When it comes to movies there is probably no more successful production studio currently than Marvel Studios. The visual arm of the comic book brand has connected with audiences in a big way. As a longtime fan of the comic books Marvel produces I am not surprised. The biggest difference between Marvel and their main competitor DC was that the superheroes on the Marvel page felt more relatable, more like real people bestowed with extraordinary powers and the struggle to adapt to them. As a child I could sympathize with Peter Parker as he navigated high school and being Spider-Man simultaneously. It is this which I think is the foundation for Marvel’s success on the page and the silver screen.
When I was growing up, girls didn’t read comics. In 2015 that is not true. Women are the fastest growing segment of the comic book reading audience. It has been very interesting to watch as Marvel has actively reached out to that audience. This effort began in earnest with Ms. Marvel in February of 2014 which chronicles a shapeshifting Muslim teenager in New Jersey. In less than a year it has become one of the best-selling titles for Marvel. Last fall the holder of the mystic hammer Mjolnir which makes one Thor was a woman. In January of this year The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl debuted as she fought off a supervillain while moving into her dorm in college. Just this week the character which I think is the best of all of these debuted in Silk #1.
Silk tells the story of Cindy Moon who was bitten by the same radioactive spider which turned Peter Parker into Spider-Man. She has spent the last ten years isolated in a bunker by a mysterious businessman Ezekiel. Ezekiel kept Silk hidden away to “protect” her because she had no training in her powers. Now that she is back in the world she is awkward not knowing anything about the last ten years. She doesn’t know what Twitter is, as an example. This is classic Marvel territory that was explored with Captain America when he was revived in the present day after being frozen post-World War II. It makes for an interesting story hook as this time the hero is not all-knowing and will make mistakes from her lack of current knowledge. Also, like Peter Parker, Cindy Moon is learning what her powers can do. In these early days they don’t seem to function as well as they do for Spider-Man. Cindy Moon will figure it out as we move along with her. The writer who will pen these early tales is Robbie Thompson who is one of the writers on the television series “Supernatural”. Based on the first issue it seems like Mr. Thompson has a definite direction in mind and the first issue is almost overstuffed with plot threads for him to weave together in the future.
Art by Stacey Lee
There is another vital component to comic books and it is the art. I’ve been reading comic books for over forty years now and it is a rare joy to pick up a comic and be bowled over by the artwork by a newcomer. The artist on Silk is Stacey Lee and she has a very distinctive style right from the start for Silk. She has chosen a streamlined Manga style with less of the day-glo components and no enormous black eyes. Ms. Lee’s artwork is as compelling and fascinating as Mr. Thompson’s words.
I haven’t enjoyed the debut of a comic series as much as I did Silk #1 in a very long time. This feels like the start of something big. What is nice about it is it is built on a foundation of Marvel traditions as it swings into the future. I’m going to be reading the adventures of Cindy Moon for a long time, I hope.
Disclosure: This review was based on a copy of Silk #1 I purchased.
–Mark Behnke
I don't have my copy yet 🙁 but am really excited about it. Almost better than a new perfume release, as those are a dime a dozen these days. I haven't ever been a huge Marvel fan but Stacey Lee is awesome.