After the thrilling events of Infinite Frontier, Nubia becomes queen of Themyscira, but the new title also brings challenges. With the unexpected arrival of new Amazons, our hero is forced to reckon with her past and forge a new path forward for her sisters. Little does she know, a great evil grows beneath the island and it’s up to this former guardian of Doom’s Doorway to unite her tribe before paradise is lost forever! This unforgettable miniseries from writers Vita Ayala and Stephanie Williams, along with all-star artist Alitha Martinez (Future State) brings the fan-favorite character back to the DCU for good. After Nubia, the world of the Amazons will never be the same!
What I thought
Story–Nubia recounts her origins as she sprang from the well of souls on the same day princess Diana/Wonder woman was born. It was also the day that the Well sealed itself. In the present day Nubia has risen to the rank of Queen of the Amazons and the well is finally unsealed. She welcomes her new Amazon sisters and we see the various tests that an Amazon must undergo before the welcoming/naming ceremony. At Dooms Doorway an Amazon stands guard but the door opens and she is caught in the gaze of something. That night Penelope has a vision of the destruction of Themyscria.
Art- Alitha Martinez is on art duties and she, as always does a good job. I especially liked that the Amazons were not just the thin model types of yesterday. Martinez tries to make each woman unique in her own way. Some are thin, some plump, others muscular. This is the way that characters should be drawn because the typical unrealistic bodies have left many with a high level of Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia. Martinez also deserves praise for how she handles black hair. Nubia’s all natural mane evokes a lion while Phillipus’s African locks, especially in close ups has the added details of that fuzz that black hair gets when its time to freshen up your hairstyle. There is also a single page, monochrome highlighting the line work of the artist. I’m a sucker for a monochrome panel, it’s why I love Manga art. Kudos to Alitha Martinez all around!!
Cover– Alitha Martinez gives us the standard cover showcasing Nubia leaping into action, spear ready. The Lion imagery is omnipresent. The lion symbolizes, courage, strength, Majesty, wisdom and family which are characteristics that Vita and Alitha have imbued Nubia with. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!
Black Hero– We have Nubia as queen of the Amazons and her trust advisor Phillipus front and center leading the Amazons into the new millennium. Its a hell of a time to be a DC Comics fan as the diversity directive has been handed down and executed across just about every single superhero line. It’s quite impressive.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read, with good art and a slow but meaningful backstory for the new origins of Nubia. This is also the beginning or prelude to the “Trial of the Amazons” crossover so this is as good a time as any to jump right in. Vita Ayala and Alitha Martinez have struck gold! 3/5 stars
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