Review: Invisible Woman #1

Gwen Dylan Stacy

5 years ago

Mark Waid is, by far, one of my favorite writers no matter what title he might be associated with. From everything to Archie comics to Marvel’s own Champions, whatever he was writing I was sure to check out. I hadn’t been in the loop lately, so seeing him on the newest run of Invisible Woman absolutely made my day. From its opening pages, there’s that lovely little balance between character narrative and actual internal dialogue that he manages so beautifully. His thoughts become Sue’s thoughts. His words, her own. Her scruples, principles, and need to somewhat find her footing again become rooted so deeply in the way that he writes her that he also becomes a part of Sue Storm Richards.

Something about Mattia de Iulis’ art also seems so integral to the title as well. There are times during Sue’s recollection of her previous missions with her team; interactions with her family, that her face sometimes becomes blurred. Hard to see. As if she’s a part of something but also somehow losing a slight bit of herself. I’m not sure if this is intentional, but it seemed like a rather poignant thing to bring up whilst wandering through these older bits of memory. In a way, it’s a metaphor for how we slightly lose bits of ourselves in our past. Even within our memory, we become disconnected with what we’re recalling. It fits itself into the desire that Sue carries deep within her heart pretty well. Otherwise, the colors are crisp and beautiful. Storm’s face carved with years that have hollowed her cheeks out just a tiny bit more, made her more of a woman than a girl like she was previously.

Funnily enough, it’s only after her reminiscing that her face manages to become crystal clear again. Perhaps this is because of a conscious awareness that things are changing around her, or perhaps because information about a previous partner who once saved her life calls for her to take action that might grant her the ability to either remind herself of who she is or redefine the woman that she’s become. The best part of this issue is the fact that one of my other favorite strong female characters manages to pop up and make an appearance. This character is often associated with feminism. In fact, some of her older writing has had little self inserts into situations where she has actively spoken out for oppressed women. Her own self title is also full of some of the same themes.

I really sincerely enjoyed this 4 out of 5 star issue. I look forward to more of the eloquence that Waid gifts Sue. I look forward to her journey back to herself and, let’s be honest, hope to see more of Adam Hughes’ beautiful art gracing the cover.

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

(W) Mark Waid (A) Mattia De Iulis (CA) Stephanie Hans