Release date: 2018
Writer: Chris Kostecka
Artists: John Yuan (pencils/inks), Matt Yuan (colors)
Publisher: Bad Aura
Cover: full-color
Interior: full-color
Synopsis: Khipo leads the hippo kingdom with his energetic blonde hair, political savvy, and lackadaisical demeanor. Along with his rhino wife Ronda and their half-breed, pacifier sucking son Rhipo they rule with total devotion from their subjects. Watch the insanity within his kingdom unfold as elephant royalty visits, and enemies from the past threaten to destabilize everything. All along the way, you will be introduced to fantastic over the top characters and subplots. Will the hippo's triumph over their enemies.
The Deal
A couple of weeks ago writer Chris Kostecka of Bad Aura e-mailed me if I was willing to do a review of his two issues of 'The President Killed My Dog'. I said yes and in the same package he also sent me the TPB of Hippo Ocracy. I was impressed with the 'The President Killed My Dog' series so I stayed on the bandwagon and read Hippo Ocracy right after.
The Feel
The Story
King Khipo with his wavy blonde hair (though that has settled a bit over the years) rules his kingdom with his wife Queen Rhonda. King of the elephants, King Hannibal visits and all is not well with him. The story takes off from there and has some really funny bits in it. Even Trump's infamous wall is mentioned. The squirrels living in the kings hair are a hoot, just don't make them angry... they are vicious creatures. The whole animal kingdom is presented with lizards, elephants, hippo's, a zebra, rabbits, bevers, squirrels and even some panda's.Overall it's a quick read, which is perfect for the storyline. It's a little bit crazy, a little bit nutty and very funny. The lizards are mean-looking although Carl with his pink boa is a bit off his rocker.
My twelve-year-old son also read the story and he gave it a big thumbs up. He couldn't stop talking about it and made me promise to look out for the second volume. A week later he came back to me and asked if he could read it again.
The Look
Chris Kostecka had good foresight when he chose The Yuan Twins to bring the story to life. The art is really complimentary to Chris' writing. The story lends itself perfectly to their drawing style. It actually made me think of a game called 'Castle Crashers' me and my friends used to play online where you have to slay everything in sight. |
| The colors are slightly off due to my scanner. IRL the coloring is smooth. |
The Conclusion
All craziness aside. It's good. It's great. I love it. The story is easy to follow. English is not the native language for my son yet he could easily follow and understand the story. He even came back to me asking if he could read it again. In fact he can't shut up about when the next issue is due. I can't think of a greater compliment.I finished the book in one sitting and it made me long for more. Since the end says 'The End--For Now' I presume there's another graphic novel in the future and we're ready for it. I'd buy this if I saw it in the shop or at a convention. It's fun, it's quick, it's a good way to pass the time.
