"License to Kilt"
Writer: Gail Simone
Artists: John Costanza(p), Howard Shum(i), Art Villanueva(c)
Publisher: Bongo
Gail Simone returns to Simpsons Comics with the gut busting "License to Kilt." I'll not of course spoil any of the jokes, but I will say I laughed pretty much from page one to the last.
The story begins with a satire on Iron Chef, and there's satire within satire thanks to a traditional Simpsons celebrity parody. The celeb's famous choice of fashion makes her an indelible memory and immediately recognizable.
Within this section, Ms. Simone keeps the Simpsons in character. It makes perfect sense that Marge would choose "her special little guy" as her partner for the challenge. Lisa has the knowledge, but Bart has the thirst to win. Homer's commentary regarding Marge's choice also echoes the dialogue of the character in the series.
The Simpson clan have always displayed a degree of sophistication. They're not rubes like Cletis, the Slack-Jawed Yokel. Witness their in key singing of the Mikado as they inadvertently troll Sideshow Bob through a cacti patch in the brilliant episode sending up Cape Fear. That same sophistication gives Ms. Simone the license to sharpen the humor. John Costanza follows suit with a few unusual but characteristic poses. The bit where Marge and Bart stand proudly behind their buffet reminds one of a sensei and his best pupil.
The "prize" of this weird contest sends the Simpsons and Willie-who attaches himself to their family in a series-worthy bizarre circumstance-to Scotland. In Scotland, Ms. Simone employs some clever topical, throwaway jabs as well as an inside joke for comic book readers. The language barrier presents more opportunity for comedy, and an inventive direction for Mr. Costanza makes for a knee-slapping running gag. This issue of Simpsons Comics quite easily matches Ms. Simone's previous Lost in Space and Wild, Wild West spoofs.
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