alienate any readers. Lastly, the characters also come across as having more life breathed into them than they would in less able hands due to the writing and dialogue, again relegating any fears of cardboard cut-out plotting to the back of your mind, soon to be forgotten entirely. Even if, as said before, they have been written a thousand times before, they all have a certain life, and edge, to them which lifts them above any doubts. As I said, if there is any justice, people will seek this out once word gets around of the film, rather than wait for the obligatory reprint at the time of release. This is a comic that deserves to be discovered and enjoyed, which is a sign of any great comic.
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