Most Sensational, Inspirational, Celebrational Comic of the Year?

"The Muppet Show" #1, written and drawn by Roger Langridge and published by Boom!, is not only a fantastic adaptation of the original TV show, but it's a great comic in its own right and one of the best first comic book issues I've read, period, in a long time. My advice is simple: If you like the Muppets and you have any inclination to buy comics at all, you should buy this. It will entertain and delight you.

Langridge treats the comic as an "episode" of the show, with short interludes of a page or so serving as the skits you'd see on the TV. There are the backstage shenanigans as well, and of course the wise-ass judges. It works much better than anyone could expect it to, as Langridge finds a way to make old-school showbiz humor work--and seem fresh--in comic form. Arguably the only thing missing are big-time guest stars, but Langridge covers that, too. His inclusion of "The Zimmer Twins" makes for hilarious parody of certain celebrities while making clever use of that TV show format.

The artwork is consistent and true to the characters, but it also looks just a little askew to me. There's something about the way characters like Kermit and Fozzie look that makes them just a tad ragged, and for me that enhances the cartoonish aspect of it without losing the faithful representation of the Muppet universe.

If all this weren't enough--and did I mention "Pigs in Space?"--you even get an intelligent main storyline about Kermit's longing for his home in the swamp. There is some edgy humor, perhaps a little surprising for something in a Kids line (though not inappropriate, in my view). Check out the Swedish Chef running around with a huge knife.

Best of all, it's all Done in One. The issue stands on its own as a complete, satisfying package. It's fun, but it's dense and well paced, offering outstanding value relative to other comics out there today.

Here's hoping Roger Langridge can sustain this well beyond this one outstanding debut, and if he can, here's hoping for a long run in an environment that doesn't seem to support all-ages humor comics.