Overground Comics 2016
Written by Jon Hughes
Illustrated by Matthew Weldon
A book that takes on the hot button issue of how the female hero is portrayed in comics. Plus Ultra markets herself with her looks and her body, and sex sells, but is it worth losing the respect of her community? The evolution of a hero begins in issue one!
Seriously I think this should be required reading by pretty much everybody on the planet. There are so many good things about what I read in this single issue that gives me hope for the entire story.From seeing this young woman having to market herself and basically sell herself in order to be taken “seriously” kind of ridiculous and yet completely what needs to be done in today's society. I also have to say I really appreciate what Jon does here and not making this a beat it over your head kind of social commentary but more of a very entertaining story in which there is a lesson to be learned.
If you've been reading my views for any length of time you'll know I'm something of an art snob. Like many people I have a very specific preference for crisp, clean and detailed artwork. Matthew does one hell of a job here and I really found myself enjoying every page. From the first page when we see Plus Ultra doing her photoshoot she's got that hi I'm sexy but blank look in her eyes meaning she's not really a happy person. The range of emotions that he brings us throughout the entire issue is really extremely good and something that I wasn't prepared for. He really manages to go beyond just what you see on the page and give you the deeper meaning to the story behind it through his artwork.
For a first issue debut I have to say we got a good deal of characterization in the story and the artwork here.The introduction of a potential archnemesis style villain was good to see and her personality was just as on display as well. The dialogue and banter throughout the issue are extremely well done meat making this modern current and up-to-date with today's world. There are moments of levity thrown into the mix so you don't get that weighted down feeling. All the while throughout the entire story you still get that kind of feeling that this girl is kind of going through the motions looking for a way to find meaning and purpose in her life and not knowing exactly how to get it.
There's very much a fine throwback style story happening here and that's good to see. There's enough various information given to us here so that it means there's a world right for exploration. Along with some complex characters this is the kind of book that focuses on women in a way we never see you anymore, more than just a hot bod in the costume.
Intelligent, fun and definitely an eye opener I look forward to seeing where this series goes.