Marvel Divas #1 – Review

By Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Writer), Tonci Zonjic (Art), and Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic & June Chung (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: It will be interesting to see how Marvel’s Divas stack up against Gotham’s Sirens…

The Story: Patsy Walker (Hellcat), Monica Rambeau (Captain Marvel/leader of Nextwave), Felicia Hardy (Black Cat), and Angelica Jones (Firestar) are superhero “gal-pals” trying to navigate the social scene of the Marvel Universe. In Marvel Divas #1, we learn how they became friends, see three of them attend a party for Patsy Walker’s latest book, and talk about, well, girl stuff (guys, the social scene, sex, relationships, etc.).

About That Cover: Ignore the rather obnoxious J. Scott Campbell cover… Actually, scratch that…Take a good look at the J. Scott Campbell cover because it’s really the only thing about Marvel Divas #1 that deserves to fall into the “Not So Good” category. That’s not to say that the cover looks bad (cheesecake certainly has its place), but it couldn’t possibly be a worse fit for a book that succeeds almost entirely because it avoids all the baggage that comes with a cover that says “Marvel Divas” and features four ladies in skintight outfits posing in a way that accentuates their… uh… assets. Now, with that out of the way…

What’s Good And What’s Not So Good: As far as story and tone is concerned, Marvel Divas truly is Sex and the City meets the Marvel Universe. Is it really my type of thing? Absolutely not. But that doesn’t mean that the mini-series should be dismissed in any way. And that’s because, on a creative level, Marvel Divas is as strong as some of the best books on the stands.

Writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa does an excellent job of giving Marvel Divas a distinct flavor for a Marvel comic. In other words, there’s very little superhero stuff and a whole lot of girl talk, girl power, and clever banter. The four main characters are written in a way that makes it easy for readers to quickly understand the important personalities (though one or two come across as a bit stereotypical) and where they fit in the Marvel universe. Aguirre-Sacasa also does a nice job of humorously breaking the fourth wall at appropriate times (“Company wide crossover”) to keep the interest of those that are picking the book up out of curiosity.

My only real complaint about the writing in Marvel Divas is actually not really a complaint and more of an observation: Aguirre-Sacasa clearly isn’t aiming for that “all inclusive” feel (though the writer certainly doesn’t have to) . What I mean is that it will quickly become clear whether Marvel Divas is for you or not. I am clearly not a part of the intended audience, yet I can certainly appreciate the mini-series for what it is.

The artwork by Tonci Zonjic for Marvel Divas is perfectly suited to the tone that Aguirre-Sacasa amazingly establishes. Stylish, expressive, and subtle, Zonjic’s work effortlessly brings out the personality and high points of the script. The only negative thing about Zonjic’s style is that character faces all tend to look similar. Skin tones and hairstyles keep faces distinct, but some more facial detail would definitely be welcome.

Conclusion: Even though Marvel Divas isn’t a series for your average fanboys, it’s definitely one unique and creative piece.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

W.C.B.R. Top Picks!

Ray’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Detective Comics #854 – I hated the Batwoman character since 52, but now I’m find myself falling for her.

Most Anticipated for this Week: Justice League: Cry For Justice #1 – Ever since I saw the preview for this in last month’s issue of Batman and Robin, I simply couldn’t wait. It’s the story and the situation we all need to see.  The Justice League post the deaths of Batman and Martian manhunter…

Other Top Picks: Green Lantern Corps #38, Batman and Robin #2, Captain America Reborn #1, Marvel Divas #1, Uncanny X-Men #513, Anna Mercury #5, Ignition City #1, Irredeemable #4

Kyle’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week:  Sinister Spider-Man #1 – It may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed the hell out of what Brian Reed and Chris Bachalo put together.   Dark, twisted, and downright cool, Sinister Spider-Man is a Dark Reign tie-in definitely worth picking up.

Most Anticipated for this Week: Batman & Robin #2 – I rarely read DC, but the first issue of Batman and Robin left wanting more, a lot more.

Other Top Picks for this Week: Witchblade #128, Exiles #4, Agents of Atlas #7, Uncanny X-Men #513, Destroyer #4, Deadpool: Merc with a Mouth #1, Invincible Iron Man #15, and Chew #2

Rob’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Amazing Spider-Man #598- Hate to disagree with my friend and c0-editor here at WCBR Kyle, but I thought this week’s installment of American Son was an easy A. But then again, I’m in the tank for Kelly as much as he is for Obama.

Most Anticipated for this Week: Captain America Reborn #1- Can’t wait to see how this plays out. It is rare that I am excited on the outset  for a creative team, but Hitch and Brubaker is a pairing that I am psyched for.

Other Top Picks for this Week: Astounding Wolf-man #17; Batman and Robin #2; 
Battlestar Galactica Final Five #4 (of 4); Captain America Reborn #1 (of 5);
Destroyer #4 (of 5); Fantastic Four #568; Green Lantern Corps #38;  Uncanny x-men #513
; War of Kings #5; Irredeemable #4

Alex’s Top Picks

Best Of The PastWeek: Detective Comics #854 – Was there really any question?  Despite a game showing from Northlanders, Detective killed the competition for me.  The best art you can find in a DC book right now combine with crisp writing and a cowled character like no other in what is now my favourite Bat-book.  Oh, and the backup is pretty nifty too.  This was the first time in a long time that I paid the $4 without feeling gyped.

Most Anticipated: Greek Street #1 – WCBR readers probably know by now that I loves me some Vertigo.  A nasty as hell, gritty crime drama blends with a Gaiman-esque take on mythology that’s sure to yield an innovative and gripping tale.  Sign me up.  The fact that the book is in the capable hands of Peter Milligan (Hellblazer, Human Target) with art from Davide Gianfelice (Northlanders) sure doesn’t hurt.  I’m a sucker for insane, seemingly impossible genre/period mash-ups, so to say I’m looking forward to this is an understatement.

Other Top Picks for this Week: Astounding Wolf-Man #17, Captain America: Reborn #1, Uncanny X-Men #513, The Sword #18, Batman and Robin #2, Agents of Atlas #7, Green Lantern Corps #38, Destroyer #4

DS’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Wonder Woman #33 – Gail Simone tied up the Rise of the Olympians arc with a couple of surprises in the end.

Most Anticipated for this Week: Strange Adventures #5 – I’m going to go for an odd pick this time, with Strange Adventures, because I really love Starlin and his cosmic stories.

Other Top Picks: Batman and Robin #2, Justice League: Cry for Justice #1, The Mighty #6