#IReadsYou Review: BLACK PANTHER #1 (Marvel Action)

BLACK PANTHER (MARVEL ACTION) No. 1
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing @ Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Kyle Baker
ART: Juan Samu
COLORS: David Garcia Cruz
LETTERS: Tom B. Long
EDITOR: Denton J. Tipton
COVER: Juan Samu with David Garcia Cruz
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Paulina Ganucheru; Elsa Charraetier with Sarah Stern; Gabriel Rodriguez with Nelson Daniel; Alex Milne with Paris Alleyne
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2019) – shipped April 3, 2019

Black Panther created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee

“The Little Things”

Marvel Action is a new line of comic books produced by IDW Publishing under license from Marvel Comics.  The titles in this line will feature Marvel Comics characters in comic books aimed at “middle grade readers” and “younger readers.”

The third release in this new line features Marvel Comics' most famous African character and the most famous Black comic book character in North America, Black Panther.  IDW's Black Panther (also known as Marvel Action: Black Panther) is written by Kyle Baker; drawn by Juan Samu; colored by David Garcia Cruz; and lettered by Tom B. Long.  This new Black Panther series is set in the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda, where the Black Panther, a.k.a. King T’Challa is responsible for defending his people—and the world—from any threats.  He gets plenty of help—and sass—from his genius sister, Shuri.

Marvel Action: Black Panther #1 (“The Little Things”) opens in Wakanda's Western Forest where the people's idyllic existence is shattered by stampeding animals.  Meanwhile, T'Challa is giving a speech about the increase in vibranium production when a sudden violent storms shatters this rather sedate event.  Now, Black Panther and Shuri must solve the mystery of a weather system that seems to be specifically targeting Wakanda.

Now that I think about it, I wonder why Marvel Action: Black Panther is the first time that Kyle Baker, one of the best comic book creators of the last three decades, is working on a Black Panther comic book.  Baker has always been a straight-forward storyteller who is capable of both humor and pathos.  With Marvel Action: Black Panther, Baker creates a comic book that moves like a Saturday morning cartoon that is full of action and adventure – in addition to offering an exotic setting.  I think Baker's writing, already quite good, is going to get stronger with each issue.

Juan Samu's art for Black Panther has the illusion of appearing to be in motion.  The graphic design is splashy, and the story pops on the page.  David Garcia Cruz's coloring adds to the sense of motion and energy in this story.  Tom B. Long's lettering jumps off the page, also making this comic book seem even livelier with each page.

IDW Publishing is three for three.  Its Marvel Action Spider-Man, Avengers, and Black Panther titles are all winners – for readers young and young at heart.

8.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: THE MAGNIFICENT MS. MARVEL #1

THE MAGNIFICENT MS.MARVEL No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Saladin Ahmed
PENCILS: Minkyu Jung
INKS: Juan Vlasco
COLORS: Ian Herring
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
EDITOR: Alanna Smith
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Eduard Petrovich
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Elsa Charretier with Matthew Wilson; Babs Tarr
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (May 2019)

Rated T+

Kamala Kahn created by Sana Amanat, G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona, Stephen Wacker, and Jamie McKelvie

Ms. Marvel is a Marvel Comics female superhero character.  The original version of Ms. Marvel was created by writer Gerry Conway and artist John Buscema.  First appearing in Ms. Marvel #1 (cover dated: January 1977), she was meant to be the female counterpart of Marvel's Captain Marvel (who first appeared in 1967).

The new Ms. Marvel is Kamala Khan (the fourth character to take the name Ms. Marvel).  Created by Sana Amanat, G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona, Stephen Wacker, and Jamie McKelvie, Kamala first appeared in Captain Marvel #17 (cover dated: November 2013).  She is a 16 year-old Pakistani-American from Jersey City, New Jersey.  She idolizes Carol Danvers, the original Ms. Marvel (who is now the current Captain Marvel).  Kamala was given her own Ms. Marvel series, which premiered in February 2014, becoming Marvel Comics' first Muslim character to star in her own comic book.

