Review: Villainous #1 (of 5)
I recently wrote about the new series Die!namite and its relationship with stories of the same ilk, be it Blackest Night or Marvel Zombies. Ironically, it seems that this week is “obviously influenced by” week as that book and this new book from Mad Cave Studios also has more than a passing resemblance to another series; this the time The Boys, albeit without the over the top violence.
Tilly, or Rep-Tilly to use her new sidekick name, is one of the newest recruits of the Coalition of Heroes, a sort ersatz Justice League and the Seven. During her many “heroic” tasks and duties such as saving the dry-cleaning, delivering the dry-cleaning and dusting and cleaning the office, Tilly inadvertently hears her partner, Showdown brag about killing a British ambassador. By letting the powers that be know, Tilly finds herself ex-communicated to the point where the only people who want her are the villains!
Villainous is the created by Mad Cave 2019 Talent winners writer Stonie Williams and artist Jef Sadzinski. Taking the writing first, Williams delivers a tale that despite its obvious influences, possesses an interesting kind of naiveté to Tilly making the book readable. I guess I am a little disappointed that Williams has to fall on the “heroes don’t do heroic things” trope that seems so popular at the moment. Still , Williams throws in some humorous touches that lightens a potentially dark tale.
Jef Sadzinski’s art, for the most part, is fun and light hearted to match the not so serious tone of the book. Taking a critical look, I have to say, that despite a couple of incongruous perspectives, the sense of fun and Tilly’s enjoyment is plain to see. Maybe the over-sized characters is another way for Sadzinski’s art to show how much Tilly looks up to her heroes. It will be interesting to see how the increased cast hinted at the in the conclusion of this issue will impact the art. Colors are provided by Joana Lafuente who delivers a schemes that has subtle touches of maturity. Justin Birch’s letters are fine, easy to read and is helped by the idea of living in the world without Williams having to explain every little thing.
This books success, its enjoyment will be decided by the readers thoughts on the more than obvious influences. The Boys fans, may be disappointed by the lack of mature storytelling which could hurt this book down the line. It will be interesting to see how this book can break free from the shackles of comparison.
Writing -3.5 Stars
Art – 3.5
Colors – 3.5 Stars
Overall – 3.5 Stars
Written by; Stonie William
Art by; Jef Sadzinski
Colors by; Joane Lafuente
Letters by; Justin Birch
Published by; Mad Cave Studios
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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