Dynamite; $4.99  

Gaston, the most arrogant man in France (and the best tracker, if you ask him) is starring in his very own comic book series. It opens with Gaston trying to use his self-centered charms on young ladies in town, but he is soon outmatched by an even more pompous man. When the nobleman’s horse goes missing, Gaston sets out to prove his prowess as a tracker by finding the impressive stead. Once Gaston and Le Fou enter the forest, they learn more than one unwanted lesson about the king’s woods. 

Disney Villains: Gaston is written by Greg Pack and Fred Van Lente, the duo behind Incredible Hercules, who have captured both the comical and vile aspects of Gaston. Right out of the gate, he’s an arrogant idiot, which makes the insults he receives pretty funny. The story takes him into the mysterious woods to face the obstacles and unknown danger lurking behind the trees. 

Artist Milena Ciccarello does a very nice job of illustrating Gaston’s exaggerated self-satisfaction and Le Fou’s mixture of boot licking and anxiety. She gives the book humor that is borderline slapstick, and the magical whimsy of Disney animated films. 

–Amanda Sheriff