Coyote Ragtime Show: Fox Trot, Vol. 1.

The “Coyote” in question here is not Wile E., but rather an outer space pirate named “Mister” with a particular loathing for authority. Don't ask where the ragtime fits in, because there's nothing even vaguely Scott Joplin-like about this uneven offering. Coyote Ragtime Show gets off to a good start, with Mister hiding among the inmates of the prison planet Sandvil, avoiding both Inspector Angelica of the Federation Bureau (she's seeking Mister dead or alive) and the 12 SISTERs assassin squad (they're seeking Mister dead, not alive). After Mister escapes, he picks up his late boss and friend Pirate Captain Bruce's pink-haired daughter Franca in the second episode (she's been running Mister's bar while he's been in the big house). The pair set off in search of Bruce's buried treasure on the chaotic planet Graceland, which is in such a messy state that government spaceships are preparing to blow it up. Alas, the fun soon evaporates and the remaining two installments on this four-episode opener are little more than an extended shoot-‘em-up chase among none-too-colorful characters. Still, the excellent artwork holds the eye, and—hopefully—the next volume will recapture the visceral energy of the first two episodes. Presented on a dual-language disc, rated TV-14, this is a strong optional purchase. [Note: Coyote Ragtime Show, Vol. 2 is slated for release on Mar. 27, with Vol. 3 debuting on May 15.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)