Street Sharks #5- It’s the Sharkdown of the Century

The Street Sharks have been after Dr. Paradigm, and now they are closer than ever. With a new mall opening and even stranger things going on near the new mall, the Sharks may finally get Dr. Paradigm where they want him.

Did you miss my review for Street Sharks #4?

Creative Team

Writer: Stephanie Williams
Artist: Ariel Medel
Colorists: Valentina Pinto and Heather Breckel
Color Assistant: Ricardo Giardina
Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry

Writing

I know we are still getting the Street Sharks Annual later this year, but what a satisfying wrap-up to this series. IDW Publishing should have Stephanie Williams on the phone yesterday about turning this into an ongoing series. As with pretty much everything Williams writes, the characters are front and center exactly where they are supposed to be. The personality of each shark and even Dr. Paradigm is perfect.

In five issues, Williams crafted a really fun and enjoyable story that felt new but still familiar. It’s a shame this is only scheduled to be a limited series because it’s rare to see such a fun and humorous series like the Street Sharks be led by such a talented writer. Usually, comics that make even serious moments funny aren’t lucky enough to have such talented words leading the way.

I really liked the way the story evolved heading into this issue. The “public enemy #1” vibe had been building over the last four issues, and Williams finally rewarded our patience with the payoff in this issue.

Perhaps one of the best takeaways from this series and this issue in particular is the way the Street Sharks serve as a reminder that sometimes, no matter what you do, how you do it, or how many people you help, some folks just aren’t going to like you. Williams also reminds us that if you do all of those things, even if you can’t win everyone over, when the time comes, and the rubber hits the road, the folks who will appreciate what you’ve done will be there to support you.

Art

The art for issue five was so funky and fun. Ariel Medel did such a great job capturing the style of the original Street Sharks 90’s kids grew up on, while still creating something that had the artist’s imprint on it.

The colors are so bright and crisp. Pinto and Breckel did a great job choosing color palettes that were familiar but took full advantage of the colors available in modern printing and art. I know the visual team had to have their hands full with the perfect predator, and I think they nailed it.

The perfect predator is part grotesque, part scary, part creepy, and all 90’s. The art team really brought a character to life that felt like everything you would want in a Street Sharks comic.

Final Thoughts

With Street Sharks, Stephanie Williams and the rest of the creative team crafted a story that feels like a love letter to 90’s kids. This feels like one for the kids who grew up reading the comics and watching the shows and wanted to taste that nostalgia with a fresh look. If ever there was a candidate for a series moving from a limited to an ongoing series, this would be it. What do you say, IDW? Can we get this creative team on board for more Street Sharks?

Overall Score: 10/10

Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable

What do you think? Does Street Sharks need to be converted into an ongoing?