Review by Frank Plowright

This follows the pattern of Volume One by presenting a three chapter story written by Box Brown and a standalone back-up from Pranas Naujokaitis.

Brown starts with Grandpa Pickles supplying the theory that Earth is actually run by a cabal of alien shapeshifting lizards, built on by Angelica in a subsequent conversation with Tommy explaining how there all types of aliens just like us. Susie’s uncle was actually abducted by them. For once it’s not just Chuckie that’s fearful. Brown notes other improbable theories about history, creatively introduced via a trip to the mini-golf circuit with its decorative displays. The plot spins out convincingly, as this time Brown hasn’t increased Tommy’s capabilities beyond the levels of the TV show, the jokes are good, and he finds a role for most of the cast. Having set everything up so well, though, the ending is predictable and rushed. Still, younger readers won’t realise that.

In-place artist Lisa DuBois begins the story, but while she’s good, replacement Ilaria Catalani (sample art) is even better. She matches DuBois’ talent for layouts, but can produce more faithful likeness of Tommy and especially Chuckie, whose wild hair is drawn differently by DuBois. Catalani’s single panel version of a demonic Angelica is brilliantly terrifying. On the final story Edras Cristobal starts with some wonky perspective, but proves delightful when it comes to drawing the cast, with Phil and Lil having a starring presence.

Naujokaitis uses their skill at making literal mud pies to begin a cash-raising business, with a whole page devoted to the especially disgusting ingredients. The combination of multiple mud pies and plenty of kids inevitably leads to a chaotic mess, which is well staged to be every parent’s nightmare.

This improves on the first volume, but sadly ends the series.