The Flintstones #5 (2017) – Comic Book Review & Overview ðĶð️
Genre
Satirical Comedy, Political Parody, Social Commentary, Slice of Life
This issue expertly blends prehistoric absurdity with razor-sharp satire, offering a comedic yet thought-provoking look at modern-day politics, youth activism, and the nostalgia of friendship through a Stone Age lens.
Main Characters
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Fred Flintstone – Loyal, grounded, and surprisingly introspective, Fred reflects on his past as he navigates the present.
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Barney Rubble – Ever the supportive best friend, Barney shares memories of their time in the Water Buffalo army.
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Ralph – A class bully running for school president with fists over facts.
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Pebbles Flintstone – Intelligent and progressive, she represents the voice of youthful change.
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Wilma Flintstone & Betty Rubble – Supporting characters providing grounding insight and emotional balance.
Writer ✍️
Mark Russell – Known for his bold and insightful writing, Russell delivers biting satire that turns The Flintstones into a smart reflection of our modern world.
Artist ðĻ
Steve Pugh – Pugh’s expressive and detailed artwork brings the stone-age setting vividly to life while perfectly complementing the story’s emotional beats and humor.
Editor Details ð
Marie Javins – A veteran in the comic book industry, Javins' editorial guidance ensures a well-paced narrative that balances comedy, social themes, and character development.
Publisher and Brand ð·️
DC Comics | DC’s Hanna-Barbera Beyond Imprint
This title is part of DC’s Hanna-Barbera Beyond line, a modern reimagining of classic animated characters with mature, thought-provoking storytelling.
Release Year
2017
Brief Plot Summary ðģ️ð
As Bedrock gears up for a heated mayoral election, the excitement spills into the local middle school where students hold their own mock election. Ralph, the schoolyard bully, enters the race with a heavy-handed approach, but Pebbles and her classmates offer a different kind of leadership—one built on ideas rather than intimidation. Meanwhile, Fred and Barney reminisce about their days in the Water Buffalo army, exploring themes of camaraderie, regret, and civic duty.
The dual narratives—youthful idealism vs. institutional memory—offer a clever juxtaposition that highlights generational perspectives on leadership and progress.
Notable Arcs or Storylines ðĨ
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"Bedrock the Vote" – A satirical storyline mirroring modern political climates, drawing clear parallels between playground power struggles and real-world elections.
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Water Buffalo Flashbacks – A heartfelt dive into Fred and Barney’s military past, showing their evolution as citizens shaped by duty and experience.
Fan Theories or Interpretations ð§
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Pebbles as a Symbol of Next-Gen Reform: Fans interpret Pebbles' role in the election as emblematic of youthful revolution, reflecting a shift from authoritarianism to empathy-driven governance.
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Water Buffalo Army = Critique of Militarism: Fred and Barney's flashbacks are often viewed as a commentary on how societies use conflict to define masculinity and community responsibility.
Review Summary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Flintstones #5 delivers an unexpectedly rich reading experience. Mark Russell’s writing is sharply humorous yet deeply layered, offering readers both laughs and poignant commentary. Steve Pugh’s art captures everything from slapstick moments to quiet introspection with equal finesse. Characters are well-rounded, their struggles mirroring very real societal issues—even in a world of dinosaurs and stone wheels.
A must-read for fans of satire, this issue shows why The Flintstones reboot is one of the most intelligent comic reinterpretations in recent memory. ðĶīððĨ
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
