[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Script: Magdalene Visaggio
Pencils & Inks: Sonny Liew
Colors: Chris Chuckry
Summary
Still furious with her superior, Caroline tries to get a hold of him by phone with no luck. Despairingly, she decides to go ahead and go to the comedy show with Dani. The performer is a woman with a body shaming routine, constantly degrading herself for being overweight. This of course hits very close for Caroline, having her own body issues. but instead of it helping like Dani hoped, it just incenses Caroline.
Caroline storms out of the comedy club and takes a taxi to the home of her supervisor. Meanwhile, in outer space, the version of her that’s with Madame Atom prepares to find and destroy the Shining Tower. Madame Atom declares it to be the pillar of creation from which all life stems and if they destroy it, everything ceases to be. First they have to get past its guardian, Astrolas.
Madame Atom and Chrysalis (as Madame Atom insists on calling Caroline) attack as Caroline goes after her superior, Sloan in his house in the middle of the night. And just as Chrysalis destroys Astrolas, Sloan’s house collapses!
Positives
The most interesting thing about this issue is the concept that the characters who should be deceased live on as wave functions. While Caroline is trying to maintain some semblance of her life, Madame Atom has completely given up on that and is off in the far reaches of outer space. Perhaps, that would be “normal” for her, but for Caroline, she can’t hold her normal appearance together for long periods of time to live that normal life.
Young Animal titles tend to have a duality to them, and Eternity Girl is no exception. While Caroline’s trip to the comedy club doesn’t help her, Caroline’s struggle with her own body and inability to lead a normal life could resonate with some readers. Visaggio, Liew and Chuckry are able to convey Caroline’s raw emotion effectively and with great impact. This book isn’t really a science fiction title about a woman who has become a wave function.
Madame Atom’s description of the universe and multiple versions of people plays not only into the concept of the Multiverse, but also it gives the hope that change is possible. One can reinvent one’s self. There’s also a wave at the comic creators as Madame Atom describes reboots and restarts of people’s lives.
While in outer space, Chrysalis and Madam Atom are treated to some wonderful Kirby-esque visuals courtesy of Sonny Liew. Astrolas even bears a resemblance to Marvel’s Galactus. This sequence would’ve fit quite well in a mid ’60’s issue of Fantastic Four.
Negatives
Only 2 issues in and this title is not only unique and thoughtful, but flawless.
Verdict
Eternity Girl, Young Animal’s newest title is just as different as any of the others in the line and may perhaps be the best of the bunch. There’s raw emotion and a clever science fiction concept at work. It also addresses a huge question: Can one destroy the universe and still be the hero?
