Marvel Divas #1 Reviews

Marvel Divas #1

by James Hunt
July 1, 2009
4

Story by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Art by Tonci Zonjic Colors by Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic, June Chung

They say that there’s no such thing as bad publicity. But if that’s the case, I’m not really sure how to describe the kind of publicity “Marvel Divas” received when it was announced. “Bad” would certainly be a good start.

A large part of the negative reaction was based on the cover, which, having read the issue, is exposed as an almost laughably inappropriate piece of cheesecake from J. Scott Campbell. Even now, it’s hard to see the logic in putting such an openly exploitative cover on a book that’s otherwise trying hard to actively avoid the industry’s more sexist inclinations.

The premise of the book is a solid one: A bunch of B- and C-list heroines hanging out together, focussing on their downtime between assignments and dealing with their social lives instead of supervillains. “Sex and the City” is an oft-cited (and valid) reference-point. Unusually for a superhero book, the characters spend most of their time out of costume, and there’s no primary antagonist -- though by the end of the book, each character has her own personal nemesis, some more tangible than others.

Thankfully, Aguirre-Sacasa is a talented enough writer to take a cast of female leads and approach them as characters first, and women second. Hellcat retains the bubbly, flighty personality of her recent limited series, the Black Cat is showcased at her impulsive, headstrong best, while Photon retains her post-“Nextwave” edge. If any character is done a disservice, it’s Firestar, whose growth into an independent and confident young woman in Busiek’s “Avengers” run is undone in favor of making her the token wallflower.

There are some moments that feel a little like they’re overcompensating in an attempt to make the book inclusive for female readers, but in general the balance is well-struck. There’s a light-hearted yet introspective air to the story, although the tonal shift for the twist ending is perhaps a bit more than the writing can handle.

Tonci Zonjic’s artwork is great, managing to handle the extremes of tone far better than the plotting does. Zonjic manages to make both the brief superhero action and the conversational, off-duty scenes look like part of the same world, and given that the characters spend most of their time out of costume, it’s Zonjic’s particular attention to style and poise that keeps the characters both visually interesting and identifiable throughout.

For a book that had a lot of negative buzz attached to it, "Marvel Divas" has turned out far better than it could have. It might have a horrible cover. It might have a horrible title. But it’s a credit to the book’s creative team that beneath the layers of mis-marketing, there actually is a decent comic in there somewhere. Whether it can find its audience, or indeed, whether its audience can find it, well, that remains to be seen. But let’s hope so.

MARVEL DIVAS #1

by: Katie “Dynamic Lass” Nichols Dynamicforces.com
July 2009

Writer: Robert Aquirre-Sacasa Artist: Tonci Zonjic

First Gotham City Sirens!!! And now… Marvel Divas!!! Needless to say, it’s a super-rad time to be happy little fan girl.

I knew I would absolutely love Marvel Divas (c’mon, it’s me. I spend. I shop. I dine. I don’t chase ‘em, I replace ‘em), but little did I know how much I would really love this book. Every page of this comic is pure girl power awesomeness. (I was even tempted to break out my Spice Girls CD’s as I read it… okay, maybe I downloaded a few songs from iTunes.) Marvel Divas is an obvious parody (but not a predictable parallel) of Sex and the City, or even the L Word, (and I so-o-o-o heart both those shows) and everything great about them is offered in the pages of this book but with the addition of super powers (and a skrull invasion cameo.) Really, can it get any better?

So, what is it about this book that makes it strong enough for a Mighty Avenger but made for a Marvel Diva? It’s all about the characters…

With the exception of muscle cars, frisbee dogs, surfer dudes and free tequila, few things make me tingle (and occasionally drool) more than Saturday morning cartoons. And few Saturday morning cartoon gals are cooler (or hotter, I guess) than Angelica Jones a.k.a Firstar. So Marvel Divas wins big points right away for including one of my favorite characters and childhood icons (and giving her a way cool tattoo (see the variant cover) that I am so-o-o-o-o getting for myself.) She’s not in the story as much as the others, but when she does appear, things get itchy (with a plotline that I believe started way back during her stint as an Avengers.) Regardless, she’s still total cutie and a trooper and I love her all the more.

