Fox Kids Network's CD-ROM Comic Books
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by Inverse Ink

Age Group: Age 2 to 5, Age 4 to 8, Age 8 and Up Type: More Fun Price: $9.99

PC version requires:
486-33 8 MB RAM, 2x CD-ROM, Windows 95, Windows 3.1, 640x480x256

Mac version requires:
This is a Mac/Win hybrid disk.

Description:

Fox Kids Network has teamed up with the kids at Inverse Ink to produce comic books on CD-ROM based on four different cartoons. If you refer to Inverse Ink's previous releases, which we reviewed HERE, you'll see a comment stating that if you don't care for comic books, the DC Comics on CD-ROM won't make you change your mind. That statement is totally untrue for these new titles! Even if you don't particularly care for comics on CD-ROM, the sparkling humor and themes in at least one of these four titles will appeal to you. (You know how it is, when you're a child, you're a "smart-alec" but when you're adults, you're so "creative" and "witty." OK, you guys at Inverse Ink, I hope you realize this means I have your number!)

Eek!STRAVAGANZA: The EEX Files is a wonderfully wild tale of Eek! the cat, who is mistaken for an alien when he falls out of a plane and lands in Area 51. You won't believe who's really running things out there in Secretland! We laughed outloud at the outrageous take-offs on Star Trek, Star Trek DSN, the X Files and lots more. Our kids didn't understand a lot of it, but they enjoyed it anyhow.

Life with Louie: Lake Winnibigoshish features the wistful humor of Louie Anderson. You get the feeling that Louie WANTS to enjoy the family vacation but for a variety of reasons, he simply can't. One of themes dealt with here is popularity - what price are you willing to pay? Louie discovers that his self-respect is more important! And at the end of this title, at the real Louie's request, our 4 year old padded over to give her Daddy a hug. Louie said it'd make him feel better. Dad concurs. And a note to Louie Anderson: I LIKE you! Next time make them put your full name on the box! You've got an agent, make him/her WORK for a change!

The TICK in: The TICK vs. the Uncommon Cold just about made me sick! Without giving it all away, Tick's mucus (okay, SNOT) gets cloned into a huge slimey Tick that the real, cold-ridden Tick has to fight. It's complicated, all right? And Tick snot is really gross. Even a true waffle-stomper would be in serious trouble here. What's next, guys? Tick vs. Slobber Pansy? Actually, it was good fun and I could breathe easier after it was over. My kids thought it was SO cool...it ends with a blast but that's all I'll say!

Bobby's World: One Clump or Two features Howie Mandel but it doesn't give his name on the box either! What is this, comedians get no respect at Fox? Anyhow, when Bobby's harried Mom (does anybody really talk like her? She's very annoying - always sounds like she has popcorn in her mouth! I remember my dad said that about Hubert Humphrey once. Do NOT email me to ask who HH is. If you don't know, consider it a state secret.) gets hit with a mudpie, she thinks Bobby's friend Ozzie threw it and orders him to go home...not realizing that his parents thought he was invited there for a sleep-over and as such, eagerly left town. There's lots of sibling interaction that is so realistic SOMEBODY lived it, but Bobby knows how to fend for himself quite well. My younger children really enjoyed this story and it was easier for them to follow.

Features:

• Original stories
• Lots of animated hotspots
• Each soundtrack fits the title nicely.
• Offers Autoplay or Manual (Read to Me or Play)
• Great animations and comic-like illustrations.

Notes:

Each of these titles runs for 20 to 30 minutes on Autoplay. In the Manual mode, each one could take hours to explore. The box states you can "Immerse yourself in a complete story." and that's no lie. These titles bring the cartoons to life in a new and exciting way. That's why they've been awarded the Games Domain Review's Silver Bear Award for quality software. These titles all ran with no problems, crashes, or sound trouble. The animations run quite smoothly and they're just all-around fun!

Reactions:

We spent an entire evening playing around with these titles. They're an excellent value and all of us enjoyed them, from our 2.5 year old son to our 4 and 12 year old daughters to Mom and Dad. Definite "keepers."

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