Princeless #3

By Ted Brown On January 4, 2012 · 1 Comment · In Comic Books

After spending a few days trying to decide what I wanted my first comic review of 2012 to be, I decided it was only fitting to make it the latest issue of my favorite new series of 2011. For those of you late to the party, Princeless from Action Lab Entertainment follows a princess named Adrienne. Her parents have locked her away in a tower, where she is to remain until a prince can rescue her. Tired of waiting for a knight in shining armor, she decides she will save not only herself but her sisters as well, who also find themselves locked away in towers. In issue #2, Adrienne’s only brother, Devin, Prince of Ashland, a very timid young man with zero interest in taking over the kingdom made his first appearance. In addition, there is more back-story given on their father, panting him as an ultra chauvinistic alpha male, leading into Issue #3.

The latest issue begins with Adrienne’s guardian dragon, soaring through the bright blue sky, carrying Adrienne by her ankles. Making her series debut, Bedelia Smith is introduced, the daughter of a blacksmith with a secret. After a very clever look at female’s choices of armor in most fantasy settings, Bedelia Smith prepares a special suit of armor for the princess, in order to help her on her quest. Meanwhile, Bedelia Smith lends Adrienne a temporary outfit that is clearly homage to a very iconic super heroine.

Three issues in, this series is easily the best new series, I have picked up in sometime. The entire Princeless world screams girl power, the perfect way to introduce young female readers to the wonderful world of comic books. Adrienne is a great role model for young girls, and this issue takes it one-step further with its commentary on the portrayal of females in most other fantasy settings. The series does such a great job at instilling the message that females are equals to their male counterparts, and in turn deserve the same amount of respect. I found myself laughing throughout the entire segment revolving around female armor choices in pop culture; the writing is always of the highest quality, complimented by witty humor and social satire. If you have yet to pick up an issue of this beautifully constructed series, I highly advise you do so, as soon as humanly possible. Trust me, when I say, this is going to be an indie series you do not want to miss.

On top of its always-sharp writing, Princeless also features a very eye catching, kid friendly art style. I have been repeatedly impressed throughout these first three issues by great uses of facial expressions and body language to express emotion. Bright, vivid, almost magical colors, really bring the world to life, and are sure to captivate the mind of any young reader, sparking a flame deep inside their expansive imaginations.

For all of these reasons, this series was truly my favorite discovery of last year. Therefore, in closing, I will simply ask you to support a great indie publisher by going out and picking up an issue of this unique and immensely creative series today.