I am not typically a DC Comics reader, but when I heard that Alyssia Wong, writer of Doctor Aphra and Deadpool was going to write a new book over at DC starring an entirely new character well, my interest was piqued. So here we are! Spirit World #1 is by Alyssa Wong, artist Haining, colorist Sebastian Cheng, and letterer Janice Chiang. Spinning out of Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1 the book stars the new nonbinary hero Xanthe Zhou, who has the uncanny ability to turn paper origami into tangible objects with the snap of their fingers!

As mentioned above Spirit World #1 is picking up the story from Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate #1. The issue gives the necessary context but ends up a little disjointed if you haven’t read the preceding issue. Ideally, Number #1’s are supposed to be a jumping-on point. It’s disappointing to see this issue assume you’ve read an entirely different comic that sets up this one. One of my favorite aspects of Wong’s work on Doctor Aphra was how queer the main cast is. So it’s exciting to see this book starring a non-binary hero. The issue features Cassandra Kane aka Batgirl and John Constantine alongside Xanthe. Batgirl is trapped in the Spirit World while Xanthe and Constantine work to rescue her. 

In my eyes, the real draw of the issue comes with the art. Wong and Haining craft the wonderfully vibrant spirit world. It’s simply breathtaking, it feels vibrant and alive. Alive is the best word for the art of Spirit World #1. Every background is so detailed and gives off a lived-in sense. The action sequencing is dynamic and well presented as Batgirl runs around the Spirit World. 

Spirit World #1 is an exciting first issue with amazing art and a somewhat rocky narrative. Luckily the issue ends on an interesting hook which I’m excited to see play out as this series unfolds.

Story:  Alyssa Wong Art: Haining
Color: Sebastian Cheng Letterer: Janice Chiang
Story: 8.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle