CARTOON CUTIES #2: ROCK BAKER'S CHARMING MYTHOLOGY CONTINUES

I adore Rock Baker's Cartoon Cuties. I've praised Issue #1, and I'm now going to do the same for Issue #2.

The latest edition is as invigorating, humorous and of course, cute as the first, kicked off by curvy heroine Crissy Carrots (aka Crissy Ralphwit) and her dear friends, Minerva and Daisy for the surreal adventure, "Babes in the Woods".

Baker's exploit combines mystery with sci fi as it introduces a couple towering, green, glamour gals who'd give "Star Trek'"s  Orion slave girls a hardy run for their money, not to mention "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman" and "The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock".  

To offset "Babes in the Woods", Baker follows up with an earnest tale of redemption entitled "Undercovered Undercover", starring sexy she-wolf Mala Winston. Mala must engage in some steamy, decoy action, which is certain to grip one's eyes with its film-noir attributes. 

The sizzling Missy Mouse also makes the scene with "The Whole Story", stealing the show at every turn, but much the same can be said of Louise Beaumont in the sugary "Photo Fun". These chapters overflow with Annie appeal and give Baker ample chance to demonstrate why he's the creme de la creme, pin-up artist in the world.

As an neat, bonus treat, Issue #2 even gives us a "Pretty Poem", which highlights the adorable Doris Flowers. If this one doesn't put a smile on one's face, I don't know what will. 

In many ways, Issue #2 pumps up the melodrama and characterization to an higher degree than the first, bringing Baker's mythology to full, invigorating life. One can see the developing intricacies in his quaint storytelling, with special focus on nuanced scenarios and crisp, dialogue exchanges.

Above all, Baker is an amazing artist, as is evidenced by each and every panel of Cartoon Cuties. While his images reference the styles of Harvey and Dell, they're never so imitative to lose distinction. (It should also be noted that Jim Ludwig's excellent use of color enhances Baker's designs with ideal, loving care, and Rusty Gilligan does equal justice to Baker's joyful cover.) 

Bottom line: There's only one Rock Baker and only one, groundbreaking saga called Cartoon Cuties.

Treat yourself to Cutie history-in-the-making at  
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1690996161/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.