Admittedly—and rightfully so!—I am feeling a bit guilty right now. Well, in a comic book sort of way. Every week, I get tons of comics my way, which is, of course, fantastic. Of course, what isn’t fantastic is that I can’t possibly read or even review everything that comes my way.
Then there are those comics I KNOW I should be paying attention to, because I think they are fantastic comics, that I think fans should be reading, like Big B
ang Comics. I have been a big fan of Big Bang Comics, and I should have already worked on the comics that I think fans aren’t reading, and should!
Take Big Bang Adventures #33: it’s a reminder of why Big Bang Comics remains one of the most reliable sources of retro‑modern superhero storytelling. This issue delivers a full‑throttle monster yarn in the tradition, pairing two of the line’s most entertaining younger heroes—Shutterbug and Amphibia‑Man—against a tragic new villain whose origin feels ripped from the Bronze Age playbook, but executed with contemporary clarity and energy.
The main story, “Insect Politics,” is written by Ray MacKay, with art and cover colors by Ronald C. Williams and color flats by Shayne Cui. It opens with Dr. David Shore unveiling his life’s work: the Particle Enhancer, a machine designed to rebuild the human body “cell by cell” into a perfected version of itself. In true comic‑book fashion, the demonstration goes sideways when a mosquito contaminates the process, merging its DNA with Shore’s and transforming him into the monstrous Mansquito. It’s a classic “science gone wrong” setup. Still, MacKay and Williams lean into the emotional tragedy behind the transformation, giving Shore a sympathetic edge even as his new instincts push him toward violence.
The story really comes alive through the dynamic between Shutterbug and Amphibia‑Man. Shutterbug—Wally Wheeler—remains the snarky, reluctant hero whose first instinct is always to get the story, not save the day. Amphibia‑Man, by contrast, is earnest, mission‑driven, and still grappling with the consequences of the RE‑GEN serum that altered his DNA. Their banter is sharp and fun (“Stop calling me kid!”), And their uneasy partnership gives the issue a buddy‑cop rhythm that keeps the pacing brisk. Williams’ art sells the contrast between the two: Shutterbug’s sleek nanotech suit and expressive drones play beautifully.
against Amphibia‑Man’s amphibious agility and wide‑eyed sincerity.
The Mansquito himself is a standout design—grotesque, angular, and visually loud without ever becoming unreadable. Williams’ storytelling is clean and energetic, especially during the lab escape and the final confrontation, where the heroes must free themselves before Shore can “harvest” Amphibia‑Man’s altered DNA in a desperate attempt to cure himself. The action is easy to follow, the emotional beats land, and the ending—complete with a collapsing lab and a narrow escape—hits all the right monster‑movie notes.
As always, Big Bang packs value into the back half of the issue. The Protoplasman backup, written by Charlie Boatner with art, colors, and letters by Jim Wisniewski, is a comedic romp involving art thieves, cold‑based hijinks, and Protoplasman’s usual elastic absurdity. It’s a tonal shift, but a welcome one—light, silly, and visually inventive. The issue also includes Who’s Who‑style profile pages for Shutterbug and Amphibia‑Man, written by Ray MacKay with art by Joe Zierman and Ron Williams, respectively. These entries add depth to both characters and serve as excellent onboarding material for new readers.
Big Bang Adventures #33 is a strong, satisfying entry in the series—part monster thriller, part character study, part retro homage. Whether you’re here for the classic superhero flavor, the indie charm, or the evolving arcs of Big Bang’s younger heroes, this issue delivers a complete package that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s the kind of comic that reminds you why Big Bang remains one of the most consistent and heartfelt indie superhero universes on the stands.
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