Wonder Twins #1 is published by DC Comics under the new Wonder Comics imprint and written by Mark Russell, with art by Stephen Byrne, and letters by Dave Sharpe.
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The comic follows the extraterrestrial twin brother and sister superhero due, Zan and Jayna, from the planet of Exxor. The two first appeared in Hanna-Barbera’s The All-New Super Friends Hour before being introduced into the panels of DC Comics. Now the duo is back on the pages in a brand new imprint.
Considering these characters are a blast from the past, it is fitting this comic is filled with references to older DC relics including the Hall of Justice’s supercomputer. The two traverse through their earth adventures like two fish out of water, for Zan the metaphor is literal since his ability sees him changing into water, struggling to understand basic slang and eath customs. While Zan is focused on being the cool kid in school, Jayna is worried about the Justice League’s ongoing fight with the inter-dimensional being Mxyzptlk.
Teenagers have weird problems, but teenagers from Exxor have weirder problems. Between Zan experiencing his first ‘thunderlust’ and Batman trying to empathize with him by telling him his own teenage woes, this book is hilarious and straight up bonkers. This is not a book that is heavy on action but instead shines with Russell’s witty dialogue. The overall aesthetic lies somewhere between Teen Titans Go! To The Movies and the first season of Young Justice. This book does not take itself too seriously and I appreciate that.
Despite the great story, my favorite part of this book is actually Byrne’s art. I have been a fan of his work for a while so when I found out he was getting a book with this new imprint I was excited. I am clearly not disappointed. Byrne has a unique and beautiful style that fits seamlessly with this imprint. The ‘Wonder Powers Activate’ moment was spectacularly drawn and brightly colored. The frequent use of purple throughout the book particularly during the twin’s flashbacks of Exxor was smartly done.
My one caveat with the issue is that it does rely a lot of on cringe and second-hand embarrassment which usually give me a fair amount of anxiety but that is more a personal preference.
Overall, Wonder Twins #1 is a very out there book that breaks up the more serious entries probably sitting in your pull list. It is also a fantastic reimagining of the original characters and gives them a modern spin for a new audience.
Wonder Twins #1 is available now in comic stores everywhere.
Wonder Twins #1
TL;DR
Overall, Wonder Twins #1 is a very out there book that breaks up the more serious entries probably sitting in your pull list. It is also a fantastic reimagining of the original characters and gives them a modern spin for a new audience.