2019 welcomes a new Ms. Marvel comic book series, The Magnificent Ms. Marvel.  It is written by Saladin Ahmed; drawn by Minkyu Jung (pencils) and Juan Vlasco (inks), colored by Ian Herring, and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #1 (“Super Famous” Part One of Three) opens in “the far future” on “another world.”  An alien father tells his daughter a bedtime story of the legendary hero known as the “Destined One,” a hero from Earth who we know as “Ms. Marvel.”  Meanwhile, on present day Earth, Ms. Marvel is not feeling very much like a legend.  Her parents are about to confront her, and she is fighting crummy costumed villains, some of which dissolve into goo after she defeats them.

Salamed Ahmed is currently writing the recently launched Miles Morales: Spider-Man comic book.  Ahmed became the first writer other than Miles' co-creator, Brian Michael Bendis, to write an ongoing Miles Morales comic book series  Ahmed once again is filling big shoes by becoming the first writer other than Kamala Kahn's co-creator, G. Willow Wilson, to write an ongoing Kamala Kahn-Ms. Marvel comic book series.

Ahmed's inaugural issue of The Magnificent Ms. Marvel is filled with several delightful surprises, from the opening alien world-set prologue (of sorts) to the closing family drama shocker.  I don't want to spoil more than I already have, but everything in this comic book, especially the last three pages makes me want to come back for the second issue of The Magnificent Ms. Marvel.

Pencil artist Minkyu Jung and inker Juan Vlasco are a solid new Ms. Marvel art team.  Ian Herring's excellent coloring sets the perfect mood and atmosphere for each sequence and sub-plot in the first issue, especially on the first page.  As always, Joe Caramagna does solid lettering.  The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #1 promises an interesting new era for Marvel's first Pakistani-American superhero.

7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: DOMINO #1

DOMINO No. 1 (2018)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Gail Simone
ART: David Baldéon
COLORS: Jesus Aburtov
LETTERS: Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Chris Robinson
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida
COVER: Greg Land with Frank D'Armata
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Elsa Charretier with Matthew Wilson; David Baldéon with Jesus Aburtov; Pretend comic book artist-J. Scott Campbell with Sabine Rich; Rob Liefeld
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2018)

“Killer Instinct” Part One

Neena Thurman a.k.a. Domino is a Marvel Comics character.  The character was created by artist Rob Liefeld and writer Fabian Nicieza.  A version of Domino first appeared in New Mutants #98 (cover dated: February 1991); then, the “real” version of the character first appeared in X-Force #8 (cover dated: March 1992).  Domino is a mutant best known for her association with the team, X-Force.

Although Domino has been the title character in two miniseries, the character is finally the star of her own ongoing comic book series.  Entitled Domino, it is written by Gail Simone; drawn by David Baldéon; colored by Jesus Aburtov; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Domino #1 finds Domino and “Crazy” Inez Temple a.k.a. “Outlaw” in the Pacific Northwest.  They are supposedly here because they have been hired to take care of some mobsters, but this is really a setup for an attack on them.  And it's Neena Thurman's birthday...

I am a fan of Gail Simone, and I am currently enjoying her Image Comics series, Crosswind, and her current miniseries for Dynamite Entertainment, Red Sonja / Tarzan, both of which had excellent first issues.  Domino #1 is a mediocre first issue.

Simone has publicly stated that many comic books suffer from poor character development.  The problem with Domino #1 is that its title character is not much of a character.  Domino is at best a supporting character, but Marvel Comics has spent much of the last four decades publishing miniseries and regular series starring just about any character that shows any measurable popularity with fans.  So Domino #1 stars a character who, after more than a quarter century, is not much more than the sketch that first appeared in Rob Liefeld's sketchbook.  And Gail Simone, who is excellent at giving comic book characters character, may not be able to change that.

As for the graphics team, David Baldéon has been a rising star; Domino #1 is air turbulence for him, a step back from his excellent, hot wire art on the recent Spirits of Vengeance miniseries.  For colorist Jesus Aburtov and letterer Clayton Cowles, Domino #1 is an average output.  “Serviceable” is the word to describe Domino #1.  I do not hold out hope that the series will get better.

