Writer: Soo Lee
Art: Soo Lee
Publisher: Dynamite Comics
Price: $3.99
Release date: May 17th, 2023
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Disney Villains: Maleficent #1 Review.
THE DISPATCH
The Mistress of All Evil comes to comics! In Disney Villains: Maleficent #1, we are re-introduced to arguably one of Disney’s greatest villains, Maleficent from the 1959 Disney animated classic, Sleeping Beauty. Unlike the Scar comic also currently available from Dynamite, this comic does not seem like it is trying to put these events into the story of the film, and in fact, doesn’t really even reference it, beyond the appearance of Maleficent herself. It still seems clear that this is the version from the original animated movie, rather than the more recent version played by Angelina Jolie. Those who are fans of the Kingdom Hearts video games may find this version of Maleficent to be similar to the one seen in the games. This story shows a dark and intimidating character in that of Maleficent, but the story should be fleshed out a bit more. That being said, it is still only the first issue and there could be more information coming soon. This story sounds like it could be presenting more of a cautionary tale about the dangers of messing with forces you don’t understand.
ART
Although it seems clear that we’re dealing with an animated classic Disney villain in Disney Villains: Maleficent #1, the art style in this story appears to take more of a manga-style approach, rather than try to mimic the animation style of the movie. Those who enjoy that art form will like this, but those who feel the art should match the Disney animation as closely as possible will be disappointed with this. It does show good attention to detail in the drawings of the forest on the opening page. The black and green colors throughout reflect Maleficent well, presenting an eerie and foreboding tone to the comic.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Disney Villains: Maleficent #1 presents a version of Maleficent seen through the eyes of a young boy. She is still very mysterious and intimidating. It is unclear though how this story will connect to the movie or if we’ll learn more about this new character in the coming issues. Those who weren’t as thrilled about Jolie’s version will be glad to know this story doesn’t force the reader to sympathize with Maleficent, but on the other hand, it doesn’t tell us much about her either. Hopefully future issues will have a bit more character development and present more connections to the original movie. Fans of Disney villains, and in particular, Maleficent, will still enjoy it though.