Kyle Piccolo is a Comic Shop Therapist

“Funny is funny,” the creators of Kyle Piccollo: Comic Shop Therapist say. Just because the series’ protagonist is a comic book geek whose therapeutic intuition is harnessed through comic books alone does not mean that those of us unfamiliar with the wacky world of comics won’t find the funny. Like The Guild, it intends an approach accessible to anyone, but with subtle winks and sly nods to those intimately involved with the subculture.

Through “stilted” observations and advice set in Manhattan’s Midtown Comics, Kyle Piccolo intends to be one of the first

The first episode, Fantastic Fix, creates the setup for what will likely be a repeated bit: Guy walks up with Comfort Comic. Moments later, with little prodding, he’s spilling the beans of his dysfunctional relationship and, a few quick Kyle Piccolo quips after that, he walks away with a receipt longer than expected.

The concept reminds me of that 90’s SNL sketch where the nickname-obsessed Copy Machine Guy, Richard (Rich-meister) Layner, repeats the same trope with different characters week after week. Somehow, the fresh reactions never cease to entertain. Will the same be true of Dr. Piccolo’s unintended patients? I think comedy will come from earnest reactions from real characters.