Invisible Woman #1

By Mark Waid and Mattia De Iulis

I think as comic fans we’re so used to equating certain characters with certain teams. For instance, Cyclops is an X-Man, and to see him on the Avengers would just feel a little off. Ultimately, Cyclops can guest in other books, but we al know his home is with the X-Men. Sue Storm is a character we always associate with the Fantastic Four. It’s rare to see her anywhere else, but Sue is an amazing character. She often gets forgotten about due to the fact that Ben and Johnny are so popular. This week, Mard Waid brings us a solo Sue story in Invisible Woman #1. This is a great chance for Sue to shine, and for Waid to work his character magic on someone who deserves it.

Waid starts the issue off strong. We get a flashback from 10 years ago with Sue under cover on a mission for Nick Fury. She’s assumed an alias, Stormy, and is working with another agent named Aiden. This part consumes the first 10 or so pages of the issue. Waid’s writing is great, and we question what is going on. He has a clever way of having Sue use her powers, which she just got recently and isn’t a pro at yet, and she still remains relatable. Waid plays up the nice rapport between Aiden and Sue as well. While reading, you like Aiden as a character and can feel that Sue likes him too. Once we get past the flashback, we see Sue in present day. Waid makes it a point to show us that things have slowed down, as Sue is a wife, a mother, and a friends. Waid also allows us to see the little things Sue does just to be a good person. Waid gives us a good example as Sue shields a couple, without their knowledge, as a Frisbee comes toward them. The issue ends really well, and Waid deserves some kudos for writing a really good issue.

The art this issue is handled by Mattia De Iulis. If I’m being honest with you, De Iulis’ art is stunning. The early scenes of Sue and Aiden look great in the snow. You may never see a book where characters look as realistic as they do here. As Sue reveals herself to be Invisible Woman, it looks absolutely perfect. It seems like you’re staring at a photograph. The colors on that page looks great too, as the sky is a perfect yellow and orange in the background. Later in the issue, As Sue meets with a man from the CIA, there is a panel where he is shutting the blinds. De Iulis has the light coming in from the sun as he shuts the blinds, just perfect. Mark my words, you will not find better art in any book out this week than the art by Mattia De Iulis in Invisible Woman #1.

Invisible Woman #1 was an excellent read. Based on the creative team, I should have assumed it would be good, but it really exceeded expectations. Mark Waid turned in an interesting story for a character who doesn’t get the spotlight as much as she should. There isn’t much more you can say about the pencils and colors by Mattia De Iulis. They were amazing and honestly couldn’t have been better. Invisible Woman #1 is a must read book.