Author Archives: Vanessa Gabriel

About Vanessa Gabriel

Comics. Cosplay. Critical Thought. These are a few of my favorite things.

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Batman Incorporated boasts an entertaining story and Young Avengers is rocking the killer art. Click HERE to check out my reviews of two solid spandex reads for the week of May 29th.

One of the many reasons the art team of Jamie McKelvie and Matthew Wilson ROCK!

One of the many reasons the art team of Jamie McKelvie and Matthew Wilson ROCK!

V. reviews Wonder Woman #20 and Fatale #14

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Wonder Woman has been on my pull list for seven years straight. After reading Wonder Woman #20, I dropped it.

I don’t mention it in my review, but Diana was in only 8 of the 20 pages in this issue and she didn’t even make an appearance until page 5. When she does appear, her thunder is stolen almost as quickly as it appears.

I swear Brian Azzarello is mocking Wonder Woman fans.

I imagine him reading the bad reviews and angry tweets while stroking his beard and laughing maniacally. “You wanna talk shit about  me, eh? Watch what I do to your beloved princess.”

The thing is … Azzarello has done very little with the character apart from having her slapped on the ass. Rucka’s Wonder Woman would have never been slapped on the ass.

My character loyalty has continued the support of this book for about a year too long. I refuse to endure another month of disappointment especially when there are many other female-led comics that are better.

Fatale is one of them. I reviewed that too.

V. reviews The Movement #1

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The Movement #1I was so excited to read Gail Simone’s latest addition to the DC line-up, The Movement. I heard her say that it’s probably the most diversity in a DC comic … like ever. And not just racial diversity; The Movement will tout diverse perspectives, lifestyles, politics and beliefs. Hera knows the heteronormative world of mainstream comics needs some variation in perspective. I certainly have a strong desire for it in comics (and elsewhere).

The Movement #1 was not as strong of a first issue as I had hoped, but then I wonder if my expectations were unrealistically high. Were they high because I think Gail is a wonderful storyteller or because I want this book to beget more books like it thus prematurely placing it on a pedestal?  Or maybe … it just wasn’t a great first issue. Either way, you can read my full review here.

Have you read it? What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my review?

Gold, Guts and Grog: Introducing Rat Queens

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One of the many announcements rolling out of C2E2 this weekend is the new project we teased here a couple of weeks ago by Peter Panzerfaust writer Kurtis Wiebe and artist Roc Upchurch. The title of the series is Rat Queens and it will be published by Image Comics’ Shadowline imprint.

“Rat Queens will follow the exploits of four monster-hunting women whose love of partying is outweighed only by their love of exacting sweet, brutal revenge on their enemies.”

Sounds fun, right?

I have got a five-page preview below that says just that. But first, I had a chance to ask the writer, Kurtis Wiebe, a few questions. Continue reading →

Comics You Should Be Reading: Spring 2013 Edition

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It is that time again!

It is the time when Lindsey, Erika and I do our civic duty and tell you fine folks which comics … YOU SHOULD BE READING.

As per usual, this list is by no means exhaustive. There are many, many beautiful pieces of sequential art out there. Alas, we are mere mortals. We have to sleep some time. That is why we invite YOU, our brilliant readers, to tell us if we missed anything in the comments section.

Without any further ado, we have got some titles from the Big Two, some from Image, Boom and Dark Horse AND we’ve got some from the far reaches of The Internet. Enjoy … and you’re welcome! Continue reading →

Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines on PBS

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I love a good documentary, but none more than Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines. Last year, Erika and I had the distinct pleasure of viewing this film (and reviewing it), and it moved me beyond words. It says so many of the things I want to say here at this blog about women and comics. For this fangirl, it’s an intelligent, poignant and supremely validating look at the female superheroine and her role in shaping the American woman. It is a must see film for ALL comic book fans. Beyond comic fandom, it will enlighten the friends and families of comic lovers of the power of comics in culture.

WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROINES will have its television broadcast premiere in the United States on PBS’s Independent Lens series on Monday, April 15, 2013. Check your local listings to confirm the time and date.