Toyetica is published by Action Lab Entertainment. It is written and drawn by Marty LeGrow.
All I could think of while Trixie was in the cave with that packrat was the scene from The Princess Bride when they’re in the fire swamp and Wesley and Buttercup encounter the R.O.U.S.’s (Rodents Of Unusual Size). I don’t know if that reference was what Marty LeGrow was intending, but it made me happy just the same. So yes, we big our issue with Trixie trapped with the packrat, attempting to steal away an old harmonica. Meanwhile, Polly desperately tries to persuade Vince to fight the rat and save Trixie. However, Vince is an animal lover and does not believe in needlessly harming them, so they have to think of another idea – and fast.
At school, Unicole, with Minky slung over her shoulder, is in pursuit of Bunnard, who has stole Minky’s board (which is her means of getting around since she doesn’t have legs). Bunnard has help from other bittles in executing this clever plan, sending Unicole and Minky on quite the adventure around the school campus. The fight for the harmonica and the board chase are all connected to the same elaborate plan concocted by Trixie and the others.
I’m really pleased we got so much Unicole time. I feel like Marty LeGrow has always done a good job of taking time to focus on other characters. Not all at once, but as the story progresses, other characters are given a chance to develop and shine. Unicole went from being someone who pops in here and there to a central piece of this issue. We got new insight to who she is as a person. Without question she carried Minky all over, chasing down her board, because it’s something Minky can’t do on her own. Yes, Minky didn’t ask her to, but she felt that compulsion to help someone in need and acted on it without thinking. We also learned that holy crap, girl can run. Though, as she points out, she IS captain of the Block Squad for a reason.
Marty LeGrow is always good about leaving us with something new and curious once the current dilemma has been settled. Transitioning plots is not always done smoothly, but the way this world is set-up, there is an almost unlimited number of ways for a mystery to kick off. I love this big school full of rooms and secrets to discover, it gives a nice Harry Potter-ish touch. I’m really looking forward to where the latest mystery takes us for an adventure.
OVERALL SCORE: 8.5 / 10
Make sure to pick up a copy of Toyetica #8 from your local comic shop! Happy reading!
