It’s been several years since Adventure Time comics have been on the stands. But now, thanks to Oni Press, the most mathematical series to ever hit TV is back this April. And thanks to an advance look from the publisher: oh, we are so back.
In the premiere issue of the series written and drawn by Nick Winn (the final published version will also feature a back-up story by Derek Ballard, which was not included in the preview), Finn and Jake are back in the land of OOO. After a brief encounter with a raspberry blob monster, the bulk of the issue finds them rescuing — and then teaming up with — the newly installed Computer Princess. While she seems to be on the level, there may be more dastardly goings on than our best buds are aware of.
Not only that, but we get to see plenty of favorites in the first issue, from The Ice King, to Princess Bubblegum and Marceline. And while the relative nostalgia in “Best of Buds Part 1” might be enough to power the book for fans, the better news is that like with the previous series from BOOM! Studios, this new Oni Press iteration plays with the comic book form itself. Winn has characters fall through panels, break the grid, and innovates what we see on every page.
Adventure Time #1 is an utter delight to read, and sure you’ll get a bit more out of it if you’re familiar with the TV series. But Winn’s art-first approach here embraces the franchise with plenty of accessible humor, and lots of heart. It’s packed with details and joked throughout, and the earnest tone of the series mixed with an undercurrent of dark humor is present as well.
Overall, it looks like Adventure Time is in good hands with Oni Press — and Winn. So c’mon grab your friends because it is, once again… Adventure time. Or at least it will be in a few weeks.
Adventure Time #1 hits stores on April 9, 2025 from Oni Press.
Adventure Time #1 Rating:
Adventure Time #1 Official Synopsis:
C’mon, grab your friends—ADVENTURE TIME is BACK with AN ALL-NEW ONGOING SERIES from a star-studded cast of cutting-edge creative talents! “BEST OF BUDS” starts here with a brand-new adventure nearly a decade in the making!
When Finn and Jake save the newly installed Computer Princess from the clutches of the evil Ice King—he just wants a bride, OK, is that too much to ask?!—the two escort her back to the Computer Kingdom, where she gives our totally mathematical adventurers a new quest: find the powerful guide for heroes—the Enchiridion—and bring it back to her, so she can scan it for her digital archive! But where are they going to find it? And how?! An epic journey awaits Finn and Jake, but can they remain best of buds throughout their quest? Or is their friendship about to be put to the test?!
Fantasy and friendship unite as the beloved animation icons of Adventure Time return to comics to pick up where their Eisner Award–winning adventures left off! It all begins in “Best of Buds Part 1” by cartoonist and animator Nick Winn (Bloody Mary)—plus the first chapter of new monthly backup feature by classic Adventure Time writer/storyboard artist and 2024 LA Times Book Prize Finalist Derek Ballard (Cartoonshow)!
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