Simpsons Illustrated #23 – A Collector’s Dream, A Villain’s Reign, and Bart on the Tracks!
𧏠Genre
Comedy, Satire, Adventure, Family, Pop Culture Parody
đ„ Main Characters
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Bart Simpson – The mischievous protagonist, always ready for chaos
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Homer Simpson – Bart’s bumbling dad, at odds with a new nemesis
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Doctor Colossus – Springfield’s flamboyant and egotistical supervillain
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Milhouse Van Houten – Bart’s loyal but clueless best friend
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Martin Prince – The nerdy, well-read third wheel on Bart’s wild ride
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Reclusive B-Movie Director – A mysterious cinephile with a collection every geek dreams of
✍️ Writer
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Various contributors from Bongo Comics Group’s talented team, known for staying true to the voice and humor of the show
đš Artist
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Bongo Comics Staff Artists – A dynamic group delivering signature Simpsons-style illustrations with expressive panels and visual gags galore
đ§đŒ Editor Details
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Edited under the supervision of Bill Morrison, longtime creative director and editor at Bongo Comics, ensuring continuity with the animated series' tone and humor
đą Publisher and Brand
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Publisher: Bongo Comics
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Brand: Simpsons Comics Universe
đ Release Year
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2017
đ Brief Plot Summary
In Simpsons Illustrated #23, Bart stumbles upon a local legend – a retired B-movie filmmaker with a jaw-dropping collection of horror films, sci-fi relics, and vintage Radioactive Man memorabilia. When the filmmaker unveils a town-wide contest to award his treasured stash, Springfield’s geek community goes into overdrive. đ§♂️đŒ
Meanwhile, Homer finds himself locked in an increasingly ridiculous battle of wits with a maddeningly persistent household pest that pushes his patience to its limits. Not to be outdone in the chaos department, Bart, Milhouse, and Martin accidentally hijack a school field trip and find themselves trapped aboard a runaway train hurtling through the countryside! đđš
As if Springfield wasn’t crazy enough, Doctor Colossus returns to unleash a comically diabolical plot, leaving the town teetering on the brink of cartoonish doom.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“The Collector’s Challenge” – Bart and other Springfieldians battle for a chance at nerd nirvana
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“Homer vs. the Pest” – A self-contained slapstick mini-arc filled with Looney Tunes-style humor
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“Terror on the Tracks” – A thrilling, high-speed misadventure with shades of classic action films
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“Doctor Colossus Strikes Again!” – A rare solo spotlight for one of Springfield’s lesser-seen but beloved villains
đ Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Some fans speculate that the unnamed B-movie director is a parody of real-world cult filmmakers like Ed Wood or Roger Corman, adding layers of satire to the collector subculture. đ„
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The Doctor Colossus story is often viewed as a nod to Silver Age superhero tropes, with fans interpreting his exaggerated villainy as a critique of over-the-top comic book antagonists.
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Bart’s leadership during the runaway train arc is seen by some fans as an early echo of his potential to grow into a more responsible (if still chaotic) figure in alternate future timelines.
đ Review Summary
Simpsons Illustrated #23 is a quintessential Bongo Comics gem – packed with layered satire, nostalgic nods to film and comic fandom, and the trademark slapstick that defines The Simpsons. The artwork maintains the vibrant, animated energy fans expect, while each story balances humor with sharp cultural commentary. Bart’s misadventures shine the brightest, though Doctor Colossus steals the show with his larger-than-life presence. A must-read for fans of Springfield’s absurdity and heartfelt chaos. đđđđ⭐
Whether you're a collector, a sci-fi buff, or just here for the laughs, this issue delivers maximum Springfield mayhem in all the right ways!
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
