Brian Wood capped the end of 2011 with the end of his classic run on DMZ, this year, he’s released The Massive and taken over Conan the Barbarian and those two alone would make it a banner year for the talented writer. It’s fitting he capped off 2012 with the release of Mara #1 his indie comic released by Image, one of the few releases in the final week of 2012.

Acclaimed creator BRIAN WOOD (The Massive, DMZ, Demo, Northlanders) and brilliant newcomer MING DOYLE (The Loneliest Astronaut, Fantastic Four, Girl Comics) bring you MARA, the story of an especially gifted woman in a sports-and war-obsessed future. Young Mara Prince is at the top of the world, a global celebrity in a culture that prizes physical achievement above all else. After she manifests supernatural abilities on live TV, she becomes famous all over again but for the worst reasons. Integrating themes of superpowers, celebrity worship, corporate power, feminism, and political brinksmanship, MARA takes a classic genre to new places.

The first issue had me hooked, first with a strong female lead, but a world like a hyperbolic version of ours. It’s the worst of everything that exists today. The cult of celebrity, the control of corporations, the 24/7 always connected news cycle, and the pacification of the masses. Wood looks to deftly comment on all of these, much like he’s commented on social and political issues in his past works.

There’s also a mystery that’s teased throughout this first issue. You can tell there’s something special about Mara, not just her looks or her ability at sports, there’s small moments where you’re not quite sure what’s up. That’s flipped at the end where Wood integrates that superpowers part.

The art by Ming Doyle and Jordie Bellaire is fantastic showing off a future world that’s sleek and interesting to watch and makes you believe Mara is everyone’s dream. There’s such an interesting style choice to match the story. The limited color pallet adds to it all. It’s a great pairing which seems to follow Wood in everything he writes.

Mara was one of the few comics released this last week of the year and it might of been one of the last comics released, but it’s also a fantastic read and a standout for the stellar year that was 2012.

Story: Brian Wood Art: Ming Doyle and Jordie Bellaire

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review