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Honey West #1
Publisher: Moonstone
Writer: Trina Robbins
Artist: Cynthia Martin

I’m into the type of comic that engages and focuses on a courageous, strong, funny, independent main character. And if it’s a female main character that possesses these characteristics, even better. I also have the tendency to pick a comic from the shelf in which the amazing cover captivates me (the work of art is key).

Itching to start reading a new series of comics while on vacation, I was in search of a quaint comic shop that could fulfill my needs. I wanted something different from the superheroes theme (don’t get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with superheroes, but sometimes I’m in need for something…normal). I found my much needed shop, and proceeded to scope out every inch of the store. It was about 20 degrees outside, so I figured this was the best way to stay warm. I finally spotted a cover that stated, “… sexy noir blend of Marilyn Monroe and Mike Hammer.” The cover illustrated a very reminiscent version of Marilyn Monroe, holding a gun in a rather sexy, yet determined way. Being that I’m a huge Marilyn Monroe fan, I instantly bought the comic without knowing the premise of the series. While paying for this enticing comic, I inquired about it to the kind comic guru, but unfortunately he had no clue what the comic was about.

I finally opened the comic and found myself captivated by the story line. The fact that a panther is the pet of a sexy PI named Honey West catches your eye automatically. Honey West inherited her father’s PI firm after he passed. She is hired by a high class stripper. The stripper resembles Pamela Anderson with voluptuous breasts, and big blond hair. She hires Honest West because she is under the impression that someone (an employee, an outsider) wants to eradicate her. Honey West takes the case and goes undercover as a stripper herself to get to the bottom of this mystery. I’m not a big fan of the 60-70s era, but that did not deter me from enjoying this comic. As previously stated, not only the story line, but the illustrations, and the humorous, hidden funny references bring to life the character of Honey West.

To my surprise, the last page of the comic stated that Honey West was a television show back in the 60s. In further researching Honey West, it turns out that not only was there a television show, but a novel, first released in 1957. And the very first (and last at the time) Honey West comic book was released in 1966. Now, 44 years later, the second issue (and the one I’m excitedly reviewing) of Honey West has been released, titled: “Killer on the Keys, Part 1: Bikini Death” (August 2010; #1).

I recommend this comic to anyone who wants to laugh, and who wants a break from gratuitous gore, the zombies, or superhero themes. It’s sexy, funny, and delightful!

Zaida Alfaro
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Zaida is a guest journalist for ComicAttack.net.