REVIEW: ‘Rainbow Brite,’ Issue #1

Rainbow Brite #1 from Dynamite Comics by Jeremy Whitley, with art by Brittney Williams, colors by Valentina Pinto and lettered by Taylor Esposito is a comic book take on the original character with a few updates for modern audiences. It features best friends, Wisp and Willow, who are full of wonder and imagination. Suddenly Wisp is thrust into an evil plot to steal all the color from the world and must escape with the help of Willow.

I did not watch the cartoon Rainbow Brite as a child because I was born a tad too late. However, I do wish I had been able to read this comic as a kid. I know I would have been enthralled. My favorite moments in the book are the beginning with Wisp and Willow playing around Willow’s house while her parents attempt their best to play along. The scenes are adorable and incredibly endearing.

The plot is somewhat predictable but that is pretty forgivable considering it is for children. This comic has a lot of themes that will be familiar to fans of Whitley’s other work such as My Little Pony and Unstoppable Wasp. Friendship, particularly female friendship is a very important aspect to this comic. 

I have been a fan of Williams’ art since her run on Hellcat and she did not disappoint. The character designs and look are friendly and inviting enough for young and old readers alike. Williams skirts the line between cartoon and too cartoony very well. Additionally, the comic lives up to the name of “brite” with the help of Pinto’s fantastic coloring. 

This is a wordier comic, considering it’s targeted age range, but it still retains a reasonable reading level. The comic is never overwhelmed with word bubbles and there are moments of pure fun thanks to Esposito’s lettering. I particularly loved early in the book that various ways Wisp calling to Willow is illustrated through the text.

Overall, Rainbow Brite #1 is a fantastic read for children, particularly young girls and a fun read for adults. I would recommend the comic to anyone who has enjoyed Whitley’s previous work, Rainbow Brite as a child or is craving some good ole 1980s nostalgia.