[singlepic id=468 w=320 h=240 float=left]The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury
Writer Brandon Thomas
Artist Lee Ferguson
Letterer Matty Ryan
Colorists Felix Serrano, Jordan Boyd, Craig Cermak, James Brown
[rating:3.5/5]
I know a lot of people who are really going to enjoy Miranda Mercury right off the bat, and you don’t even need to detail the plot: a strong, female lead (African American lead, no less), a fun, poppy art style and a exciting story full of zippy space adventure and snarky, deadpan humor built into the dialogue. This is a book that appeals to the widest possible audience, and if you’re not in that demographic you’re in luck, because the book is just plain ol’ fun, to boot.
Presented in the style of a 60s sci-fi comic, The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury is the story of the titular Miranda Mercury (who does indeed have an awesome name). From a long line of super genius scientist heroes, Miranda is but the latest, and by far the most tragic: she’s got a poison in her veins courtesy of her arch nemesis, and has only one year left to live. Refusing to let this hold her down, Miranda and her sidekick Jack Warning have set out to save as many lives as possible.
Miranda Mercury benefits from not taking itself too seriously. It has a high concept, and it plays with it. The characters are fun to read and spend time with, but never to the point where we feel we’re reading a comedy book. The stories present the heroes with real dangers, and put them in human situations where you look forward to seeing how things are going to play out, especially with Jack, who is obsessed with finding a way to save Miranda. Miranda herself faces most problems with a serious but aloof attitude, never letting on to how concerned she may be.
In short, The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury is a damn well produced book. It’s gone through it’s share of trials; the official website and the book’s afterword mention that it has been in the works for the past five years. It’s a labor of love, and it shows in the well visualized world and the realized characters. Whether you’re a fan of sci-fi pop, or just looking for a book with a strongly realized female lead, this is definitely a book you’ll want to check out when it hits shelves August 17th.
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