Flaming Carrot Comics # 1 (1984)
Writer/Artist: Bob Burden
Letterer: Roxanne Starr
Rating: 
For this week’s installment of reviewing indy titles, I’m going to take a look at a series that’s basically overlooked but should be on any comic fan’s radar – Flaming Carrot Comics.
First off, I have to say this is one of the funniest comics that I’ve had the pleasure of coming across, mainly because of how wild and unique the entire idea is and how it takes the most surrealistic approach to tell a story, and it’s awesome due to the comical factor being thrown in for good measure.
The story begins with Radzak Zokey, a cub reporter for The Daily Blat who beings a search for The Flaming Carrot so that he can get an interview with the resident hero of Palookaville, which is a neighborhood in Iron City.
No sooner than Zokey begins his search for Flaming Carrot that Iron City is invaded by aliens, who are flat-out insulted by the numerous sci-fi movies being broadcasted on television (Turns out the aliens have been watching via a transmission) and take issue with the stereotypes in where aliens invade earth and end up losing so they take matters in their own hands. Soon the aliens take over in the form of eating money, teaching children to stay up late and watch tv, and utilizing their ray beams from turning people’s heads to balloons, a laugh ray and ray beams that turn newborn babies into nazi babies (The bizarre aspect is totally in full effect here); And thanks to Zokey’s pep talk, Flaming Carrot confronts the aliens and tells them to go home (That’s right- He. Told. Them. To. Go. Home!); The entire issue is just hilarious as creator Bob Burden’s writing excels in showcasing the absurdity of his hero’s world and turns it into a comedy masterpiece, making it an absolute classic. And Burden’s artwork is very crisp and highlights the cartoonish elements which show off the golden age meets pulp feel that works very well for this series.
Flaming Carrot Comics will no doubt win over any comic fan or comedy enthusiast that discovers this wonderful series for the first time as the neo-surrealism and comedic tone really helps set this series apart from the traditional superhero romp, therefore making this a must-read for anyone who wants to indulge in something crazy. You might not be the same after reading this series, but at least you’ll find joy in how weird life is.
That’s it for me this week. I’ll be back with another review (I got just the indy title I want to review); So thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time.
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