REVIEW: ‘White Tiger: Reborn’ Issue 1

White Tiger Reborn Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. The main story is written by Daniel José Older, art by Bruno Abdias, and colors by Marcelo Costa. The backup story is written by Cynthia Pelayo, with art by Moisés Hidalgo and colors by Dono Sánchez-Almara—letters by Ariana Maher.

Ava Ayala inherited the White Tiger amulet from her brother, Hector, but the Tiger God abandoned her, and she’s been largely inactive since. But a visit from beyond the grave forces her to reconnect with family.

White Tiger Reborn Issue 1 is steeped in history. There is a sad but spiritual feel to this issue, all stemming from the amulet around Ava’s neck. White Tiger is barely operating, lacking motivation or connection. The first scrap is solely martial arts-based because that’s all White Tiger has left. However, things then become mystical, with spirits and magic taking over the comic.

Even with the mysticism, White Tiger Reborn Issue 1 is smooth and rewarding to follow. The writer explains the history of the White Tiger and the legacy of the character, particularly how the legacy became dull and defeated. Older then goes back to chargers from the start of Hector’s time as a hero, as Ava finds people who were in his very first appearance. The comic continues its journey into mysticism, getting deeper and deeper into magic.

The transition of tone and energy is superb. White Tiger Reborn Issue 1 deflates fully in the middle of the plot. However, by the end, it is not only re-energized but also amplified further than anything seen before with the White Tiger.

White Tiger Reborn Issue 1 is about more than just Ava, but she is the center of the main story. What makes the book so sad is that she looks so disconnected. The Tiger God abandoned her, stripping her of all her powers, but more importantly, that link to her family. White Tiger is the ultimate legacy hero, passed down through tragic means. The dialogue is brilliantly written because of the significant contrast. There’s talk of destiny and actually trying to find answers, but also destitute despair and an emptiness.

The art is spectacular inside White Tiger Reborn Issue 1. Ava is terrifically illustrated by Abdias. Even without powers, she’s a phenomenal fighter, and this is evident from very early in the book. The movement and action in the comic are excellent. The magical moments, with suddenly appearing spirits, are a mixture of mesmerizing and off-putting. It’s certainly enchanting, but it’s alarming too. But what shines is the artist’s ability to convey emotion and feeling on a character that completely covers her face.

Ava’s mask hides her mouth, leaving only the outlines of her eyes visible. And yet Abdias can perfectly demonstrate when she’s sad or angry. Much of that relies on the details in the eye shape, as well as body language. When Ava reaches a bleak dead end, she completely collapses, exhausted and depleted. She looks devastated, and it’s such a sorrowful moment.

The colors are stunning in White Tiger Reborn Issue 1. The stark white of White Tiger’s costume is iconic, and Costa magnificently uses slightly different shades to create muscle tone and dimensions on Ava’s body. The magic associated with the amulet is an intense green, almost radioactive in its tone. And with more and more of it as the comic progresses, it suggests that the magic is returning.

The backup story in White Tiger Reborn Issue 1 features the other White Tiger, Angela Del Toro (Ava’s niece). She was a character who went from light to dark, and she bickered violently with Ava over who would wear the mask and use the amulet. This backup story seeks to reunite the family. It’s both beautifully written and illustrated, heralding a change in attitude. The letters are perfectly implemented throughout the issue.

White Tiger Reborn Issue 1 reconnects so many severed ties. There had always been a tragic element to the White Tiger legacy, noted with death and abandonment. It would be disrespectful to say this one-shot rights many wrongs, but the title being retired felt like such a waste.

Hector was the first Latino superhero, and that matters. So, it is also about respecting his memory and continuing his legacy. Following Daredevil: Born Again, this is the perfect time. Ava’s a great hero too. This one-shot fully reignites the White Tiger, blazing into a brand-new era.

White Tiger Reborn Issue 1 is available now wherever comics are sold.