Writer/Creator: Sam Johnson
Artist: Sally Stone-Thompson
Letterer: Jaymes Reed
Inlay Page Letterer: Kris Johnson
Actuality Press
Black&White, 16-pages, Print $2.50, Digital $1.00
http://samjohnsoncomics.wix.com/geek-girl
“With great glasses comes great klutziness.”
Geek-Girl is the embodiment of just about every clumsy geek out there, except she’s got an extra special something hidden up her sleeve: a pair of glasses that give her superhuman powers. When Ruby and her friend see a duo of guys at school fussing over the set of altered glasses, she instinctively plays them at a game of strip poker to win them. I mean, who wouldn’t do that? The chance of being exposed naked isn’t of concern when the chance to be a hero is on the line! When she ultimately wins, she is slowly and unknowingly faced with the grim reality of a strength you cannot control properly; death.
Ruby is clumsy, awkward and overall, greatly lacking on the whole ‘keeping your shit together’ front. The poor girl can’t even express joy without sending glasses of drinks flying at her friends. So when the group of friends Ruby joins after gaining her powers have nothing but doubt and spite in their hearts, Ruby is driven to leave and prove to the world that she is, in fact, super.
There is a lot to be said for a writer who can poke fun at women and geek girls in general without being overbearing and rude about it. The perversions and actions of the women throughout this issue all felt very light-hearted and accepting of the fact we are all capable of being a little weird sometimes, no matter our gender. Through this understanding Johnson has managed to write characters that are not only easily relatable which allows for quick ins and outs of specific characters without proper introductions but, also highly enjoyable and unpredictable which help form this introduction of Geek-Girl into a fun, powerfully enjoyable read that won’t disappoint unless you hate hilarity in your heroes. Everything from the dialogue to the lettering is impressive for a new indie title and it is obvious from the start that there are tons of enthralling adventures in store for Ruby and that we will want to be along for the rides entirety.
Sally Stone-Thompson’s black and white imagery for this graphic story is beautifully displayed and provides an ominous feel that would otherwise not be present due to the dialogues silly nature. This added tone allows for a sense for curiosity while reading, wondering when it is that all this fun will come to a screeching halt and blow up in Ruby’s face. The shading isn’t overdone, like much of black and white art tends to be, and despite the darkness it brings, it also blends well with the stories upbeat attitude via strong, over-dramatic facial expressions in characters and bright city landscapes. The panels flow smoothly as do the characters movements and scene changes, while the bold styling of black and white provides a strong first glance impression on any potential readers.
Overall, for a first issue and a new hero based comic Geek-Girl intends to impress. The plot, as introduced thus far, displays a highly original and entertaining story in a world where heroes often are far too predictable and bland. The entire team has clearly put their all into this issue and for that they will reap the rewards via the love I guarantee you all will have by the time you finish the installment.
A solid 4 punches to the head out of 5!
To pick up this comic in print or digital, which I recommend you do because it will cost you pennies for a worthy read, please visit: http://samjohnsoncomics.wix.com/geek-girl
