The Flintstones #11 Review: Beware The Neighborhood Association


As demonstrated by the issue's opening scene, there are some issues that humankind might not have been meant to meddle with. Whether due to arrogance or a misguided urge to help, attempting to improve on some areas of nature has the potential to negatively impact everyone involved. The opening panels depict a peaceful gathering of birds, enjoying their time in the trees. It's interrupted when Bam-Bam, Barney's adopted son, abruptly yanks the metaphorical rug out from under their feet and chops down the tree to create an ineffectual bird house.

Either that, or maybe he's just watched the movie Stone-oa one too many times. ...I never said my puns were good.
The vignette at the top of the issue is paralleled by the issue's main conflict. Two stories, one short and the other long, both about one species thinking that it knows what is best for another based on their superior intelligence and technology. Just as Bam-Bam destroys a bird's home to craft something out of the remains, the other aliens on the Great Gazoo's homeworld are debating the use of the Earth. Who better to judge them than the Neighborhood Association? So, do they just offer friendly advice if they see something that they deem unsuitable?

Darn it, stop responding to my jokes!
If you're a particularly litigious reader of DC Comics and someone who happens to be involved in a neighborhood association, don't worry. A more conventional version does appear in the issue, trying to possibly censor a gift from Barney to Fred just because they don't like it. To be fair, Fred doesn't exactly like having a gigantic statue of the two of them in his yard, but he doesn't want to hurt his pal's feelings. As always, the comic brings up some fascinating ethical and moral issues. I would recommend it. This might not necessarily be the best starting point, as the next issue is the last one, but the first collection recently came out. Why not also give that a try?

The Flintstones #11 is written by Mark Russell, drawn by Steve Pugh, colored by Chris Chuckry and lettered by Dave Sharpe. You can find it at your local comic book shop.

Zachary Krishef is an evil genius. Do not question his knowledge of Saturday Night Live trivia or Harry Potter books.