The Adventures of Simone and Ajax

by Andrew Pepoy

Mix: One wacky girl with one tiny dinosaur; Result: Big Fun Collects three full-color, zany tales of Simone & Ajax, "The Case of the Maltese Duck," "A Christmas Caper," and "Simone, Queen of the Jungle," plus extras, by Eisner-winner, Andrew Pepoy (Fables, The Simpsons). Intro by Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales). Critics say: "a bit like the best issues of Cerebus, and a mood that harkens Bone." Readers say: ..". the look of an Archie Comic, but the sensibilities of a Marx Brothers Movie." You'll say: "I like it "

132 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

With 35 years drawing and writing comics, Andrew Pepoy has worked for U.S., Canadian, British, and French publishers on hundreds of comics on such characters and titles as The Simpsons, Fables, Batman, The X-Men, Iron Man, Star Wars, Godzilla, Doctor Who, Red Sonja, Transformers, Wallace & Gromit, Scooby Doo, Archie, Betty & Veronica, Lanfeust, Uncle Scrooge, The Beatles' Yellow Submarine, MAD Magazine, Dick Tracy, and many more. In 2000, Andrew was asked to redesign Little Orphan Annie and drew the newspaper strip for the next year. In 2005 he brought his knack for retro glamour with a modern twist to writing and drawing a revival of Katy Keene, the classic Archie Comics character. Since 1990 he has written and drawn many stories of his own Harvey Award-nominated creation, The Adventures of Simone & Ajax, which has been collected in book form by IDW and is now published by Spicy Tomato Studios. Having been nominated several times, Andrew won an Eisner Award in 2009. He has also won an Inkwell Award and been nominated for the Harvey and Hugo Awards. He lives in Chicago.
Learn more and join Andrew's mailing list at:
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Reviews

[Hanii Aburame · Rating 3 out of 5]

How does one prepare a duck liver?

There are 3 adventures in this paperback trade, and the last one was my favorite. Two words; Santa. Claus.

This book started out when Simone and Ajax crash landed into a gender-bent Tarzan and Jane-esque world, where villagers were being attacked by giant tiki heads. The 2nd and main story was The Case of the Maltese Duck, where hard-boiled detective Ajax and his very patient dame Simone were hired to find and protect the Maltese Duck, the last of its kind, from greedy humans and crime lords wanting internal life from its fig filled fried liver. And finally, our duo helped Santa to thwart M.E. (a big toy conglomerate) from stealing Santa's secret tech in The Christmas Caper.

While the Maltese Duck story was funny with all of the Easter eggs/pop culture refences and the antics of the bad guys, and the leading lady and Mr. dino, I didn't feel the vibe was what Simone and Ajax are about. I thought the first misshaped adventure in the jungle and the Christmas story were both more their style. I can't put my finger on why the Maltese Duck didn't jive with me, it was funny, fast paced, a solid story, it didn't skip a beat. Maybe it was just the fact of Ajax trying to be a tough guy when that is definitely not what this couple of adventurers is about.

Also, I have to give a shout out to the Lemmings. They're little furry dudes that help our heroes get out of tight spots, and they are flipping adorable! I want one. Since Lemming's "always know," if you little guys happen to read this, please, please make some merch, I can't be your only fan.

All in all, I enjoyed Simone and Ajax, it gave me heavy Sunday comic vibes with the ridiculous yet well-thought-out story lines. It's appropriate for all ages and so fun, I can't say that enough.

Check out my bookstagram! @Witchy_Bookish_Otaku

[Steven Kuehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to some great characters, Simone and Ajax! Excellent stories, just the right touch of humor, taking the reader back to the glory days of fun comic books. Simone: Queen of the Jungle was a fantastic tribute to the wonderful Sheena stories of the Golden Age, and The Case of the Maltese Duck perfectly epitomized the world of Noir! And Pepoy's Christmas Caper was the cherry on top of a wonderful sundae of great comic writing and art!

The stories are interesting, quirky, and fun, with just a touch of pinup art cheekiness, but suitable for all ages. It is great to see comic books like this again, and can't wait to see more!

Definitely a five-star read!

[Robert Bussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take one wacky and adventurous woman with one serious dinosaur mix in countless puns and you have The Adventures of Simone and Ajax.

I laughed, I smiled, and I even groaned at the onslaught of puns in these three stories and loved it! Add in the incredibly colorful and beautiful cartoony art and this book is a winner.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the detective stories in black and white, but they're even better in color! It's very silly, but there's a lot to like about these tales of a tiny dinosaur and a plucky dame saving the day.

[Russ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The look of an Archie Comic, but the sensibilities of a Marx Brothers movie!