5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and  syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS Adventures #1

STAR WARS ADVENTURES No. 1
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Cavan Scott
ART: Derek Charm
LETTERS: Tom B. Long
COVER: Derek Charm
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Eric Jones; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Craig Rousseau; Mike Maihack; Tim Levins
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2017)

“Better the Devil You Know” Part 1

Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, IDW and not current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and will reportedly feature one and two part stories that are not steeped in continuity.

Shortly before the recent launch of Star Wars Adventures, IDW published a graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, also geared towards readers of all ages.  The art for Star Wars Adventures is also intended to “bridge the gap” between Star Wars and traditional Disney animation.  Star Wars Adventures is written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long.

Star Wars Adventures #1 (“Better the Devil You Know” Part 1) opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet.  Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found.

Star Wars Adventures may be geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it.  In fact, I adore Derek Charm's art because I have been a fan of animation-style comic book art for a long time.  [ I think that love goes back to the early issues of DC Comics' Batman Adventures comic book, which was the comic book tie in to the classic early 1990s animated television series, “Batman: The Animated Series.”]

I think this comic book is closer to traditional, classic comic books with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – that does not have to run six issues.  I think writer Cavan Scott and Derek Charm are going to do in 30 pages what many comic book creators cannot do in 100+ pages – give readers a comic book story that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books.

I can't wait for the second issue.

Tales from Wild Space – “Stop, Thief!”
STORY: Cavan Scott
PENCILS: Jon Sommariva
INKS: Sean Parsons
COLORS: Charlie Kirchoff
LETTERS: Tom B. Long

The back-up, “Tales from Wild Space,” looks to be an anthology feature which will star various Star Wars characters from different eras and which will be narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf.  It does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but this could be good.  Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that it offers.

“Tales from Wild Space” just makes me more certain that Star Wars Adventures will be one of my favorite comic books.

9.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: DOCTOR APHRA #1

DOCTOR APHRA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

WRITER: Kieron Gillen
ART: Kev Walker; Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Antonio Fabela; Edgar Delgado
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Kamome Shirahama
VARIANT COVERS: Rod Reis; John Tyler Christopher; Salvador Larroca; Elsa Charretier; Jamie McKelvie; Rafael Albuquerque; Ashley Witter; Kamome Shirahama
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2017)

Rated “T”

Aphra “Part 1”

Rogue archaeologist, Doctor Aphra, first appeared in Marvel Comics' Darth Vader #3.  She became Darth Vader's lackey and eventually his enemy.  Darth Vader the comic book recently ended, and its replacement is a new comic book, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Marvel Comics' first ongoing series starring an original Star Wars character created in the Star Wars comic books.  Doctor Aphra is written by Kieron Gillen; drawn by Kev Walker; colored by Antonio Fabela; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Doctor Aphra #1 opens in the aftermath of Darth Vader #25.  Aphra barely escaped Darth Vader's clutches with her life, and she knows if he discovers that she is not dead, he will hunt her down.  Aphra returns to what she does best – search the galaxy for rare artifacts.  She is now locating and liberating rare archaeological treasures; her companions are the homicidal droids, 0-0-0 and BT-1 (who also debuted in Darth Vader #3) and the Wookiee warrior, Krrsantan.  Her latest artifact find will bring her nothing but trouble, as she discovers that everyone and no one wants it.

I really like the cover art for Doctor Aphra #1, which is drawn and colored by Kamome Shirahama.  It is not a particularly inventive visual design, but it is striking in its execution.  I also like the interior art by Kev Walker, whose graphic style reminds me of the work of Jamie Hewlett (the co-creator with Alan Martin of Tank Girl).  Walker and colorist Antonio Fabela's work on this first issue would been a good fit for the best days of the science fiction and fantasy anthology magazine, Heavy Metal.

In fact, I think that in some ways,this Doctor Aphra comic book will be as much like Tank Girl, Heavy Metal, and various British and European science fiction comics as it will be a Star Wars comic book.  This title may be something of a risk for Marvel, in terms of Star Wars comic books, but it is good to see that they are willing to be a bit adventurous with their Star Wars titles.  The prior license holder for Star Wars comic books, Dark Horse Comics, was quite adventurous in the kind of Star Wars titles that it produced for two decades.

