It’s the third issue in and I actually think the series is getting better.  Frenemy of the State #3 which was written by Christina Weir, Nunzio DeFilippis and Rashida Jones and art by Jeff Wamester picks up where the second issue’s cliffhanger left off.  Ariana is surrounded and it’s not looking good.  The issue flashes between the present and her training a nice gimmick that’s pulled off well.  The issue also builds to one hell of an ending.

Celebutante Ariana Von Holmberg is in over her head chasing a lead during her first mission as a secret agent for the CIA. Will her training save her from jihadists out for blood? Will she get caught and sold into white slavery!? Will she score a totally SWEET kafiyah?!

I thought the first two issues were decent, but the third one starts to really pull off the double duty of a celebutante who’s undercover for the CIA.  How does a former bad girl deal with her image and keeping cover?  There’s a lot of potential with that and as seen by this issue’s ending the authors are going to play with that.  And in this particular instance, it’s great.

The series took a bit to get going, but it’s hitting it’s stride.  The issue is a good mix of action and “quieter” moments.  This is the perfect series for a tween girl who wants to get into comics but spandex and big muscles aren’t their thing.  Very entertaining and well worth the read.

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The mashup of Alias and Chuck continues with the second issue of Frenemy of the State #2.  An entertaining “girl power” comic that sees tabloid material Ariana dragged into the world of spying by the C.I.A.  Produced by Oni Press the comic book series is the product of Rashinda Jones, Christina Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis and continues to fun tone of the first issue.

Ariana’s test mission might have not have gone as smoothly as planned but her handlers at the CIA are running out of time to stop a weapons deal that could have grave consequences for several countries. Ready or not, it’s time for this socialite to jump into the world of international espionage while trying to avoid the “Spoiled Rich Girl” section of the tabloids!

The second issue picks up directly where the first left off with a rather improbably save from a falling building.  But the comic as a whole asks us to suspend disbelief in general.  Ariana then has to choose if she’ll continue in the spy business considering her first mission didn’t exactly go as planned.  After a very nice spin on how that decision is made she’s off the the Middle East to prevent the sale of nuclear materials.

The comic isn’t deep and pretty write by numbers, but it’s a fun read.  Its definitely one to pass off to a tween girl who might be interested in comic books and wants a strong female protagonist.  There’s lots of material here to mine, only time will tell what direction the creative team goes.

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Mix Chuck and Alias and you get Frenemy of the State #1.  The new comic book series by Rashinda Jones (the beauty from Parks and Recreation), Christina Weir and Nunzio DeFilippis is fun and entertaining and a pleasant surprise.

Ariana Von Holmberg is an heiress and the latest recruit to the C.I.A.  She knows her way around a computer and her first mission is to retrieve something from her frenemie’s father.

Rashida Jones, Christine Weir, & Nunzio Defilippis’ new series FRENEMY OF THE STATE #1. Featuring the amazing artwork of Jeff Wamester the new series kicks off this Wednesday 5/12/2010. It’s action/comedy at it’s finest when socialite Ariana Von Holmberg becomes the CIA’s new secret weapon!

The series is perfect for young women looking for a tough and smart female lead who can kick some but and give some sass.  This is La Femme Nakita/Point of No Return without the violence and drugs, so much more appropriate for a younger set.

It’s fun and entertaining and perfect for me to give to my nieces to read when they grow up and become teenagers.  But I think boys and girls alike will enjoy it.  If you’re looking for some different entertainment with a female lead, give this series a try.

Check out the break to find out what we think in greater detail.

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