Goldie Vance #3
Publisher: BOOM! Box, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Writer: Hope Larson
Artist: Brittney Williams
Cover Artists:
Main Cover: Brittney Williams
Incentive Cover: Dan Parent, M. Victoria Robado
Price: $3.99
In her continuing quest to solve the mystery of the missing necklace, Goldie gets her and her father in trouble with the hotel, is involved in a high-speed car chase, and becomes a fugitive from the cops!
Teen detective Goldie Vance returns in Goldie Vance #2, and she’s up to her knees in mystery. With the disappearance of Mr. Ludwig at the end of issue #1, Goldie embarked on what might be her biggest mystery yet. The energy of the series doesn’t lag in the second issue, thanks to writer Hope Larson’s lighter tone and Brittney Williams’s expressive art.
In the first issue, readers met Goldie, an adventurous sixteen-year-old girl who loves cars and mysteries. She uses her smarts and knowledge of her father’s hotel to assist guests and the hotel detective (whether he likes it or not). Goldie’s passion for helping people is explored even more in #2, when she faces a bigger mystery than initially thought and few clues to go by.
While the crime-solving aspect of the series is both fun and intriguing, what really makes it shine is the inclusion of outside characters. Goldie’s friends and family are a unique group of people who enrich her story rather than functioning solely as background characters. It’s a perfect series for younger readers, as they will likely be able to relate to at least one of the characters. The series also provides a great representation of characters of color as well as separated parents. Goldie Vance #2 introduces Goldie’s mom, as well as the much-discussed Sugar Maple. Despite the influx of information, the story’s pacing is even without overloading the reader.
The art is consistently wonderful, with a bold style that fits the characters’ bold personalities. Goldie is drawn with particular attention to her expressions, and her opinions on a situation are immediately clear by her face. She’s an energetic and relatable character, and Williams’s art ensures that. Sarah Stern’s coloring is also a vital aspect of the art, with bright palettes that add to the energy of the series. They perfectly convey the tone and mood of the story. Together, Williams and Stern create an adorable retro aesthetic.
Overall, the second issue is just as solid as the first. With any luck, the series will be extended, because Goldie is a character you’ll want to read about for a long time.
Story: Hope Larson Art: Brittney Williams
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read
BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.
Goldie Vance #2 (of 4)
Imprint: BOOM! Box
Writer: Hope Larson
Artists: Brittney Williams
A Russian candy wrapper and a two-dollar bill send Goldie on a search for a missing guest.
Free Comic Book Day BOOM! Studios 2016 Summer Blast
Writers: David Petersen, Cory Godbey, Box Brown, Jen Wang, Hope Larson, and K.I. Zachopoulos
Artists: David Petersen, Cory Godbey, Box Brown, Christine Norrie, Brittney Williams, and Vincenzo Balzano
In the BOOM! Studios 2016 Summer Blast, read all-new, original short stories of David Petersen’s Mouse Guard and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. Plus, get sneak peeks of the upcoming new Adventure Time: Comics series, the Lumberjanes: Makin’ the Ghost of It special, and this summer’s highly anticipated original graphic novel from Archaia, The Cloud. As a bonus, we’ve included preview pages from Goldie Vance, our newest BOOM! Box debut. There’s something in this Free Comic Book Day issue for everyone!
Goldie Vance, BOOM! Box’s new series from writer Hope Larson (A Wrinkle in Time) and Brittney Williams (Patsy Walker, AKA Hellcat!), is a story every mystery lover will wish they had as a kid. The pilot issue is fun, bright, charming, and perfect for mystery aficionados of all ages.
In the first issue, we meet Goldie Vance, a 16-year-old detective with a nose for trouble and the sleuthing instincts of Miss Marple. Goldie works at her father’s resort in Florida as a valet, and has a wide knowledge of and interest in cars. She’s an endearing main character who combines the best characteristics of Eloise (of Plaza fame) and Nancy Drew. By the end of the issue, readers already know who Goldie is as a character–she’s outgoing and bubbly, but sticks to a distinct set of morals and values. Her sense of justice is one of her guiding characteristics and pushes her to solve mysteries for guests at the hotel.
Goldie Vance #1 sets up the character and background and establishes Goldie’s skill as an amateur detective. Because she has grown up in the hotel, Goldie has a vast knowledge of the ins and outs of the resort and a familiarity with the staff, which helps her achieve sleuthing success. While Goldie Vance #1 also introduces a larger plot, the story doesn’t feel crowded. Despite its 24-page length, it makes room for side characters, developing their personalities quickly without rushing it. The side characters are just as important to the story as Goldie is, keeping her from getting into too much trouble and providing entertaining banter. Each character is distinct, and their importance to Goldie is established immediately.
Williams’s art is perfect for the story, keeping the story interesting, visually. Her bold lines and Sarah Stern’s bright colors make Goldie Vance fun to look at, and Goldie’s expressions are instantly relatable. The comic has a charmingly retro feel to it, and a style that would translate well to animation, especially with Goldie’s enthusiasm and constant motion.
Goldie Vance is slated for a four-issue miniseries, though with such a strong and well-developed main character, it would be nice to see Goldie picked up for an ongoing series.
Story: Hope Larson Art: Brittney Williams
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read
BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.
Goldie Vance #1 (of 4)
Imprint: BOOM! Box
Writer: Hope Larson
Artist: Brittney Williams
In a timeless story, 16-year-old Marigold “Goldie” Vance lives at a Florida resort with her dad, who manages the place. Her mom, who divorced her dad years ago, works as a live mermaid at a club downtown. Goldie has an insatiable curiosity, which explains her dream to one day become the hotel’s in-house detective. When Walter, the current detective, encounters a case he can’t crack, he agrees to mentor Goldie in exchange for her help solving the mystery utilizing her smarts, random skills, and connections with the hotel staff and various folks in town.
The weekend is almost here! We’ll be getting our geek on reading comics, playing games, and watching some Football playoff games. What exciting things are you all getting in to?
While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Around the Tubes
L.A. Times – Hope Larson and Brittney Williams discuss ‘Goldie Vance,’ their upcoming teen detective comic book series – Who else is excited for this?
Around the Tubes Reviews
The Outhousers – Paper Girls #4
Talking Comics – Spider-Man/Deadpool #1
She’s managed to escape her past, her enemies and even the depths of Hell (literally), but nothing will prepare Patsy Walker for the hard knock life of job hunting in New York City! Being Hellcat is hard enough – why does being Patsy Walker have to be so hard too? Not to mention everyone’s going crazy for the reissue of the old romance comics that her mom wrote about Patsy’s actual teenage years. Getting recognized left and right is starting to cause trouble in both her personal and super hero life. But hey, nothing keeps Patsy down. She loves life, no matter what curveballs it throws at her. Get ready Marvel Universe – Patsy Walker’s here.
Written by Kate Leth with art by Brittney Williams, Patsy Walker A.K.A. Hellcat #1 feels like a Marvel superhero comic done Archie style. The writing and the art has a comedic style about it all that feels like it’s aimed primarily at Tween girls. That’s not a bad thing, as a late-thirties male, I still found the comic cute and want to see what happens next.
The comic itself follows Patsy as she attempts to get her life together and Leth peppers the comic with humor and a little action. The story itself just kind of flows and somethings you just need to go with. The comic has a lot in common with Marvel’s Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, and I think that might be my issue with it. For as cute and fun as it is, the comic doesn’t yet have a voice that really makes it stand out on its own. It feels like Squirrel Girl in many ways with different characters and a slightly different style as far as look.
The side cast of characters so far are fun, and are nice and diverse, adding some new characters to the Marvel Universe with potential. The comic within a comic, and the ramifications, are the closest we get to Jessica Jones‘ depiction of the character. And that concept could be fun if done right.
There’s also the question of the comic deviating from Jessica Jones. I’m not really familiar with Patsy Walker, only having dealt with her as a side character, but the comic runs us through her life. This Patsy Walker plays off the comic life, and for those coming over from the televisions show, they may be a bit confused. Ironically a darker, adult oriented comic with a female lead is something that currently is lacking in Marvel’s line-up (so far). Not having the two characters line up a bit more is something I definitely question as a decision, but the comic should be judged by what’s presented.
The art by Williams is cute, but the depiction of Walker varies a lot throughout the comic. In one panel she’s a shorter, stouter version, in others she’s a bit lankier. The switch was very noticeable to me, and in a web comic where the stories are presented in smaller chunks this might work a bit better, but it’s a little distracting. There’s even instances where two panels in a row depict her differently. The style though is fun and matches the tone of the comic.
The comic is hit and miss for me. Overall, I think it’d work better in smaller chunks as a back-up comic, but I also accept that I’m not the audience intended for it. Still, it’s cute in many ways and there’s a lot of potential here to see the comic stand on its own. So far though, this is more slice of life than superhero antics.
Story: Kate Leth Art: Brittney Williams
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Marvel has released a new look inside Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat! #1 – the highly anticipated new series from Kate Leth and Brittney Williams! She’s managed to escape her past, her enemies and even the depths of Hell (literally), but nothing will prepare Patsy Walker for the hard knock life of job hunting in New York City! Being Hellcat is hard enough – why does being Patsy Walker have to be so hard too? Not to mention everyone’s going crazy for the reissue of the old romance comics that her mom wrote about Patsy’s actual teenage years. Getting recognized left and right is starting to cause trouble in both her personal and super hero life. But hey, nothing keeps Patsy down. She loves life, no matter what curveballs it throws at her. Get ready Marvel Universe – Patsy Walker’s here. And she’s ready to be your new favorite super hero. Don’t miss the debut issue!
PATSY WALKER AKA HELLCAT! #1 (OCT150801)
Written by KATE LETH
Art & Cover by BRITTNEY WILLIAMS
Colors by MEGAN WILSON
Variant Covers by SOPHIE CAMPBELL (OCT150802), GEORGE PEREZ (OCT150803) And MARGUERITE SAUVAGE (OCT150805)
Hip-Hop Variant by JAVIER PULIDO (OCT150806)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (OCT150804)
FOC – 11/30/15, On-Sale – 12/23/15
At New York Comic Con 2015, Dark Horse Comics announced that Brittney Williams will be the artist for its line of Legend of Korra comics.
Brittney Williams will join The Legend of Korra writer and cocreator Michael Dante DiMartino for the new series of original graphic novels, which will begin in late 2016, continuing the story of the fan-favorite and award-winning animated series.
