Cartoon Cuties: Issue 2 Paperback – October 11, 2019

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.

I very much enjoyed this trip into Rock Baker's world of Annies, the anthropomorphic beauties that occupy his alternate universe with humans. Rock is a pin-up artist, and you will see a lot of pin-up art based on the '50s of the tasteful "girl next door," but with fur and tails.There is nothing pornographic. Though there is much lingerie, it is still PG-rated.And the stories are cute as well.

Once again, Rock has put together a fun collection of silly stories and cute animalgirls. Far from just being random cheesecake (although there's plenty of that), this issue fleshes out the world he's created, and even has a really nice noir story in the middle. Well, it would be noir if it wasn't so lighthearted. Still, just as fun as the first and looking forward to future issues.

A poem written by a sad Skunk who had his fears confirmed and is waddling away after spraying issues 1 & 2Bought #2, eager to see Miss Mallen!By the first story, my hopes had fallen."I never thought I'd wish I was a real skunk!" she said, alas,For unlike Mam'selle Hepzibah or Fifi, Minerva is a scentless lass.So I won't be buying #3, since there are no Skunks,As an addition to my fragrant collection, Cartoon Cuties well and truly flunks.

Enjoying this series, the characters, the stories, the art is nice

Everyone can see how great an artist Rock Baker is. You have to get the book to see that he is also a great writer. Rock takes us farther into the world of his Annies. And it is really fun.

Rock Baker's book, Cartoon Cuties is a fun read that allows the reader to recall the simple entertainment of good-girl cartoons. Any fan of Roger Rabbit will love this work.