Rocko’s Modern Life Comes To Comics This December With Ferrier & McGinty
by James Ferguson
The comic book industry has been mining my childhood for new stories and I could not be happier. The latest favorite from my youth to make a re-appearance is Rocko’s Modern Life, set to get an ongoing comic series from BOOM! Studios beginning in December.
Writer Ryan Ferrier and artist Ian McGinty are kicking off the series, with bonus short stories by illustrators such as Tony Millionaire, KC Green, and David DeGrand. Rocko’s Modern Life is actually the second series published as a partnership between BOOM! Studios and Nickelodeon. The first, Rugrats, is set to begin on October 18th.
Rocko’s Modern Life was the fourth cartoon launched as part of Nickelodeon’s NickToons, following Doug, Rugrats, and Ren & Stimpy. It follows the adventures of a wallaby named Rocko, his dog Spunky, his friends Heffer and Filburt, and his neighbors the Bigheads in O-Town. The comic series picks up as the town is facing a job shortage. Rocko is hit hard and he’s facing unemployment and potential homelessness. With all these problems staring him down, he turns to his friends and dog for help to face the world.
Writer Ryan Ferrier says:
Rocko’s Modern Life was one of the standout series for me growing up, as it really struck a chord with me in how similar it was to my own sensibilities and sense of humor, even at that younger age. Working on this series, especially knowing how incredible Ian is going to make it, has made me an even bigger fan.
Artist Ian McGinty added:
Fans are gonna be pretty blasted away by how well the new comic blends ’90s nostalgia with modern sentiment, and a Mystery Science Theater 3000-esque vibe that I find really, really cool.
Editor Whitney Leopard said:
Working with Nickelodeon on Rugrats and now Rocko’s Modern Life has been amazing. We’ve been a fan of their shows for years and to be able to work with them on bringing these characters to life in comics is a dream come true.
Rocko’s Modern Life #1 will feature a main cover by Jorge Monlongo, a “look-and-find” cover by Bachan, and a variant cover by Nick Pitarra. The publisher will also have a blank sketch cover available.