[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Stephen Byrne
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Summary
Zan and Jayna are trying to learn how best to be a hero day in and day out. Jayna finds a new friend whose father is having some trouble with Lex Luthor while Zan finds solace in his new friend and pet monkey Gleek. See the life Gleek left behind and discover the value he adds to the Wonder Twins!
Positives
Wonder Twins #3 is, fundamentally, an issue about motivation and how to keep going. It seems like a very simple concept, but Russell, Byrne, and Sharpe are able to execute it perfectly and should be applauded for that. Every character needs to find some sort of motivation to continue, and it is hard for all of them. The majority of the issue is cloaked in a blue hue as many struggle to find the strength to continue. Zan and Jayna are rightfully frustrated after what happened with Drunkula. How could justice be served in a world like that? It’s not right what happened to him, and it’s very difficult for Zan and Jayna to keep trying to take down the bad guys if the bad guys don’t even get a fair shot to be better.
We’re all luck that Superman was able to step in to provide the necessary motivation for the two young heroes. Russell is good at speeches and monologues whether they be positive or negative. Superman’s speech to the Wonder Twins and Jayna’s speech on the morning announcements are extremely uplifting, hopeful, and something we need more of in comics. Everybody is able to find motivation in this issue, whether it be Filo Math, a person that needs to keep working for Luthor in order to provide for his daughter, or Gleek, Zan’s new pet monkey who has found motivation from his new family. The issue is a fun time and an uplifting read, and Byrne and Sharpe heavily contribute to that tone as well.
Byrne’s art keeps the story looking fresh, young, and centered around the characters. The way each character pops out of the page and subtler elements in the background don’t go unnoticed is a lot of fun to see. Most of the emotion shines through the facial expressions which portray every little annoyance or grievance one may have, but not in a malicious way. Sharpe’s lettering only adds to this with come fun and comical choices when giving character introductions along with some terrific onomatopoeia that blends in with the effects around it.
Negatives
There doesn’t seem to be much of a direction for Polly and Filo math yet. They seem a bit flat in this issue, but it’ll be interesting to see where things go.
Verdict
Wonder Twins continues to be a comic for all ages that will entertain and educate about the problems of today while never giving up hope to be the best we can be as a society.
