Black Betty #1by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 10 "Black" Betty is a rockabilly monster hunter. She doesn't mind getting her hands dirty -- or bloody -- but she doesn't work for free. In this issue Betty fights a smoke monster using her special ability. Then she takes a case to find a girl in a town where girls go missing often ... but what she's up against is physically tough!I love everything about this! I love Betty. I love the monster-hunting angle. And I especially love the special power that absorbs monsters and turns them into tattoos! What a creative twist! Betty is big and curvy but also fit! This is a body type I can relate to! I love that she fights bare-handed as well as with knives and firearms -- she could probably use just about anything, as she seems quite resourceful. She shares some physical traits as well as general bad-assery with Rosie from Lumberjanes, and I'd recommend this to a slightly older LJ fanbase. The smoke monster fight is a good intro because it shows us her fighting spirit, her jumping in without a plan, and her power. The smoke monster is also a wicked cool design. I must admit, I wish she had a bit more knowledge and could fight it better without having to resort to her absorption power. However, this opening scene also lets us know it's a last resort way of dealing with a monster, and she'd really rather not do it. I appreciate that, and it makes me more curious about it from a personal level (wanting to get to know Betty better). The missing-girl section gives us a taste for the types of places and ways Betty finds work. I like her narration about the timing of when work finds her. She's no-nonsense, and I like that. I also like that the bar full of men too cowardly to help each other don't bat an eye at her volunteering; they take her at face value, and there are no comments about her being a woman. The monster here is dangerous in more ways than what's obvious at first! They really got creative with the design. I love how Betty works in a Rankin-Bass Rudolph reference in her strategy to lure out the monster from the cave. The art and coloring are fantastic! The line art shows us how you put a woman with this kind of figure into action! All without the male gaze or fan service. The coloring handles dark places well with good shading, making it pop to life. Also, kudos on working with that red and white plaid shirt! I can't wait to see more of her tattoos as well, though I'm already amused by the "CLOO" and "LESS" finger tats. The end has some pin-ups, two of which are a bit more adult (but still safe for the YA crowd), and a bio on Betty (origin and powers). This comic is fun and action-packed with a character that's unlike anything else out there. Definitely a comic to check out -- YA and up! Written: February 15, 2018
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