New 52 Review – “Voodoo #1”

This WildStorm property is now in the DCU proper.

General Information

Title: Voodoo #1

Author: Ron Marz

Illustrator(s): Sami Basri (art) and Jessica Kholinne (colour)

Cover Date: November 2011

Cover Price: $2.99

Buy the digital edition.

Premise

Voodoo is the most popular exotic dancer at the Voodoo Lounge, but some of her customers realize that she’s not even a little bit like she appears.

High Point

The very effective misdirection. Something happens that I did NOT see coming.

Low Point

DC has been accused of reducing all female characters in the relaunch to sexual objects. This title will not help them argue against those claims.

The Scores

This feels like an original direction for the company. This feels nothing like a superhero book, but it does set up a very enjoyable story in a universe filled with heroes. I give it 5 out of 6.

The artwork feels like a perfect match for this story. Basri draws very attractive (yet still individual and distinct) women, and the thin inks and soft colour palette not only work in that context, but they form a great juxtaposition with the reveal later on. I give it 6 out of 6.

The story starts out in one direction and then takes a sharp turn near the end. There is also a lot of room for speculation about what these character arcs are going to be, given where the hooded woman appears in this issue, depending on what her presence means. I give it 5 out of 6.

The characterization is vague, but deliberately so. We have three main characters this issue, and only one is fully defined. As the title character is clearly intended to be a mystery, that’s not as problematic as it could be. I give it 4 out of 6.

The emotional response was pleasant. This is one title I had no expectations for. Not familiar with Wildstorm, I didn’t even know this character existed prior to know until I ran the title character’s name through Google before writing this review. I was entertained, and much to my surprise, I am actually interested to see where this title is going. I give it 5 out of 6.

The flow is smooth. Again, DC launched a title with a first issue that takes place over the span of an hour or less, and the tight time line and minimal scene changes keep things together and moving smoothly. I give it 6 out of 6.

Overall, this was a pleasant surprise. The final direction isn’t completely clear, but given the sharp left turn this takes in the course of the issue, I think it’ll be an interesting ride. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Voodoo recieves 36 out of 42.

The New 52

Here are handy links for the reviews of all 52 new #1 issues:

Bureau 42