First Look Review of Bone #6

First Look Review of Bone #6

This issue ends a very well written and drawn first story arc. I’m very happy I found this title a couple years ago and while I read through the first arc back then and this is a reread, I plan on going through the entire series this time. It just seems to hit so many of the good things I like in fantasy…dragons, a damsel kinda in distress, a kinda knight in shining – oh wait, he’s always running around with no clothes on. In any case, it’s a lot of fun. The Bones are cute, the Hooded One is ominous, and I love Gran’ma Ben…it seems she knows everyone in the valley.

Bone #6

Out From Boneville, Phoney’s Inferno by Jeff Smith. Published by Cartoon Books, 1991.

In the last issue we left off when we came upon Gran’ma’s house on fire as a result of the fight with the rat creatures. Fortunately for Gran’ma Ben, the rats lost interest in fighting once Fone and Thorn ran. Instead they chased after the kids and in any case, Gran’ma can take care of herself pretty well. When Fone and Thorn bring the dragon back to Gran’ma’s house, we find out that the two know each other though there seems to be some kind of tension between them. Anyway, the dragon and Ted take off when everyone starts getting ready for their trip to Barrelhaven.

On the trip, Fone spins the tale of how Phoney got the Bones run outta Boneville and boy is it a doosey. Needless to say, he kinda deserved it. Over in Barrelhaven, Smiley and Phoney continue to work at the tavern to pay off their debts but Phoney hatches a plan to bilk the gamblers during the cow race through trickery. This doesn’t sound like a wise choice if Phoney doesn’t want to get run outta Barrelhaven as well. It’s also here that Phoney spots the Hooded One who it turns out wants his soul…I’m thinking Phoney may have made some kinda deal with the devil and he’s coming for his due.

Finally, Gran’ma, Thorn, and Fone arrive at the tavern and we see the long awaited reunion of the Bone cousins. Things seem to be pretty calm at the moment but we know the rat creatures are still out there and the Hooded One won’t rest until he’s got a hold of Phoney’s soul so I’m pretty sure this tale of adventure will continue. And I’ll continue with it. It’s been a fun tale and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.

You can find first looks at other issues in this title linked in my January Reading List.
I rate this issue a B+.