The Smooth Criminals, it turns out, aren’t really that smooth. Issue 5 of this title from BOOM Comics shows us how pell-mell and disorganized things can get for criminals.

This ain’t no Ed Brubaker take on criminals, rather a fun and meandering tale of two young women, teamed up to steal a jewel. Without going into major detail here to catch you up, let’s just summarize: It’s 1999. A female nerd and a time traveling cat burglar have formed a gal-pal crime unit. They are plotting a daring robbery! But someone is on to their plan!

When we join the daring duo this time around, plans are still being finalized around the burglary. They need to rehearse the plan, but Brenda is kinda distracted with a same-gender online crush. How will these young women fare whilst one is in a romantic dream cloud?

Amusing, involving, and nicely handled all around. I like how this adventure tugs at the heartstrings while breaking into new ground…. Written by Kurt Lustgarten, Kirsten ‘Kiwi’ Smith and Amy Roy, with illustration by Leisha Riddel, additional inks by Raven Warner and colour by Brittany Peer.

BOOM, Smooth Criminals #5, $3.99 for 25 pages of content. Not rated, assume Teen

By Alan Spinney

After a career of graphic design, art direction and copywriting, I still have a passion for words and pictures. I love it when a comic book comes together; the story is tight, and the drawings lead me forward. Art with words... the toughest storytelling technique to get right. Was this comic book worth your money? Let's see!!