Reading: CHARLIE'S ANGELS VOL. 1 - John Layman (writer), Matt Idelson (editor), Joe Eisma (illustrator)

I grew up crazy about "Charlie's Angels". From the pilot film on it was my weekly primetime obsession, and to me nothing will ever replace season one with the original holy trio: Jill, Kelly and Sabrina. Evidently Dynamite Entertainment feels the same, as they've gathered the first five comics of their "Charlie's Angels" series into this groovy graphic novel, which in every way feels as hip, corny, and wonderfully nostalgic as the original series - while, in its own way, giving a wink and a nod as an homage to the show, never (thankfully) taking itself seriously. My only gripe, in fact, is that the characters in the book don't actually look that much like the original actresses (or actor, in Bosley's case) who portrayed them on television. That was a bit jarring at first, but soon I was invested instead in the story, which opens when the angels are called upon to infiltrate an arms deal going down at the ultra-hip Limbo Lounge in Los Angeles (like I said, man, this books is TOO seventies). The angels save the day, of course, each subsequent comic in the collection moving the ladies onto their next case, even as the reader begins to realize more nefarious plans are afoot to shut down the angels for good, in the end. I was really liking the stories and colorful, 70's-style art from the beginning, but a little more than halfway through I found myself caught up in the writing (especially when three "anti-angels" show up), and the ending even held a couple sweet, silly surprises that made me again reflect back to the original series in my mind with a nod and a smile. Being a fan of the show I pretty much went into this expecting to enjoy this - but was surprised, in the end, at how much. Well done, and hope to see more! 4/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.