Aspen Comics 2015
Written by Scott Lobdell
Penciled by Jordan Gunderson
Digital Inks by John Ercek & Mark Roslan
Coloured by Valentina Pinto
Once thought insane and committed to a mental facility for her own protection--Gia Sorentino’s life forever changed in an instant. She discovered that the death of her parents left her in control of the Point, a world class--and top secret--facility to explore the fringe science of the world. Gia used her considerable resources and managed to recruit Ara and Ivana, two powerfully talented women to her team. However, one piece of their puzzle remains missing, and she is the most powerful among them...
Enter Aspen Matthews the water elemental if you will and arguably the most powerful woman on the planet. Loved her entrance here too it’s so Turner-esque and yet completely Jordan and company’s own version. Plus this new body wear look she’s sporting is reminiscent of that Blue Aquaman but sleeker and more flattering. Gia’s attempt to recruit Aspen doesn’t go as she’d planned since Aspen really has no desire to be caught up in someone else’s drama and wants her fighting days behind her. Gia however isn’t taking no for an answer.
An unwilling guest of Gia, Ara and Ivana they pitch the story of what’s happening and why they need her help. The dialogue here shows us why we love Scott and what he can do because it’s incredibly informative not only about the story at hand but in revealing all four of their personalities. He’s also able to manipulate the story so that a nuclear submarine showing up during the conversation appears natural and piques Aspen’s curiosity enough that she’ll join for this then she’s gone.
This wouldn’t be the formation of a team however if things went in such ways that there is much more here than meets the eye. Aspen both impressed and frightened by the power Ava possesses lends to some nice dialogue and their entry to the submarine. I love this development the introduction of a bad guy and what he’s capable of doing so far. We don’t see what kind of power he has though he cuts an imposing figure what he did to the crew of the submarine however speaks volumes.
This was enough for Aspen she’s in till the world is saved, again.
Gia may be orchestrating the formation of this team but it still feels natural enough that they should join forces to save the world. It will be interesting to see how they bond and become a formidable team. It’s also incredibly nice to see Michael Turner’s vision thriving still as his character Fathom joins other women to be the shining light the world will need to save it.
Aspen just keeps coming out with these amazing books showing us that beautiful women can be powerful, smart and formidable without having to be sexualized and that is delightful to see.