(Akamuu got tired of always walking down Memory Lane in the same direction, so this time, he cracked his knuckles, took a deep breath, and walked in the other direction. He saw his life reading FF 17, and thought it went really well. But he couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that his life might have been better if he’d read Li’l Depressed Boy 10 instead. Join him as he comes back to the crossroads and reflects on what he learned during the two journeys.)

Having lived with a Johnny Storm, and a Li’l Depressed boy, I can assure you that I’d rather live with The Human Torch. It’s not for the eye candy or getting a ride to work in a vintage car. It’s just that Johnny can hold down a job and pay rent. I’ll take that over a sweet, well-intentioned guy who’s going to stiff me on the electric bill, seven days a week.

While I enjoyed Li’l Depressed Boy’s tale of woe for the month, FF 17 is currently in the lead for my PoTW. I was on board as soon as I saw the cover. That the issue contained no flashbacks or forwards, and had very little alternate world action, helped seal the deal.

FF17 is The Odd Couple starring Parker and Storm. That’s it. It seems like the sort of story you’d find in the back of a trade collection, or a (coming May 5th!) Free Comic Book Day comic. It’s a hilarious standalone by one of my favorite writers.

Hickman has infused a few of his comics with humor, but I don’t recall finding any as funny as this issue.

Dragotta’s art took some getting used to. I wouldn’t call his anatomy consistent, but his facial expressions were perfect for comedy, and his Kal the horse guy was hilarious. And while the proportions on the last page seem waaaaaaaaaaaay off, it’s still…ummm..well…probably going up as a panel of the week.

Scores below reflect only my opinion of FF 17. My thoughts on Li’l Depressed Boy 10 average out to the same, but are not identical.