PopCultHQ Comic Book Review: COUGAR AND CUB #4 from Action Lab: Danger Zone

PopCultHQ received a review copy of 
COUGAR AND CUB #4 from Action Lab: Danger Zone.

Available on Wednesday, April 26th,
the creative team for this digital series features
writing from Nick Marino and Rosie Knight,
with interior and cover art from Daniel Arruda Massa.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of the fourth issue of…

COUGAR AND CUB #4
(Digital Only)

Writers: Nick Marino, Rosie Knight
Artist: Daniel Arruda Massa
Cover Artist: Daniel Arruda Massa

<PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review:
‘COUGAR AND CUB’ #1>

<PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review:
‘COUGAR AND CUB’ #2>

<PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review:
‘COUGAR AND CUB’ #3>

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PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
COUGAR AND CUB #4
“Got Pounded“

Billy Bobtail is back as Cub! Upon hearing of the ambush of his beloved mentor Minerva, Billy ditches his Meowz persona and returns to the Cat Hole as the courageous Cub. Esmeralda, who is coming into her own as the Alfred Pennyworth of the superhero duo, tends to Cougar. But Billy won’t stand by as Minerva, his fellow brawler and bedroom buddy, lies beaten, battered, and bruised. No sir! This Cub demands punishment, and revenge is a dish best served cold.

But Megaville’s villainous Rogues see an opportunity with the unsuspecting sidekick now solo. Just as in each prior issue, the city’s cadre of criminals choose a character to challenge and combat the crime-fighting cats. In this episode, we meet the enormous Diaper Rash and his henchmen, The Tantrums!

Could this be the end of Cub at the hands of the Rogues? Will Cougar arrive in time to save her sidekick and spoil their plans? Find out, comic fans, in the next installment of Cougar and Cub!

Writing:

The comic book world needs more Nick Marino. Enjoyable adult humor is a rarity in comics today. Understandably so since it’s not an easy thing to pull off, especially issue after issue. There has been no shortage of laughs in this series thanks to Nick, who has consistently delivered on every occasion. You’re not going to get some jokes which fall flat or miss the mark. Cougar and Cub is the pinnacle of precision punchlines and perfectly placed puns. Not many can attempt and excel at writing comedy, especially in this medium, but Marino has mastered the craft as he has put the funny back into these ol’ funny books. Definitely my choice as top comedic writer in the industry today. Hands down.

I have to say that the comic book world needs more Rosie Knight as well I am truly enjoying what she brings to Cougar and Cub. The throwback sidestories are a fun addition at the end of each issue and Rosie’s writing is a credit to the series. What always catches my eye is the artistic poetry-like quality in her captions. Her writing style, coupled with Massa’s art, is something I always wish I had more of by time the story concludes.  I would love to see a future issue of Cougar and Cub where the writing roles were reversed. Sort of like a “Minerva and Billy’s Day Off,” where the first few pages show them enjoying a day free of crime, and the remaining bulk of the issue to be a full throwback story from Knight. Would love to see how she’d tackle 20 pages of narrating our punchy, protagonist partners, be it in a throwback or not.

Art:

Daniel Arruda Massa continues to bring the outrageous art that has defined Cougar and Cub. It’s wild, it’s zany (I’ve never used that word in a review before), and it’s a fun-filled festival for the eyes thanks to his contribution in the series. Just as Marino has such precision with his comedic timing, Massa accentuates the humor with his creative caricatures, brilliant colors, and sharp layouts. It’s also a spectacle to behold to see him shift gears when partnering with Rosie Knight in the throwback side-stories. Quite frankly, not only am I glad to see Massa and Marino work together on a project again (see: Holy F*ck and Holy F*cked), Daniel is the perfect compliment for this series. His work not only shows his artistic range but elevates the story and helps make both writers shine. A true asset to the team!

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

What can I say that hasn’t been said in my prior reviews for this series. Cougar and Cub is the most hilarious superhero romp available anywhere. You’re guaranteed laughs, brilliantly ridiculous illustrations, and storytelling with an episodic and throwback feel. What Marino, Knight, and Massa have produced is ripe for a transition to animation, as it would rival (and likely surpass) any adult-themed/oriented cartoon available today. Make Mine Megaville!

Just as Action Lab Entertainment leads the way when it comes to all-ages comics, their Danger Zone imprint has the titles which know how to deliver wildly funny and outrageous stories, especially notable new series AmeriKarate and certainly Cougar and Cub. Though you will be more than thoroughly pleased reading each issue digitally, and I highly recommend doing so since you can take the hilarity with you anywhere, it’s exciting to know that a collected volume trade is slated for this July (details below). Now I’ll have something the creators can sign when I hunt them down. Who am I kidding? I’d let them autograph my digital version 😉

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

5 Out of 5 Stars

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COUGAR AND CUB #4 can be purchased now on ComiXology!

Wanna put your paws on a paperback of this series?
The COUGAR AND CUB collection is coming to comiXology and comic shops!

The courageous Cougar is Megaville’s friskiest superhero, tossing crooks left and right with her loyal sidekick, the cunning Cub. But when a slow night on the prowl leads to a one night stand, their perfect partnership is plunged into peril! Can our delicious duo mend their fractured friendship and defeat Megaville’s roster of outrageous supervillains?!? Plus, visit Cougar and Cub in their natural habitat as we take you on a trip through comic book history with five frenzied flashbacks!

Be sure to follow the creative team!

Writer – Nick Marino

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Writer – Rosie Knight

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Artist – Daniel Arruda Massa

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Publisher – Action Lab: Danger Zone

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