Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is a series I’ve savored in the trade paperback format. The eighth and final trade comes out this week in comic shops and it is preceded by an excellent volume 6 and volume 7. Each volume contains an inspiring message for kids and teenagers to take from Moon Girl, who is the smartest person on Earth. Each issue written by Brandon Montclare gives readers a different adventure, making these collected editions feel like grab-bags of delightful tales. In this collection, Moon Girl teams up with Thor, fights Spider-Man, stops Doctor Strange from ruining the timestream, and has a two-parter with the Fantastic Four. Most importantly Moon Girl sets the record straight as to who is the smartest person on Earth, Mr. Fantastic or Moon Girl herself!
The opening issue has Spider-Man fight Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, which is excellently drawn by Ray-Anthony Height. The story looks fabulous and it serves as another example of how light fight comics can work so well. Moon Girl essentially tells Spider-Man she knows his secret identity which spirals into a fight and eventually the two fighting Pink Goblin (don’t ask!). The art style is a bit more realistic than the usual work by Alitha E. Martinez and it gives the issue a more mainstream feel.
Following this is a Thor War of the Realms tie-in of sorts with Thor requesting Moon Girl’s help to solve Loki’s riddle. The opening and closing tie into the event while the meat of the story is all a flashback. It’s a great little yarn featuring a hilarious twist for Devil Dinosaur and Thor is written quite well. He’s the loudmouth and fun version of the character. This issue is drawn by Gustavo Duarte with Ray-Anthony Height drawing the opening and closing scenes.
It’s like they are playing a videogame!
Credit: Marvel Comics
Next up is a time travel story drawn by Alitha E. Martinez (she draws the final four issues) that makes a strong point to never make someone doubt themselves. Don’t tell someone they can’t do a thing, even if that means the future being destroyed! It’s also a nice story as it connects Moon Girl to her grandmother. Following this is a fun issue with a trip to the science museum. Devil Dinosaur is not pleased with seeing another T-Rex’s bones!
Wrapping up the collection is a two-part story with Mr. Fantastic’s ego and self-assurance getting in Moon Girl’s way. She’s miffed he thinks he’s the smartest there is and she aims to prove him wrong. The story starts off on the wrong foot when Mr. Fantastic eavesdrops on Moon Girl and she’s not pleased about it. This is a nice way to end the story since Moon Girl takes a lot of pride in being the smartest person on the planet while Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards can’t seem to concede.
This is yet another great collection to add to your shelf. Montclare has done a wonderful job creating stories that will inspire children while also delivering a style of story that feels rich and old school. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created characters and fun stories for years and this feels like it’s from the same vein. Don’t pass up on this, or any Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur stories as they’re some of the most endearing and fun light-hearted tales in comics.
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