Boom! Box 2016
Written by Hope Larson
Illustrated by Brittney Williams
Coloured by Sarah Stern
Lettered by Jim Campbell
During their continuing investigation of the sudden appearance of a lady astronaut on the beach, Goldie and Walter discover some interesting things about Cheryl.
I think this is one of those great series because Goldie is a modern day representation of that strong willed, determined and intelligent young woman who kids can look up to. Without relying on some gimmick or another she’s not afraid to follow her gut instincts or to ask for help when she needs it she’s the all around American girl.
This issue opens up with Goldie going to see Walter because she needs help understanding how last issue ended with Cheryl driving a car with the girl Astronaut in it. I like that Walter is taking a more direct hand in this one and that Goldie does need his help. It’s just a nice thing to see that she not only has someone to turn to but that she needs someone to turn to. Walter of course being the adult has a few ideas that Goldie in her amazement, she isn’t thinking too clearly, overlooked. It’s nice that her reaction to what’s going on has clouded her thinking and that she’s amazed that a friend like Cheryl would have things going on in her life she didn’t know about.
With all the new knowledge she and Walter have learned well it’s time for Goldie to go undercover, with the help of Diane of course. It’s still nice to see how Goldie still can manipulate Walter into her way of thinking. I mean it doesn’t hurt that he wants to impress his FBI friend in the process but still she can be persuasive when she wants to be. Though I have to admit her outside the box thinking is very fun to not only witness but see the situations she finds herself in because of it. Though really I’d like to see her admit this crush on Diane. If it’s just older girl envy or something else just for clarification i’d like to know.
Brittney’s interiors have gotten stronger with each issue. I think she adds more and more each issue to flesh out the backgrounds, more detail in the work and the expressions are stronger as well. The flow through the page layouts with the use of angles and perspective are great to see here. With Sarah’s colouring the all-ages feel of this feels a little elevated and it just makes it more fun.
Goldie may not have thought about what she’s found the way Walter has but together they really do make a great team. Even if she’s the driving force here and he’d prefer it if she’d act like a normal girl. Then again I think there’s a part of him that loves her adventurous spirit that pushes him to be better than he thought he could be.
This has to be one of the years biggest and best surprise offerings and it truly does have something for everyone. Lovers of everyone from Nancy Drew to Veronica Mars is going to enjoy this series.