A lot of bad stuff happened in 1993 — the Buffalo Bills lost their third consecutive Super Bowl,The Nannypremiered on TV, and I was in kindergarten. The worst disaster of 1993, however, is unarguably the publication and distribution of Malibu’s firstStreet Fightercomic.
A few weeks ago, I went to a flea market, hoping to find cheap retro games. I keep waiting on the day when I find a copy ofChrono Triggerthat doesn’tcost a grand, but it hasn’t happened yet. Unfortunately, it seems like my local peddlers have done their homework and aren’t as easily duped as I would like.
Nevertheless, I did find the “fightin'” first issue of Malibu’s Street Fighter, for $0.50. This, you must realize, is tantamount to finding a copy ofE.T., orDaikatana, orSuperman 64. I was actually able to buy, with dimes and nickels, a physical manifestation of the game industry’sshame.
Hit the jump for some more information about what might be worst comic I’ve ever read.
According to the foreword by writer Len Strazewski, the comic was officially licensed by Capcom (who pulled the plug after 3 issues) and the plot details were hammered out in a couple of hours one afternoon. I’ll admit that I don’t know much about comics, but I’m pretty sure it takes more than one afternoon to create a successful narrative. Keep in mind that Capcom gave the green light to theStreet Fightermovie, but I still can’t believe that they approvedthisgem.
The plot itself isn’t particularly interesting, and basically gives some background information, probably cribbed from the game manual. However, where the game reallyshinesfailstakes a shit on my face is the artwork. You guys may have your panties in a twist overStreet Fighter IV‘squestionable art direction, but it looks exponentially better than Malibu’s attempt. Just pay attention to their facial expressions. Balrog looks like a crack fiend with Down’s, and Ryu appears as though he was hit in the face with a shovel. Classy stuff.
The series does have one redeeming quality, though: In the second issue, Balrog and Sagat beat Ken to death and send his bloodyscalpto Ryu, in order to goad him into fighting again. That’s fuckingmetal.
Anyway, for your viewing pleasure, hit the gallery for some scans. You should be able to read the entire thing cover to cover. And if your retro goggles aren’t foggy enough, check out those sweet ads forClay FightersandPrototype. And, for a more in depth look at the series check out 4th Letter’sthorough synopsis.