The Black Cat… Is there a fan girl alive that doesn’t heart the Black Cat? Maybe, but after reading Marvel Divas that number will surely decline. I have a great distaste for villains that change their ways; but I also have a great appreciation for writers who are able to design a plot that doesn’t jeopardize the core nature of our favorite baddies. Brian K. Vaughn did this flawlessly in one of my favorite series of all time, Mystique. Brian Michael Bendis is currently doing something similar with Dark Avengers. And Brian Reed keeps readers on their toes by writing the new Ms. Marvel as a charismatic psychopath. (I’m sensing a pattern here; Brian = bad girls.) Felecia Hardy has never been the killer the Mystique or Moonstone are, but her thieving ways and lust for the good life guide her as well now as they ever have and continue her in the running as one of the greatest of all anti-heroes of all time. The Black Cat really came to my favor in Heroes for Hire; and here in Marvel Divas we’re given an even better look at what Felicia Hardy is really like: independent, smart and in need of a vodka tonic (my kind of gal.)

Photon and Hell Cat (great name, by the way)! I’m afraid to say I don’t know much about either of these characters except that one was an Avenger and the other a Defender, but after this first issue I am so going to make the next session of Comics & Cocktails all about these divas (I’ve been warned that I may be disappointed.) Photon… wow, is this my life story? She’s a love ‘em and leave ‘em type (and loves the lovin’ more than the leavin’), and I can respect everything about that. She’s funny, sexy and can fly… I want her powers, and I want them now. And Patsy Walker… now this gal has secrets to tell and there’s not one bit of me that isn’t hoping to hear them all. “Sexiled to Alaska” after her affair with Tony Stark went sour?!?! Not only that, but apparently she shacks up with Daimon Hellstrom, the Son of Satan (that’s got to be hot… pun intended.) And on top of all that, these gals know how to play the “would ya” game!!!

This book is awesome! I want every girl I know to read it again and again. Don't wait for the trade on this one. Guys, stay away, this one is ours. Now, I’m going to mix me a vodka tonic ala the Black Cat and re-read Marvel Divas agin and again and again… and then I’m going to get a Firestar tattoo! Yay me!

MARVEL DIVAS #1

Reviewed by: Brian Hofacker Dynamicforces.com
July 2009

Writer: Robert Aquirre-Sacasa Artist: Tonci Zonjic Cover: J. Scott Campbell

Marvel Divas presents an incredibly entertaining look into the fast-lane lifestyles of four super-powered and single gal pals who have forged a strong, out-of-costume friendship and provide support for one another in their quirky quests to manage a semblance of balance and understanding of their romantic and professional lives, all while taking advantage of the more chic benefits of their super-powered exploits in order to gain an increase in hero social status, as well as have some drinks .

The lighthearted tone of this debut issue is a breath of fresh air in the wake of the overwhelming terror and espionage of the “Dark Reign” storylines and adds a much appreciated panache into the ideology of super heroes. With Marvel Divas, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is doing for Hell Cat, Firestar, Photon and the Black Cat what Robert Downey Jr. did for Iron Man; he is breaking down the barriers of transmedia resistance by adding recognizable fashion and modern sensibility to the lives of super heroes in order to develop characters and situations that are appealing to even the non-comic reading crowd.

The ultimate success of this book is found in its offering of an aesthetically charismatic and carefree plot which quickly lures the reader into an entertaining comfort zone with little request for commitment only to then quietly begin persuading them to invest a good piece of their heart to the characters and situations. Marvel Divas doesn’t promise the senses-shattering, pulse-pounding consequences that sell most comic books; however, the initial impression stirred by Marvel Divas is quite unique in the fact that by the time the reader is halfway through the story, he or she has come to know the quartet of characters quite intimately and emotional attachment is unavoidable. Unfortunately, the sense throughout Marvel Divas is so charming that before the story is through, the readers is quite aware that something must now go terribly wrong.

Marvel Divas #1

by Michael Hickerson Sliceofscifi.com
April 17, 2009

Black Cat, Hell Cat, Firestar, and Photon will all join forces for a limited run series from Marvel called “Marvel Divas.” Think Marvel super-heroines meets “Sex in the City.”

Writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa says, “The idea behind the series was to have some sudsy fun and lift the curtain a bit and take a peep at some of our most fabulous super heroines. In the series, they’re an unlikely foursome of friends—Black Cat, Hell Cat, Firestar, and Photon—with TWO things in common: They’re all leading double-lives and they’re all having romantic trouble.”

Aguirre-Sacasa is working on the series with Tonci Zonjic. The limited run series will hit comic stores in July.

“The pitch started as “Sex and the City” in the Marvel Universe, and there’s definitely that “naughty” element to it, but I also think the series is doing to a deeper place, asking question about what it means…truly means…to be a woman in an industry dominated by testosterone and guns. (And I mean both the super hero industry and the comic book industry.) But mostly it’s just a lot of hot fun,” said Marvel editor Joe Quesada.

The series could be seen as a test for women-centric storylines in future comics. The comic book industry has been notorious for ignoring the criticisms of its female readership. This new series could be used as a springboard for more female-centered storylines in the future or as evidence that they won’t sell should the series not meet expectations.

Marvel Divas #1

By Kyle Posluszny Weeklycomicbookreview.com
July 3, 2009
B+

By Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Writer), Tonci Zonjic (Art), and Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic & June Chung (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: It will be interesting to see how Marvel’s Divas stack up against Gotham’s Sirens…

The Story: Patsy Walker (Hellcat), Monica Rambeau (Captain Marvel/leader of Nextwave), Felicia Hardy (Black Cat), and Angelica Jones (Firestar) are superhero “gal-pals” trying to navigate the social scene of the Marvel Universe. In Marvel Divas #1, we learn how they became friends, see three of them attend a party for Patsy Walker’s latest book, and talk about, well, girl stuff (guys, the social scene, sex, relationships, etc.).

About That Cover: Ignore the rather obnoxious J. Scott Campbell cover… Actually, scratch that…Take a good look at the J. Scott Campbell cover because it’s really the only thing about Marvel Divas #1 that deserves to fall into the “Not So Good” category. That’s not to say that the cover looks bad (cheesecake certainly has its place), but it couldn’t possibly be a worse fit for a book that succeeds almost entirely because it avoids all the baggage that comes with a cover that says “Marvel Divas” and features four ladies in skintight outfits posing in a way that accentuates their… uh… assets. Now, with that out of the way…

What’s Good And What’s Not So Good: As far as story and tone is concerned, Marvel Divas truly is Sex and the City meets the Marvel Universe. Is it really my type of thing? Absolutely not. But that doesn’t mean that the mini-series should be dismissed in any way. And that’s because, on a creative level, Marvel Divas is as strong as some of the best books on the stands.

Writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa does an excellent job of giving Marvel Divas a distinct flavor for a Marvel comic. In other words, there’s very little superhero stuff and a whole lot of girl talk, girl power, and clever banter. The four main characters are written in a way that makes it easy for readers to quickly understand the important personalities (though one or two come across as a bit stereotypical) and where they fit in the Marvel universe. Aguirre-Sacasa also does a nice job of humorously breaking the fourth wall at appropriate times (”Company wide crossover”) to keep the interest of those that are picking the book up out of curiosity.

My only real complaint about the writing in Marvel Divas is actually not really a complaint and more of an observation: Aguirre-Sacasa clearly isn’t aiming for that “all inclusive” feel (though the writer certainly doesn’t have to) . What I mean is that it will quickly become clear whether Marvel Divas is for you or not. I am clearly not a part of the intended audience, yet I can certainly appreciate the mini-series for what it is.

The artwork by Tonci Zonjic for Marvel Divas is perfectly suited to the tone that Aguirre-Sacasa amazingly establishes. Stylish, expressive, and subtle, Zonjic’s work effortlessly brings out the personality and high points of the script. The only negative thing about Zonjic’s style is that character faces all tend to look similar. Skin tones and hairstyles keep faces distinct, but some more facial detail would definitely be welcome.

Conclusion: Even though Marvel Divas isn’t a series for your average fanboys, it’s definitely one unique and creative piece.

Marvel Divas #1 (of 4)

by Matthew Peterson Majorspoilers.com
July 5, 2009
4.5

“I Always Had A Huge Crush On Miranda…”

In recent years, Marvel Comics has become known (to me, at least) for grabbing handfuls of characters and slapping them together to see what sticks, sort of like a superhero Chinese Buffet. The obvious raison d’être for this miniseries is to reproduce the dynamics of ‘Sex And The City’ using superhuman women, the kind of built-in story hook (”It’s a superhero support group, and GET THIS! The Power Pack chick is half nekkid in it!” “Oh, wait, how about a superhero who works for a newspaper and has all sorts of reporter adventures and stuff!”) that Joe Quesada and Marvel editorial love. Of course, long-time Spoilerites who remember the days of “The Loners” may recall that this sort of hook-driven product always leads to a polarizing experience for me.

So, the big question is: Thrash it or Smash it?

Previously, on Marvel Divas: There was a time when the Marvel Universe once lacked for strong female characters, instead giving us various takes on the “housewife heroine” that worked so well with the early Susan Storm-Richards characterization. Luckily, things have changed… A young mutant who wasn’t depowered, Angelica Jones had run-ins with the Massachusetts Academy before eventually joining the New Warriors. Alongside her fiance, Vance Astro, she eventually joined the Avengers as Firestar! A former harbor policeman, Monica Rambeau was transfigured by a strange machine into a creature of pure energy. As first Captain Marvel, then Photon, then Pulsar, then just plain old Monica, she has led the Avengers, NextWave, and has generally been better at everything than you. A former teen model, Patsy Walker grew up in what she thought was a picture perfect home, before finding out that her father was the devil… or maybe not. Nobody is really sure. Now a former Avenger, Defender, and the entirety of the Alaska branch of the Initiative as Hellcat, Patsy Walker is a published author who doesn’t find the phrase “she’s been to hell and back” nearly as funny as some might. A former sneak thief gone (mostly) straight, Felicia Hardy has long been a fixture of the New York superhuman scene, as you’d expect a blonde in skin-tight black leather to be. No longer a Hero for Hire, The Black Cat is setting out to find her own place in the sun (where she will promptly fall asleep and shed all over the good pillow shams.)

Let’s get this out of the way, first. Roberto Aguirre-Sacas has absolutely nailed the ‘Sex And The City’ vibe here. From Patsy’s book opening (a tell-all about Tony Stark sending her to Alaska, implying that he did it because she wouldn’t sleep with him, apparently) to the interactions between the main characters, to the arch and sexual tone, it’s note-perfect. When She-Hulk, the Invisible Woman, Storm and the White Queen arrive at the pre-launch party for her book, Patsy, Felicia and Monica disappear (”How tacky is it to ditch one’s own party?”) and go for drinks together. The three of them (and Firestar) apparently met at a speed-dating event, where they found no boyfriends, but a strong feminine bond. Together, they go to French movies, hang out in art galleries, go to the salon, and other Carrie Bradshaw dream dates while occasionally burning Skrulls or microwaving monsters. The heroic threesome (get your mind out of the gutter, Schleicher) get some nice drinks, and discuss their latest romantic problems…

In a nice bit of continuity, Monica tells the tale of her trip to New Orleans (as seen in Black Panther a couple of years ago) and her failed relationship with new sorcerer supreme Brother Voodoo. When Voodoo suggests that she spend the night, though, Monica is out of there at the speed of light. Felicia, for her part, has apparently been dated Thomas “Puma” Fireheart, who seems to think that he needs to take care of everything for her, something Felicia won’t stand for. When he offers to pay the rent on her new business venture (a detective firm) she blows her top and refuses, even though she doesn’t have the cash herself. (She’s the Black Cat. She’ll “FIND” the money somewhere.) Patsy also has a romantic entanglement to mention, the return of her own “Mr. Big,” in the form of the Son of Satan. Before she can share the gory details, though, Angelica arrives in tears, and breaks a little bad news of her own. “I have cancer.”

Huh… Didn’t Angelica have a run-in with cancer back in the Avengers? I can’t remember for sure, but I thought maybe we’d been here before. Doesn’t matter though, because the last panel of the issue is a stunning shot, with Monica and Felicia stunned, and Angelica’s expression so heartbreaking you want to give her a hug. The characterization is razor-sharp here, as the ladies discuss their team histories (pointing out that each of them, save Firestar, has recently been in a “mashup” super-team in recent years: Patsy in the Initiative, Felicia the Heroes for Hire, Monica in NextWave) and remaining as witty as the influential source material. (”It’s like we’re in high school and I’m the only one with a driver’s license,” remarks the former Captain Marvel as she flies her gal pals away from the launch party.) The J Scott Campbell cover is very pretty, but the interiors… Oh my GAWD, the interiors. Tonci Zonjic is a name I’ve never heard before, but I’m going to be watching for it in the future, because these are some wonderful pictures. Zonjic’s art is wonderful, with cinematic framing and blocking and some of the most expressive faces ever. It’s a deceptively simple style but one that works phenomenally well, especially with it’s very European stylization. Bottom line here: While I hate, hate, HATE the title of this book and it’s “Aren’t girls cute when the play dress up?” implications, I really liked this. Marvel Divas #1 scores a completely out of left field 4.5 out of 5 stars overall, with only a slight deduction for the awful name. If you’re willing to read it for what it is, and don’t expect Frank Miller grittiness or badassery in a Chaykin vein, this is a book that delivers on all levels…

…except for the damn name.

Marvel Divas #1

Posted: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
By: Matthew J. Brady
3.5

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Tonci Zonjic Marvel Comics

"Bad News on a Good Day"

This comic has been somewhat controversial ever since it was announced, eliciting annoyed reactions from online commentators, mostly due to the disconnect between Joe Quesada calling the series "Sex in the City in the Marvel Universe" and the only art being the ugly cover image of the title characters wearing skin-tight costumes and posing sexily. If Marvel was going to entice the female reader with a character- and relationship-based comic, they didn't get off to a good start. But does the actual comic lay those fears of sexism to rest?

Writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa certainly took the Sex in the City comparison to heart, putting together a series in which his superheroine characters spend all their time chatting about men and relationships while doing stereotypical "girl stuff" like getting facials and sipping cocktails. Our four leads are Patsy "Hellcat" Walker, Felicia "Black Cat" Hardy, Monica "Captain Marvel" Rambeau, and Angelica "Firestar" Jones, and this issue mostly lets us get (re)acquainted with them and lets us know how they met, while setting up some relationship and professional plots that should play out over the course of the miniseries. Monica is having trouble committing after hooking up with Brother Voodoo, and Felicia wants to succeed with her private detective agency without her boyfriend having to support her. Patsy has a new book out, and Angelica has received some bad news. It should all play out like an episode of a TV show, with everybody learning lessons while trading quippy dialogue and supporting each other in their times of need.

On the art front, Croatian artist Tonci Zonjic brings the story to life in a laid-back style that emphasizes down-to-earth characters existing in real locations; other than a one-panel flashback to "Secret Invasion" and a couple brief uses of superpowers, the Marvel milieu is deemphasized, and Zonjic does a great job of making the women all seem unique and realistic. It's a really pretty comic, and Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic and June Chung bathe it in mostly flat colors rather than painting all over it with computery hues like most Marvel books. For a comic about women talking about relationships, it's about as good-looking as one could hope for.

Of course, this all begs the question of what the purpose of the book really is. Is Marvel trying to capture the elusive female audience here and get them hooked on their rich universe? Perhaps, but it seems odd to almost completely ignore the costumes and powers; if you like this, Marvel doesn't really have anywhere for you to go next. Still, it's a mostly enjoyable read, even if it does wear its inspiration on its sleeve. Aguirre-Sacasa seems to be relating a nice little slice-of-superheroine-life drama; it should be pleasant enough while it lasts.