As a nice extra, there is a back-up story featuring a younger Doctor Aphra, and it is produced by the Darth Vader creative team of Gillen; artist Salvador Larroca, and colorist Edgar Delgado.  This story assures me that Doctor Aphra is more likely than not to be a good Star Wars comic book.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS ADVENTURES Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy

STAR WARS ADVENTURES, VOL. 1: HEROES OF THE GALAXY
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Cavan Scott; Landry Q. Walker; Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet
PENCILS: Derek Charm; Jon Sommariva; Elsa Charretier
INKS: Derek Charm; Sean Parsons; Elsa Charretier
COLORS: Derek Charm; Charlie Kirchoff; Sarah Stern
LETTERS: Tom B. Long; Robbie Robbins
PIN-UPS: Derek Charm; Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Mike Maihack; Craig Rousseau; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Eric Jones; Tim Levins
COVER: Derek Charm
ISBN: 978-1-68405-205-9; paperback, 6” x 9” (October 2017)
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN

“Better the Devil You Know” Parts l and 2; Tales from Wild Space - “Stop, Thief!” and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin”

Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, from IDW and not from current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and features one and two part stories that are not steeped in Star Wars continuity.  Star Wars Adventures will feature a rotating casts of characters, and the stories will range from settings that take place before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace all the way up to Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) and beyond.

Now, comes the first book collection of Star Wars Adventures.  It is entitled Star Wars Adventures, Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy.  It collects Star Wars Adventures #1 and #2 and the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan, which was given out at San Diego Comic-Con International 2017 ahead of the release of Star Wars Adventures #1.

The main story of Star Wars Adventures #1-2 is a two-part tale, entitled “Better the Devil You Know,” written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long.  “Better the Devil You Know” opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet.  Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found.  Rey realizes that dealing with Plutt, terrible as he is and can be, is better than dealing with the aliens determined to kill him.

Each issue of Star Wars Adventures has a back-up feature, “Tales from Wildspace.”  This anthology-like features various Star Wars characters from different eras of the Star Wars universe and is narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf.  The two “Wildspace stories here are “Stop, Thief!” (Star Wars Adventures #1) and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin” (#2).

I like Star Wars Adventures.  I know that it is geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it.  I like Derek Charm's art, which is a blend of animation-styled art and the art found in Archie Comics.  Cavan Scott's storytelling in “Better the Devil You Know” is true to the spirit of Star Wars – emphasizing adventure, imagination, and, of course, wisdom and justice.

The story from the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan (written by Landry B. Walker and drawn by Charm) is narrated by C-3PO and R2-D2 and presents a rather interesting overview of Star Wars history.  That overview alone, especially the Luke Skywalker parts, is worth the cost of this book.

“Tales from Wild Space” does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but it is a good back-up.  Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that “Wildspace” offers.

I think Star Wars Adventures is closer to traditional, classic comic books – with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – than many comic books available in comic book shops today.  This is a comic book that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books, and I think Star Wars Adventures Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy is a great way to introduce young readers to comic books.

[This volume also includes a section of character designs by Derek Charm.]

A+
9.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP #2

THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP No. 2
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

STORY: Jeremy Whitley – @jrome58
ART: Elsa Charretier
COLORS: Megan Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Elsa Charretier with Nicolas Bannister
VARIANT COVER: Tony Fleecs
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2017)

Rated “T+”

The Wasp a.k.a. Janet van Dyne is a Marvel Comics female super hero, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.  First appearing in Tales to Astonish #44 (cover dated:  June 1963), The Wasp is usually depicted as having the ability to shrink to a height of several centimeters; fly by means of insectoid wings; and fire bio-electric energy blasts.  The Wasp is also a founding member of the Avengers.

