Writer: Joëlle Jones
Art: Jordie Bellaire and Joëlle Jones
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: May 18th, 2021
Reviewer: ClaireCHammy
Wonder Girl #1 is written by Joëlle Jones with art by Joëlle Jones and Jordie Bellaire released on 5/18/2021. Yara is finally here, the Wonder Girl we saw in DC’s Future State series has her own stand-alone issue. With many seeing Yara as a highlight of the Future State series, it is no surprise that she would have her own series coming out. Let’s take a dive into the new Wonder Girl series published by DC Comics.
Plot
Seeing how this is issue #1, it is setting up the groundwork for the rest of the series. We open on a vision of the past with the death of who readers can only guess is Yara’s mother. During this scene, we see narration boxes of a pilot giving the typical “the plane is landing, put on your seatbelt” speech. Readers, this was an interesting and unique way to set up a flashback, outside of how the artwork was done during this sequence.
Wonder Girl #1 is the beginning of an origin story, however, we don’t see Yara step into her costume quite yet. Nevertheless, we do get introductions to the key players in the story on the horizon. Readers don’t get too far in-depth into Yara’s backstory in this opening installment, outside of the flashback scene, which looks like it takes place further back in the past. This was pleasing to see, as it leads to more intrigue and mystery to bring readers back for the next issue. Overall, the issue’s plot is engaging and leaves fans wanting to know what’s going to happen next, with the classic “how will they escape” cliffhanger.
Art
The Art in Wonder Girl #1 is amazing. Jordie Bellaire and Joëlle Jones do a remarkable job with the rendering and the style of the issue, especially with the use of vibrant colors and the use of screen tones. The all-around art rendering is flat with light use of screen tones to show depth. There is a little bit of cel-shading, but the screen tones take the wheel.
In the first few pages, the use of the vibrant pop of the golden sky against the dark monochrome figures creates an interesting way to show a flashback, as opposed to the typical black and white or blurry images. The explosions of color carry throughout the issue, with a focus on nature being the most saturated. For example, on the plane, Yara pulls out an intense pink and yellow bag decorated with flowers, against the muted colors of the plane.
Continuing with the extraordinary illustrations in this issue, the art nouveau inspired letting for the introduction to Mt. Olympus, Themyscira, and Bana-Michdall creates an elegant design that is not seen frequently in comics today. The titles are well integrated into the pages to where it’s not an exterior shot introducing the new location. Furthermore, the appearance of the three queens, Hera of Mt Olympus, Nubia of Themyscira, and Queen Faruka of Bana-Michdall, are well done and unique in their own way. They all look attractive and powerful without being in a glorified bikini that wants to call itself armor. Designs like these should be set as the norm moving forward in other comics, as the bikini armor is becoming tiresome.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Wonder Girl #1 is an origin story, but it is stunning to see where this is going to go. The art within the issue really brings the reader in, with the use of screen tones and intense pops of color which keeps our eyes on every page. The design choices made by the creators add to the comprehensively wonderful experience. Without a doubt, the art alone is worth picking this issue up. Wonder Girl #1 is like eating candy, sweet and delicious. The plot sets up an interesting idea of potentially the other Amazons going after Yara. And, what would that mean for the Amazons as a whole moving forward? If you loved Yara in Future State, you will continue to adore her in her own series.