As we all know from superhero comics, sometimes, things get hot and heavy between hero and villain. There’s that forbidden attraction, the long, sweaty nights of sparring, and the costumes that are tight in all the right places - a perfect cocktail for a hero/villain sandwich. It’s happened before, it’ll happen again...but what if you forgot to use protection? This is the story behind the fun and hilarious web series, Super Knocked Up. Telling the story of super villain Jessica James (aka Darkstar) and the results of her one night stand with womanizing superhero Captain Amazing, the series has some great laughs, sharp looking effects, and a very talented cast. Natalie Bain, who plays Jessica James, is stellar and charismatic in the lead role and writer/director/producer Jeff Burns must be given a lot of credit for the success of the series. Given Super Knocked Up’s comic book roots, it was only a matter of time before it made the transition to printed page.
The first issue of Super Knocked Up covers the first episode of the web series and adds in a sneak peek of the events that proceeded the episode and how exactly Darkstar and Captain Amazing ended up doing the nasty. Artist Donny Gandakusuma and colorist Kefas Armando successfully bring the characters and story into the comic book world with a passion, and Jeff Burns delivers a script that is true to the original series, yet expands upon it, as well. I’m a sucker for extra content (I’m probably the only one in the multiverse who’s looking forward to Before Watchmen), so I was glad to see Burns followed the instinct to add more story to the comic version of Super Knocked Up, instead of keeping it a straight adaptation of the live-action version. It also helps that Burns had his artistic team supporting him all the way, with Gandakusuma providing the muscle-bound superheroes one expects in the pages of Marvel or DC book and Armando’s colors adding a vibrance and excitement that would surely be lacking without his touch.
Sadly, even with the talent on this book, I felt it was lacking something - Natalie Bain. Her plucky, yet honest, performance is the heart of Super Knocked Up. And, it’s not just Bain, but all of the cast (special shout outs to Mark Pezzula and David Bunce - you both made me laugh out loud...a lot!). While I think the team behind the comic is very talented, there’s something about Super Knocked Up that just can’t be captured in the comic book medium. It’s almost like trying to create a comic book of NBC’s The Office. Sure, the writing may be there and you might know the characters, but the humor is in watching the fantastic ensemble cast interact. Bain and Pezzula ARE Darkstar and Captain Amazing, and it’s just really hard to not miss them as you turn the pages of the first issue. That being said, I think the comic version of Super Knocked Up could end up being a great promotional tool and a sought after piece of fan swag given the right circumstances. For any die-hard Super Knocked Up fan, the comic will be a great way to re-experience the story, but if this is your first introduction to the story, be sure to check out the web series first.
You can find out more about Super Knocked Up (web series and comic) and the creative team at the official website, the Super Knocked Up Facebook page, or follow the series on Twitter (@SuperKnockedUp).
That’s all for now, comic book sniffers. Until next time, keep bedding those super villains!
‘Till the end of the world,
-Bryant the Comic Book Slayer
