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Posted by Eric Henrickson (The Detroit News) on Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 8:49 AM
‘Axe Cop’ is arresting reading

It seems like the real deal, but even if it’s not, “Axe Cop” is a hoot.

“Axe Cop” is an online comic created by 5-year-old Malachai Nicolle, with the help of his big brother, 29-year-old comic artist Ethan Nicolle (“Chumble Spuzz”).

Axe Cop is, well, a cop with an axe. And he’s joined in his crimefighting by a poor gentleman who undergoes several transformations in the six episodes currently up at the Web site, the most recent leaving him as a giant avocado with a gun and a unicorn horn.

Did I mention that the writer is 5?

I first heard about “Axe Cop” last week, but I don’t remember who mentioned it. Since then, Wizard magazine’s Geek Chic Daily has interviewed both brothers. Malachai is a good talker.

According to Ethan, the comic started when he and his brother were playing around during a Christmas visit. Malachai keeps coming up with crazy stuff, and Ethan writes it down and helps turn it into a story.

If I were a child psychologist, I might be a bit concerned about Malachai’s penchant for violence (Axe Cop chops off a lot of heads), but you’ve got to admire his creativity. I remember coming up with superheroes at that age—too bad I didn’t have a pro in the family.

Ethan tells Geek Chic Daily that there’s a print possibility for “Axe Cop,” and Cartoon Network “Adult Swim” execs accidentally invited Malachai out for drinks.

“Axe Cop” may turn out to be just another viral flash in the pan, but thanks, Malachai and Ethan, for sharing.