Connect with us
Back to the Future #15 Review

Comic Books

Back to the Future #15 Review

Given the cover to this issue how can you not want to know what’s up with Marty and his clones? Or are they alternate timeline versions of himself? Whatever they are — it’s heavy. We take a look to answer the question, is it good?

Back to the Future #15 (IDW Publishing)

Back to the Future #15 Review

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

So what’s it about? Check out our exclusive preview to read up on that.

Why does this book matter?

The first issue of the new story arc set the narrative up well and honed in on Marty’s insecurity. It’s easy to forget he’s a teenager and the issue did well to remind us of that. With all these Martys I can’t help but think his psyche is in for a lick of trouble.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Back to the Future #15 Review
Not good…

The basic premise of this issue is sound as Marty and the reader attempt to figure out what the heck is going on; Marty and Doc are split up and in their respective actions they attempt to understand what is happening and what the stakes may be. Doc flies off in his DeLorean – and makes some funny references as to why nobody will notice or care given it’s the 80’s – and works out what is really happening. Meanwhile, Marty basically has a talk with himself… amongst his selves and realizes the ramifications of time travel. Bob Gale and John Barber make this a psychological sort of tale and it generally works.

The art by Emma Vieceli continues to be excellent. Given all the dialogue in this issue she keeps the cartoony style looking interesting with some creepy Marty glares and dead faces here and there. Doc has all the appropriate facial expressions to pull off the comedy of the comic and Marty keeps it serious. Avoiding spoilers here, but the technology looks quite cool in this one too.

It can’t be perfect can it?

This is the epitome of decompressed storytelling. About 10 pages into this issue I thought, “Okay, get on with it.” It doesn’t. Back to the Future #15 waits and builds up to a twist that didn’t need so much build up by filling the pages with Marty’s doubts and ruminations and Doc’s slow understanding of what is going on. Once you finally discover the twist the issue reveals nothing new, but instead instills a threatening scene that’s about the same as one that came before it. At the pace its going this story arc is turning out to be telling a two issue story arc across way more issues than it needs.

Once again, Marty whines and worries like in the last issue which is incredibly annoying and boring. He goes on and on, way too long, to fill the pages to the point where you’ll be screaming, “Yes we know get on with it!”

Is It Good?

I’m digging the story, but it’s way too slowly paced to entertain you enough all the way through. The art is nice, the concept strong, and there’s some laughs too, but the story is so decompressed you’ll be bored to tears.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Full June 2024 DC Comics solicitations: Gotham by Gaslight sequel and more

Comic Books

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024 Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Marvel reveals new X-Men era titles, art, and more, launching July 2024

Comic Books

DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations DC reveals 'DC: Pride' and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

DC reveals ‘DC: Pride’ and 2024 Pride Month celebrations

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup