Since I usually order my comics via a mail order subscription from G-Mart, I don’t always get a chance to browse the new titles week by week. But I treated myself to a drive to my closest local comic shop last week where I was pleasantly surprised to discover a new Wynonna Earp comic.
Wynonna Earp is, like her famous ancestor, a federal marshal. Her specialty is the supernatural and her adventures read somewhat like the Wild West X-Files. I first heard about the series, the brainchild of long-time comic writer Beau Smith, about a decade ago and was thrilled to find a new story.
A little research revealed that The Yeti Wars #1 is actually the first part of an original graphic novel, Wynonna Earp: The Yeti Wars. It’s rare to have a graphic novel come out before the individual comic issues but for those looking for a peek at the story or the character for a lower price, this first issue works nicely.
Summary:
A Wynonna Earp comic is all about the action and the snappy dialogue. In the opening issue, Wynonna and her special task force take down a laboratory that seems to be splicing human DNA with animal DNA and creating monsters. The issue ends on a cliffhanger as the clues lead to the mythical Yetis. (Hence the title of the graphic novel.)
What Adults Will Like About It:
The concept is fun and Wynonna makes for a great lead character in that she’s completely unfazed at this point by all the supernatural events swirling around her missions. She has a job to do and she does it. As noted, this is a fast-moving story that relies heavily on the visual storytelling. I really liked the art by Enrique Villigran as it has a great flow and some wonderful facial expressions, particularly in an opening prologue as an unfortunate soul encounters a Yeti.
I also appreciated that while past stories sometimes featured Wynonna in various states of undress, this book had none of that. (Which, I know, may be a disappointment to some of you. However, having read some earlier tales and having now checked on the artists’ other work, I think we’ll eventually end up seeing Wynonna in less than the winter coat she wears this issue.)
What Kids Will Liked About It:
My kids are always fond of action mixed with humor and the dialogue between Wynonna and her team offers that plus some physical comedy. For example, the page where one of the monsters falls on top of Earp.
For girls who read comics, Wynonna Earp is certainly a great action hero to add into their reading mix.
Favorite Panel:
The two-page spread at the beginning of the action that shows the federal marshals breaking into the evil laboratory from the ceiling.
About the Creators:
Beau Smith was first published by Eclipse Comics in 1985 and he’s probably most known to readers for his stories about the Green Lantern Guy Gardner for DC Comics. His always entertaining Busted Knuckles column is available on Comics Bulletin.
Enrique Villigran has a blog featuring his art and an older site has some nice art references as well. He has other graphic art publications but I don’t want to directly link them here as they’re NSFW. But if you google “Teach Me Too,” plus his name, those books are easily found.
