Review by Aziz Bawany

“Miss Piggy’s Story”

Writer/Artist: Roger Langridge

Colors: Digikore Studios

Letters: Deron Bennett

Editor: Paul Morrissey

Published by Boom! Studios

The Muppet Show #4 continues to be a well thought-out piece of art that takes advantage of the comic book medium in a unique way. Roger Langridge’s presentation of the Muppets remains entertaining and will surely become a stellar four issue collected edition. Although Boom! Studios has broken up the series into shorter arcs, Langridge’s method is very much like a season in Television with the break hopefully providing refreshment in story ideas with the direction of the book.

“Miss Piggy’s Story” follows the show’s diva as she falls into the trappings of her fortune and emphasizes the romantic aspects between her and Kermit the Frog. Although I enjoyed Langridge’s heartfelt take on the matter, the event could’ve used some breathing room and feels a bit condensed in this single-issue comic. Even with the slow build, the idea of using her during the skits is a welcome change of pace for the book as it bridges the gap between the backstage shenanigans and the shows welcome stable of sketch comedy.

Another plus is the use of skits. By far this issue had the best sketches of all with another romp through the Muppet Labs with Beaker and Bunsen Honeydew. There’s something to appreciate in the level of chaos and pain inflicted upon Beaker, and to laugh at it brings a skewed sense of guilt along with the humor that pours in.

As the narrative switches back to Miss Piggy it should be noted that The Muppet Show #4 also breaks with tradition and finally brings a guest into the mix. Although in line with the unique universe these characters inhabit, the guest host harkens back to the real live show and its bounty of unique guests that would make for something special. Although humans have yet to take the stage in this rendition of the Muppets, I do wonder if Langridge will bridge that gap between the reality of the hosts and the imagination of Jim Henson. Whatever he does, I’m sure it will be brilliant and I can’t wait for the next batch of The Muppet Show comics to come out from Boom! Studios.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Above Average)