Reviews

Bandette, volumen 1: Presto! by Paul Tobin

christajls's review against another edition

Go to review page

This review originally posted at The Improbable Chuck: Canucks on Comics

Bandette hit my radar this year when it was nominated for an Eisner award. It was a bright and lively digital comic that was popping up left, right and centre. So when I saw it was going to be released in a printed collection I knew this was my opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.

This comic is written in the French style. I haven’t read too many French comics before now but the ones I have read I’ve really enjoyed. I like the quirky art and the humorous story telling and in this sense Bandette fits right in. This may be a comic about a vigilante but it has none of the dark and angsty overtones that comics like Batman are known for. In fact quite the opposite, this comic is the furthest thing from dark. Instead it’s lighthearted and funny and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Bandette is actually quite campy – there’s a lot of witty one liners and banter between Bandette and her foes. At one point “knockout spray” was used, reminding me of the old Adam West Batman show.

The story moves along quickly, shoving you right into the action. Bandette is always on the run – both from danger and towards it. In a short amount of time you meet her arch nemesis – Monsieur, as well as organized crime ring that wants to bring her down. I liked how you were always sure Bandette was going to come out alright but you were never entirely sure how she was going to pull it off. She’s definitely one for thinking on her feet and using resources (like her friends) to their full potential.

Overall this is a fun, all ages comics that you should read when you’re looking for something light, fast paced and need a few laughs.

*side note: My advanced copy was really blurry and hard to read and sometimes I felt like I was missing something. This most likely won’t be a problem for the print so chances are this comic will be ever better in it’s final form!

belle_fiction's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Welcome to the camp caped-crusader world of Bandette, the world's greatest thief!

Presto! was a fun and entertaining read and reminded me of 1960s Batman in a lot of ways (I suspect the illustrations and the silly dialogue had something to do with it) nevertheless, it whisked me away into France and set the scene beautifully.

Bandette is a fun, crime-loving girl who has a huge heart. Her biggest rival, Monsieur, is also looking for the biggest heist and you see them get one over each other, adding to the playfulness of the narrative. There is also an appearance by Matadori and the showdown between her and Bandette is pretty hilarious (take special notice of their banter).

The chain-smoking Detective Belgique relies on the quick-thinking/doing Bandette to bring the "true" criminals to justice, and, once again, restores a sense of harmony to the streets of France.

Lastly, there is the ultimate villain - Absinthe, who wishes to see Bandette dead, and the concluding pages to this first volume ends on an ominous, and pretty sinister, note. I have no doubt though, that Bandette will triumph again - she is a super kick-ass caped crusader!

The one drawback to this first volume were the additional urchin stories included at the end which were devoid of any real humour and didn't contribute in getting to know the various characters better. I felt they were too short to be of any real value or add any great depth to the story; if the second volume contains these, I think I'll just skip them.

Overall, Presto! contains a cracking little story and sets up the second volume nicely. I shall definitely continue with Bandette to see her kick ass again!

rdyourbookcase's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I absolutely LOVED Bandette! Why did it take me so long to actually read it?! I liked her playfulness, cleverness and strength. Also, she has a cape. The comic book world needs as many females in capes as possible! Personally, I think this book would make a great movie and I can’t wait to read the next book.

cosmicbutton's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

misterjay's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Utterly freaking charming. I want to immediately buy a copy for my 12 year old niece and then another copy for my 47 year old aunt who introduced me to Oz and Tin-Tin and Archie in the first place. Just absolutely lovely writing and beautiful, crisp artwork. Highly, highly, most highly, recommended.

mehitabels's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Cute, and completely unbelievable. Like a fantasy, probably why it is so enjoyable.

invidia20's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

2:0 for Tom! Loved this, and the art work was lovely!

melodieturori's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Charming, cheeky, and most importantly, fun! I particularly enjoyed the short urchin stories. The first couple of issues are a bit slow, but once the plot kicked in I was hooked.

inkbunnie's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

5.0

barbarianlibarian's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

cute, adorable, literary, female superhero