After Janet van Dyne, there was another version of The Wasp, Hope Pym, also known as the Red Queen and the Wasp.  Hope is the daughter of Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man.  Of course, Marvel has an alternate universe version of Hope Pym, and her name is Nadia, who is now in the main Marvel Universe.  She is the daughter of Hank Pym and Maria Trovaya.  Nadia is the star of the new Marvel comic book series, The Unstoppable Wasp.  It is written by Jeremy Whitley; drawn by Elsa Charretier; colored by Megan Wilson; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

The Unstoppable Wasp #2 opens as Nadia continues her quest to build “G.I.R.L.” (Genius in Action Research Labs).  This is an organization “dedicated to finding the brilliant girls and women who will not just save the world, but change it.” First stop, meet Taina Miranda, before moving on to Lunella Lafayette a.k.a. “Moon Girl.”  But Nadia's past is about to make a reappearance.

I enjoyed the first issue of The Unstoppable Wasp comic book.  I had a few reservations, but everything makes sense after reading this second issue.  That's crazy because it is hard to believe that a comic book has its act together or seems fully formed after only two issues.

Perhaps, the secret is in writer Jeremy Whitley's characterization of Nadia/The Unstoppable Wasp.  She is self-assured, although not fully formed.  She is determined to make her place in the world by not having to wash a man's drawers, bake him cookies, or get him a beer.  In fact, Nadia believes that her place in the world is to make sure other girls and women have a place in the world where they can be the best they can be (or even better than that).  This is comic book where the female characters don't get together to talk about what the man is doing.  At some point, I may have to call this something like brilliant, even if I don't use that word.

Artist Elsa Charretier vivid compositions and boisterous storytelling is well served by Megan Wilson's bright colors.  The Charretier-Wilson team marries the retro-style of Daniel Clowes' Ghost World with the pop charm of Darwyn Cooke, and that is a good thing.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP #1

THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeremy Whitley
ART: Elsa Charretier
COLORS: Megan Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Elsa Charretier with Nicolas Bannister
VARIANT COVERS: Elizabeth Torque; Nelson Blake II with Guru eFX; Skottie Young; John Tyler Christopher; Andy Park
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2017)

Rated “T+”

The Wasp a.k.a. Janet van Dyne is a Marvel Comics female super hero. She was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and first appeared in Tales to Astonish #44 (cover dated:  June 1963).  The Wasp is usually depicted as having the ability to shrink to a height of several centimeters; fly by means of insectoid wings; and fire bio-electric energy blasts.  The Wasp is also a founding member of the Avengers and has been a leader of the team.

After Janet van Dyne, there is another version of The Wasp.  She is Hope Pym, also known as the Red Queen and the Wasp, and is the daughter of Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man.  Of course, Marvel has an alternate universe version of Hope Pym, and her name is Nadia, who is now in the main Marvel Universe.  She is the daughter of Hank Pym and Maria Trovaya.  Nadia is the star of the new Marvel comic book series, The Unstoppable Wasp.  It is written by Jeremy Whitley; drawn by Elsa Charretier; colored by Megan Wilson; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

The Unstoppable Wasp #1 finds Nadia hanging with Ms. Marvel a.k.a. Kamala Khan.  It's time for Nadia to straighten out the affairs of her U.S. citizenship – remember that U.S. borders are closed to some.  We learn the story of the romance of Nadia's parents and her life in “The Red Room,” a secret facility in Russia that trained young girls to become weapons.  Then, it's time to meet a heroine/role model and villain/role model.

The Unstoppable Wasp is like many girl-hero comics that have emerged during the last few years (Batgirl, Moon Girl and Devil Dragon):  glib, snappy, snazzy, and fun-to-read.  In the case of Nadia-Wasp, it is her positivism and on-the-bright-side personality that makes her attractive.  In spite of my cranky, old-ass ways, I found myself liking her.  Page by page, writer Jeremy Whitley will not let you not like Nadia-Wasp, and he will make you want more of her, mainly because she seems to want more us – at least our positive side.

I love the retro-style art of artist Elsa Charretier.  With the coloring of Megan Wilson, the storytelling here graphically recalls early 1960s Marvel Comics and also (delightfully) Darwyn Cooke's interpretation of the Silver Age.  I won't grade this comic book just yet, but I hope to soon.  And yes, I will recommend this to young readers (especially girls) and to girl-hero lovers.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

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