The Tick keeps on going, thanks in part to the writing team of Clay and Susan Griffith. Ben Edlund’s character has endured some ups and downs over the course of its history. Most of the downs were due to some shaky story lines and some humorless writing. The other problem is that the comic is non-traditional in the way that it is put out, meaning that it is numbered by story concept rather than a straight numbering system. It would be easier to find back issue number twenty-six than Days of Drama four. All that aside, I like the new comic except for the new slimed-down Arthur. When Arthur was dumpy, he was more likable and it added a clumsy humor, like a Chris Farley kind of thing. I really like that this story line doesn’t add to the large list of abundant superheroes and gives us the old ones like Running Man, Caped Cod, and Barry. Now, as for villains, this story has the Devil heading a group of cloaked, role-playing nerds that are trying to take over the city. The concept is very similar to the Ninja Hedge, from the first series of comics. And who doesn’t love the Ninja Hedge? What I really love in this series are the one-liners that, for awhile, were few and far between. For example: “Let those who join the dark lord live a thousand years bathed in milk and honey. If you’re lactose intolerant—extra honey for you!” Come on, that’s funny. Now, if you can get through all of New England Press’s back issue and collectibles advertising, I think that this new writing team will come real close to laughing readers out of their seats. Hell, what am I saying? It’s the Tick for god’s sake; of course it’s going to be funny. (New England Press, 732 Washington St., Norwood, MA 02062, www.newenglandcomics.com)