Everything’s coming up Coplan.
Like, not in a way that means anything to my own personal betterment, or even the continued wellbeing of mankind at-large. I mean exclusively when it comes to comics adaptations of my favorite ‘90s cartoons. After Biker Mice from Mars and Toxic Avenger/Crusaders, the gold rush continues with Street Sharks from writer Stephanie Williams and artist Ariel Medel (who are joined by colorist Valentina Pinto and letterer Jeff Eckleberry).
Despite these solid series, the millennial in me means that I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop. And so rather than be overjoyed/excited, my brain already wonders if Street Sharks can keep up the pace. Especially given that genetically modified man-shark hybrids are peak ‘90s xtreme, and even with the core sibling dynamic of this story, something resonant and engaging still might outmaneuver these metropolitan megalodons.
Fortunately, Street Sharks #1 is just more reason for your boy to indulge in wacky nostalgia.
Variant cover by Elizabeth Beals. Courtesy of IDW.
I’ve realized in reviewing these other throwback titles that I didn’t make one thing especially clear: My criteria for success. It’s the same as any other story — exciting action, solid character development, general quality and consistency, etc. — albeit slightly lax for these specific books. Because I get the source material can only go so far, and at the end of the day, even the best adaptations are about weaponizing our own retromania for money. Which is (mostly?) fine with me: Classifying books around a certain experience and/or level of engagement is fine because not all stories should be regarded as being the same.
I mention that with regard to Street Sharks because this dynamic feels especially prevalent over some other books I’ve reviewed. Because where, say, Toxic Avenger reworked the story’s innate social-political elements for 2025 America, Street Sharks seems fine with a more direct approach. Taking place mere weeks after the Bolton Brothers’ transformation, Street Sharks is basically a direct continuation of the show. So expect an issue-wide fight scene between the brothers and Dr. Piranoid’s Seaviates, where the boys deliver shark-themed backbreakers and powerbombs. Which if that’s what you want (and it’s an eternal need for ya boy), then you’re going to feel more fulfilled than a great white after feeding frenzy.
At the same time, that “basic” approach means we carry over the same issues as the cartoons — like how the brothers often feel one-note or indistinguishable (aside from their respective gimmicks, like Streex’s whole rollerblader shtick), ir the derivative nature of Piranoid and company. Even skipping over an origin story is both quite efficient and also a potential detriment for some readers. (As well as not updating the Sharks’ actual origin with 20-plus years of interest in and knowledge around genetics and the rise of sharks as a cultural phenomenon.) I certainly feel like things are cooking, but then I’ve seen every episode and this whole process can’t just be about stoking my our need for escapism as I we grapple ever ferociously with mortality.
Variant cover by Khary Randolph. Courtesy of IDW.
That’s not to say that Street Sharks doesn’t make some choices that sets this series apart or builds off the cartoon to better connect with this specific medium. There’s a thread where the story questions the safety and feasibility of having destructive sharks act as your city’s first line of defense. And, sure, that kind of “do heroes do as much harm as good?” device is a little dated/over-used, but it seems perfectly suited for giant shark heroes.
There’s also some rumblings about a new genetic splicing solution that will not only transform even more everyday citizens into sea monsters, but that could prove more powerful and dangerous to the Sharks. Again, that’s also a little derivative, but anything that gives the Street Sharks more harrowing odds is both exciting enough; the brothers need to be provided with more character-building pause and uncertainty. These decisions feel like they respect the reason for the book’s creation (give us money to enjoy your heyday, stupid millennials) and inject just enough freshness so that there’s a least some novel textures/layers.
Still, the thing that will truly separate this book is the art itself. From the aesthetic alone, it feels even more vivid and playful, a deeply ’90s, endlessly hokey and energetic tone that, once again, instantly brings up the right associations while letting you know this book is even more playful and sharp. (A more joyful, deliberately cartoon-y approach also reminds us of the irreverent and slightly ironic tone for best consuming a story featuring talking sharks in jean shorts.) Similarly, the look of the Seaviates is also better balanced, and that feels important in better believing a mutant crab as this bona fide threat. Plus, you can’t go wrong with, say, perfectly structured montage/loops where the brothers bust out more wrestling moves, or the half page spread of them just eating scientific equipment.
Variant cover by Kevin Anthony Catalan. Courtesy of IDW.
It’s those scenes, really, that establish what this Street Sharks will be (even if the narrative may somewhat falter): It’s new enough to feel interesting for fans and rookies alike while respecting the cartoon as a springboard for something with heaps more detailed, lively action to take hold. (At last, their street swimming doesn’t look or feel bizarre and overdone somehow.) It’s an energy and emotionality that’s just enough to make you forget of the slightly derivative nature of Street Sharks and embrace it for what it could be (heaps of dumb fun).
Because if we’re really going to keep mining the ’90s for new comics titles, it’s important to reconcile with that lineage and context and still make something that works for the comics medium. Time will tell how long and deep these chondrichthyes can truly go, but Street Sharks is owning the past, pushing toward the future (if not with the entirety of its fin power so far), and giving us a reason to care — if only ’cause violent sharks are always cool. So, consider this another very specific win for me as a comics and cartoon fan, and that while I may have real issues/concerns, none of that takes away from this book’s shining accomplishments.
In short, give me more jaw-some action and I’ll be a happy boy forever and ever.
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