Advance Review: Geek-Girl Vol2 #1 (of 4)
One of the recent surprise hits from the old tinterweb was the first volume of Geek-Girl. Now, with the original Geek-Girl in a coma after saving Acorn Ridge, Maine, the power and responsibility of the spectacular spectacles falls to Summer. But with great power, comes the greater chance of screwing up.
Summer is taking her responsibilities seriously. Even as she is mentored by Pit Bull, the city’s most revered of heroes, there are problems; problems with landings, problems with being mind messed with and problems of confidence as if she is just keeping Ruby’s seat at the table warm. Whilst this is going on, there are further criminal shenanigans afoot that may well clarify Summer’s situation.
Sam Johnson, is a British writer who has been working in comics for nearly the last decade. Having created Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman and as a co-creator of The Almighties with Mike Gagnon, he is probably best known for Geek-Girl. Johnson has managed to weave a collection of tropes and influences, that tap into Spider-Man, Buffy and Kick-Ass to some extent, the latter thematically if not in violent content. As such, a story that runs the risk of seemingly disjointedness, instead carries with it a certain logic as all the separate parts of Summer’s life and influences coalesce . The dialogue works well, the reader can see the various pressures on Summer, even as the things that may well cause her issues remain unseen, it may be the problems of her civilian life that will be the most entertaining.
Carlos Granda provides the pencils for the book, with a style that, like the writing, carries its own influences. There is a sense of dynamism to proceedings, even if there is a strong cartoon element that can be a little distracting. Its not that the art is bad par se, its just not quite what I expected. With the cartoon element on show perspective gets a little lost. Still the overall vibe of the art, the fun aspects, are more than evident. Colorist Chunlin Zhao gives the book a four color appeal that adds to the enjoyment.
The book automatically carries its’ own level of diversity; teenage girls being bitches to one side, and in doing so Johnson has managed to incorporate inclusion as well as the aforementioned diversity. As a coming of age book for a hero that has already been around once, the book feels fresh, thanks to the effort and energy of all involved.
Geek-Girl #1 is out May 30 from Markosia and available to Pre-Order at www.geekgirlcomics.com and Comixology.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors 4 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Sam Johnson
Art by: Carlos Granda
Colors by; Chunlin Zhao
Published by; Markosia
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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