I like mini series'. I Especially appreciate getting the chance to read a comic book story that's neatly tied up in the end and that's one of the only reasons I even bothered to read "Vixen: Return of the Lion" from DC Comics.The other reason was because it's written by G. Willow Wilson who's work I'm not very familiar with but I've read a lot about, whether it was because she also penned the widely acclaimed graphic novel "Cairo", several issues of DC's Outsiders and other comics, or because I've heard her name mentioned in regard to her writing about the Middle East for the New York Times.
The character Vixen (Mari Jiwe McCabe), was introduced in the 70's and is a native of the fictional nation of M'Changa, she's the daughter of the Village priest and leaves for America after her parents are killed. Her mother in a poaching accident and her father by his half brother who was in search of the powerful Tantu Totem her dad had, that same item eventually gives McCabe the ability to mimic characteristics of animals (strength of bear, reflexes of a puma, flight of a eagle, etc..), or completely morph into an actual animal. She also has gnarly claws.
The first issue itself is ok. I didn't find it to be too thrilling or too interesting but the artwork by Cafu is great, very bright, warm colors and clean deep lines, which I always like, I also like that Vixen is drawn anatomically correct. Like a woman who is in great shape as apposed to a caricature of a porn star like women are often drawn in a lot of books.
The writing so far is well done too, I've found at times that I'll be reading something by Bendis for example and everyone in the book is witty and sarcastic, even if it's not their personality. In "Return of the Lion" everyone so far has a distinct voice.
The plot, which has Vixen finding out what really happened to her parents which makes her travel back to Africa for revenge seemed a bit cliche but I'm being optimistic that there will be surprises. I'm not holding my breath though.
The pacing is perfect for an introductory story and there's a decent enough cliff hanger that left me interested in the outcome even thought I didn't necessarily feel like I had run out and get the issues I missed.
I'll keep reading it though, it's only 5 issues and I think they're up to number 3 or 4 by now.
Check it out.
Also, check out G. Willow Wilson\'s Official Site
This was a decent read, they're up to number 4 now just so you know.
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