We’re No. 1! is a weekly feature looking at first issues in new comic series, as well as one-offs and special releases. In his reviews, Jeff highlights stories with diverse characters and plot lines Geekquality readers can care about, as well as points out comics that miss the mark.
Great stuff happening this week, beginning with the grand endeavor that is Legends of Red Sonja #1! Writer Gail Simone’s recent work on Red Sonja’s ongoing series from Dynamite Comics has been pretty fantastic, and she’s helping create a second series for the She Devil with a Sword. This book brings together some of the great female writers in science fiction & fantasy literature and comics to tell short tales of Red Sonja’s adventures, set in a frame narrative by Simone and artist Jack Jadson. In the first issue Nancy A. Collins (author of the Sonja Blue vampire novels) and artist Noah Salonga create a thriller about Sonja versus a werewolf cult, followed by beloved Batman writer Devin Kalile Grayson’s swashbuckling tale of high seas adventure with artist Carla Speed McNeil. The ongoing series will feature other contributors, including YA fantasy legend Tamora Pierce and dark romance novelist Maljean Brooks. To see women collaborating on such an iconic female hero is all kinds of exciting, and the book itself holds up to that promise. Red Sonja rarely holds back, of course, and these tales of adventure feature all the violence and stubborn charm that Sonja has embodied over the years. The frame tale of twelve killers hunting Sonja for revenge seems a little simplistic at first, but each character here clearly has their motives for wanting the barbarian warrior’s head on a plate, and hopefully the rest will be as fully explored as those from the first issue. This is a book to watch and collect, for fans of both comics and the featured authors as well.
Jonathan Luna returns to comics for the first time in three years (previously part of The Luna Brothers, creators of The Sword) with artist Sarah Vaughn on Alex + Ada #1. Set in the near future, Alex is having a tough time, even in a fully modern world. In his head he’s got a telepathic cell-phone that runs his life, but that life has become mundane since the end of his last relationship. Stuck in a rut, Alex receives an X5, the latest in lifelike androids as a gift form his Grandmother. But is Ada the right woman for Alex? This is obviously a highly personal story with all the real world feel of an off-center romantic comedy. While the Luna Brothers were renowned for female action stories, this one is much more down to earth, despite the futuristic setting, and the Alex in particular has a real world feel that’s compelling, if not a little bit pitiful. It’s refreshing to read comics and not know if you’re rooting for the main character or not, but still be willing to follow his story, and that’s the best way to peg Alex in this first issue. Is he a sad sack who needs to get his act together? Will he find synthetic love, or learn to crave real human interaction? And how will he treat this new relationship, as the use of a toy or as a real person? There are few answers in issue #1, but the reality of Alex’s post break-up sadness and ennui are compelling enough to keep me reading.
Jimmy Palmiotti’s Painkiller Jane #1 heralds the return of a tough as nails character. Jane Vasko is a former cop who suffered an unusual experience, giving her the ability to heal nearly instantly from any wound. She’s the Wolverine of the riot grrrl set, so to speak, and speaking is something she’s never been afraid to do. Palmiotti’s signature character (created with current Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada nearly 20 years ago) has been through a long series of changes, including beeing adapted for TV and film. This new iteration is more down to earth, at least for Jane. Her old superhero look is gone, and now Jane functions as a lethal weapon at the disposal of her closest companion, NYPD Detective Maureen Fernandez. In the first issue we get two Jane stories. The first is part of the ongoing arc and sees Jane rescuing a spoiled Saudi Princess from assassins at JFK airport. There are the standard Painkiller Jane tropes to be had of course: lots of violence, lots of snarky banter, and at least one wardrobe malfunction. Jane isn’t one to wear spandex, but also certainly not one to worry when her exploits leave her exposed. Her sexuality is a weapon when she needs it to be, and a dominant part of her personality. In the second tale we get a deeper understanding of her long time affection for her best friend Maureen, when the Detective takes a bullet in the line of duty. Jane often has little need to worry for her own safety in tough situations, but has surprising vulnerability when faced with the fear of loss. Her books have always been known for adult content, and there’s plenty of that here, but Jane is more than just a foul-mouthed violent killer in these pages. Palmiotti brings us a side of her that may not be softer, but certainly more human than we’ve seen in the past, and she’s not to be overlooked.
For action junkies, thankfully, there is plenty more to be had this week. Our Honorable mention issue couldn’t possibly be anything other than Captain Marvel #17, the much-anticipated Carol Corps issue! After the events of The Enemy Within story arc, Carol is back in New York and struggling with the loss of both her memory and her home. She’s vulnerable in a way she hasn’t been in a while, and thankfully she has her biggest fan, the 8-year-old Kit, by her side. She’s about to receive an honorary award for saving NYC (not to mention the coolest apartment/headquarters since the Baxter Building got rebuilt) but she’s having a tough time coping with who she is and how much she cares about the people around her. Thankfully, the people around her are ready to pick up the slack, especially when she’s attacked by an unhinged internet CEO. Fans have rallied around Kelly Sue DeConnick’s tales of Carol since the beginning of the series, and having a writer acknowledge that fan base makes for a fantastic and inspiring comic book. Artist Filipe Andrade’s flowing lines bring a humanity to Carol in one panel and switch rapidly to ass-kickery the next, and his highly original style is perfectly matched to the story in this issue. There’s also the briefest of previews of how Carol Danvers inspires the newest Ms. Marvel, which more than a few of us here are excited about. If you’re a fan of great comics of any stripe, don’t miss this one.
