The creative forces behind Gen 13 make no pretensions. The comic is about making jokes and exposing as much T&A as they can without slapping a "mature readers" warning on the cover. So far as its target audience is concerned, Gen 13: Science Friction is an utter success.

Resident red-headed bombshell Caitlin Fairchild is the focus in this science-fiction movie spoof. She is stripped down to her bare essentials at every opportunity, while her teammates crack wise with unsubtle references to Star Wars, Star Trek, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and other SF classics.

If skin and wit are your primary reasons for reading comics, this is a good place to look. (Overly sensitive SF geeks need not apply, as their feelings could be hurt.) Hey, if you wanted serious storytelling, you wouldn't be turning the pages of a Gen 13 book in the first place.

[ by Tom Knapp ]
Rambles: 12 January 2002