Posted in: Comics | Tagged: archaia, Comics, dark horse comics, entertainment, feathers, Lady Killer, Live from the Comic Shop, marvel, the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl

Live From The Comic Shop – The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Lady Killer, And Feathers

Happy New Year Bleeding Coolers! I'm happy to be back at Conquest Comics in Bayville, NJ for my 10th installment of Live From The Comic Shop! Because there are so many first issues this week, I decided to roll with it, and review three new series. On to the reviews!

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 from Marvel Comics, written by Ryan North, with art by Erica Henderson had me laughing out loud. I assume this is a comic that is not to be taken too seriously, because I was definitely laughing at it, not with it. (I mean that in the most positive way I can possibly mean it.) Obviously, a superhero that has the speed and strength of a squirrel leans more towards absolutely ridiculous, instead of incredibly epic.

However, Ryan North's writing is quite clever and comical. It seems like he knows how quirky this character is and shows that well through the dialogue. The plot isn't bad, it's actually kind of interesting. Squirrel Girl a.k.a. Doreen Green is starting college, and is attempting to fit into normal society without revealing her secret identity. Doreen's sidekick/squirrel friend, Tippy-Toe is adorable and enhances the comedic level in a lot of the scenes throughout the issue. The best part of this comic is the small little touches throughout that nod to the reader. For example, there is a scene where Tippy-Toe is speaking squirrel to Doreen and there is a note at the bottom of the page that reads, "Those of you who can speak Northeastern Squirrelese are freaking out right now, but don't tell anyone! Keep it a surprise for the rest of us who have to read the next page to find out what the deal is, okay?" Hilarious. Bravo, to this creative team! I look forward to see what the future has in store for Squirrel Girl in upcoming issues.

You'll think twice next time an Avon lady knocks on your door, after you read Lady Killer #1 from Dark Horse Comics, written by Joelle Jones and Jamie S. Rich, with art by Joelle Jones. (People don't actually do door-to-door sales anymore, do they?) Wow, what a great first issue! Lady Killer focuses on a normal housewife that has a secret identity as a hit-woman. Best part is, the time period it's written in has that 1950s vibe, and even though she's in the kitchen cooking for her family and tending to her husband, she has an entire secret life beyond that.

This automatically creates a great suspenseful, partially nerve-wracking feel, because as a reader you know what she's up to and are hoping she doesn't get caught. (Much like a Dexter fan would feel, except he didn't get paid for killing people.) The writing is very fluid, sucked me right into the plot and held my attention right until the end. Joelle Jones' art style has a classic but cryptic feel at some points. At the beginning of the issue, when the main character is posing as an Avon lady, there is a panel that sent chills down my spine. The expression on her face was so detailed, but the look in her eyes made me think…"This woman is capable of some pretty crazy stuff." She has a sweet exterior but a vibe that screams something dark. Makes sense, because it takes a certain type of person to be able to murder people. I'm very intrigued by her mysterious boss man that shows up at her door and tells her about her next "job." I got a "we've fooled around before," vibe from him…but maybe that's just me. I truly enjoyed every moment of this issue, and can't wait to read more of this intriguing new series!

I was immediately drawn to Feathers #1 from Archaia, written and illustrated by Jorge Corona, because of the unique art style on the cover. I wasn't expecting to dive into such a creative story when I turned to the first page, but I'm glad I did. Feathers reminds me of a sweet fairytale that has a lot of depth and heart. Main character, Poe is born covered in feathers, and is sheltered for his entire life. I immediately thought of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Just like Quasimodo, Poe wishes to venture out into the world and not worry what other people will think of him and his flaws. Bianca, is the other main character of the story and wishes to venture out of her fancy life to go on adventures. This is a very common theme used in a lot of classic tales: two characters from different worlds come together, both seeking a similar goal. However, Corona does it in such a unique way that it feels fresh. The world building is done well so far, and there is just enough suspense sprinkled throughout the plot to hook you and make you yearn for the next issue. I am curious though, when I saw Poe and all of his glorious feathers, I was immediately reminded of a raven. Edgar Allan…Poe? "Quoth the raven, nevermore…" Anyone agree?

To finish off my Live report, I thought it would be fun to list the Top 3 comics that I've read over the past ten installments of Live From The Comic Shop:

(in no particular order)

1. Edward Scissorhands #1
2. Oddly Normal #3
3. Rasputin #1

Well, it has been a great Wednesday here at Conquest Comics. Who else is looking forward to a fantastic year filled with great comics? I know I am. Thanks for reading Live From The Comic Shop! Be sure to come back next week for more new release reviews! If you're looking for some more awesome things to read on Bleeding Cool, check out Typing on the Dead and Sweet Release by Jared Cornelius!

Conquest Comics is located in Bayville, NJ. You can find out more about their awesome shop @ conquestcomics.com or follow them on Instagram @ConquestComics.

Christine Marie is a Staff Writer at Bleeding Cool, and bibliomaniac with a love for all things creative. She hopes to one day be a Superhero/Disney Princess/Novelist. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @AWritersWay or on her blog writerchristinemarie.wordpress.com.

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