REVIEW: ‘Barbarella/Dejah Thoris,’ Issue #1

Barbarella/Dejah Thoris #1 is from publisher Dynamite Comics and creative team including writer Leah Williams (Adventure Time Comics, X-Men: Black,) illustrator Germán Garcia (Action Comics, X-Men,) colorist Addison Duke, and letterer CRANK!.

The issue follows Barbarella as she investigates the murder of a well known intergalactic scientist. In her quest to unravel the mysterious he has left for her following his death, she is somehow trapped in a strange mirror that is later found by the Dejah Thoris, the Princess of the Martian empire of Helium. The both of them together must use their various knowledge of two entirely different worlds (intergalactic pun intended,) and get home.

This comic was the perfect amount of kooky and campy fun I expect from anything featuring Barbarella. With writer Williams at the helm, both of these characters are incredibly charismatic and intelligent all while retaining their classic sex appeal. This book doesn’t dumb anything down.

Barbarella and Dejah are wildly intelligent and speak confidently in the jargon of this world’s science. Similar to how Tony Stark or Bruce Banner talk about Gamma Rays or Arc Reactors, it doesn’t make sense, but it is a lot of fun. Nonetheless, the story is an adventure hunt that bizarrely feels somewhere between Indiana Jones, Aquaman, and Totally Spies, and I mean that as a compliment.

It is extremely important for books like this to get these female characters right and Williams blows it out of the water. Both Barbarella and Dejah Thoris have become feminist icons and positive examples of women claiming their own sexuality. Dynamite Comics has repurposed these classic characters like they did with Red Sonja, for modern audiences and fleshed them out to be more than just women in skimpy clothing. Now, they are powerful individuals who are set to shape the time-space continuum while rocking a metal bikini and skintight, bright red catsuit.

Garcia’s art is absolutely stunning in this book. He has such a soft style that creates such pretty faces. That soft styling is extended into Duke’s colors. However, the book never feels muted. The contrast between the exotic, intergalactic environment and desolate desert of Mars creates a lovely dichotomy that is extended to the two characters personalities. Barbarella is a light-hearted optimist who is daringly intelligent while Dejah is a brooding and fierce leader who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.

Barbarella/Dejah Thoris #1 is a smart and fun book that is an easy start for any readers who might be new to the characters. Additionally, I think older fans will also have a kick out of it. If you enjoy smart ladies and daring adventures, I highly recommend picking this one up.

Barbarella/Dejah Thoris #1 is available now at comic stores and digital retailers everywhere.