Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: March 31, 2021
Price: $19.99
Writer(s): Alex Segura and Monica Gallagher
Artist: George Kambadais
Format: 136 pgs., Full-Color, 6.6" x 10.2", Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-5067-2446-1
Age Rating: Mature
ICv2 Rating: 3 Stars out of 5
By the end of this volume, the reader has to be asking a simple question: "How is this main character still alive?"
As an investigative reporter, she is really not all that good, based on things shown in the story. As a new costumed adventurer, she has combat skills, but little or no sense. As an alcoholic, her judgment is just a tad impaired, which is one of the reasons why her "secret" identity is pretty much a non-secret to anyone who really wants to know.
There is quite a bit to like in the story, which is almost a Golden Age type of tale, with a slightly-costumed vigilante working against corruption, sort of, but there are mysteries within mysteries, including some about her own associates and her digital benefactor.
There are also a few things to dislike, such as the fact that the character is wildly out of control with drinking, but somehow still a skilled martial artist, sometimes at least. Her reporter job is something that could have been really cool, but she’s not exactly Lois Lane. Maybe it’s the drinking, but she seems a bit too clueless at things which should be her job to know.
This series has room to grow, and if it does, it could turn into something great. As it is, though, it’s only pretty good.
--Nick Smith: Library Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.