Writer: Dan Whitehead Art: P.R. Dedelis Publisher: Self-published
This review only covers the a single issue, which sets up the story for the rest of the series. Because of this, we don't have insight into a full story arc, so this review might look a little different than my other reviews of entire volumes of comics.
WHAT IS IT?
A video-game-themed, kid-friendly superhero story. And it's fantastic.
It's got a kind of Big Hero 6 vibe. I'll go into that more below.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
(Minor Spoilers)
Ella's a kid who loves video games, especially those on her old-school Game Boy (except not called that, because copyright laws). We don't see much of her parents, but we know she relies on her very smart, very nerdy older brother for a lot of the parental-type things. When she goes with him to a job interview, something happens that changes her life forever.
Now, she can use any of her games to give her incredible powers. But, one thing comics readers know is what comes with power, and that's a whole lot of trouble. This is the story of Ella -- upgraded!
WHAT WORKS?
Love seeing a girl, who is also a person of color, as the main character
It's such a cool concept that I'm sure a lot of kids would love to read and imagine having those same powers
Whitehead writes expertly, like someone who's been doing it for decades
Dedelis' line art and Bulmer's colors work together to create a style for the book that makes it unique and stand out without feeling too strange for young readers
Whitehead's self-published titles don't often have color, but this one does, which is probably a good call for a comic aimed at young readers
Ella's just so feisty and likable, you can't help but want to read more
The concept of cartridges giving power, parents you don't see much of, and a young kid with a brilliant older sibling may sound a lot like Big Hero 6, but reading it doesn't feel derivative or stale; this is definitely its own story
WHAT DOESN'T WORK?
The word "damn" is in here, if you're worried about your kid reading that
There is no second issue for sale yet, so if you want to read more, you'll have to wait
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
You guys. I'm a grown yeti, and I still loved this comic. Granted, I have yeti kids who I think may like this, but still. There's a very talented team working on this, a super cool concept, and an extremely well-polished first issue here. You should definitely check it out, especially if you have kids who enjoy comics and video games.
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
Hex Loader, #1 by Dan Whitehead & Conor Boyle
Lumberjanes, Vol. 1 by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis & Brooke Allen
The Family Graves by Timothy Bach & Brian Atkins
If you like the art:
5 Seconds by Stephen Kok, Peyton Freeman & P. R. Dedelis
Spider-Gwen, Vol. 0 by Jason Latour & Robbi Rodriguez
Mega Princess, Vol. 1 by Kelly Thompson & Brianne Drouhard
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Dan Whitehead – Writer
Often writes about, and is inspired by, video games
His background is also in writing about games and writing scripts for them
Has also written 2 official Star Wars books
P.R. Dedelis – Artist
Outlander: Hails from Poland
Moniker: Also goes by "Przemyslaw R. Dedelis"
Seems influenced by anime & manga
Abby Bulmer – Colorist
Outlander: Lives in England with her husband, who is also a cartoonist
Has an all-ages webcomic, Imaginary Gumbo
Jim Campbell – Letterer
Outlander: Hails from the United Kingdom
Multitalented: Also enjoys the art side of the creative world
Dream Team: Often does lettering for writer, Dan Whitehead
HOW DO I BUY IT?
Click one of these:
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