Review: Nubia & The Amazons #6
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Vita Ayala, Stephanie Williams
Artist: Alitha Martinez
Inks: Mark Morales
Colors: Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Letters:Â Becca Carey
Reviewed by: Seth Singleton
Summary
Nubia & The Amazons #6 is a solemn reminder that Hippolyta is dead and the island of Themyscira and the assembled tribes of Amazons may not survive the repercussions.
Positives — Queen’s Funeral
The establishing shot of a statue commemorating Hippolyta captivates the first page. Clearly, Alitha Martinez, Mark Martinez, and RRomulo Fajardo, Jr. are in sync. The Esquecida begin the ceremony with a tribute. Together, they present two copper coins to pay for Hippolyta’s journey across the River Styx.
Next, Delphine of Themyscira carries a bouquet of flowers chosen with care. Then she adds a prayer that Persephone guides their former queen to eternal rest. The Bana-Mighdall offers their blood in a vial that is lain with Hippolyta’s body before she is carried to her burial by her sisters. Then, the story cuts away to a plot that has been developing for many issues.
Karessi finds a mysterious substance when she is delivering supplies to the guards at Doom’s Doorway. Later, the reader gets a glimpse of it again. During that time, the guards are distracted by a black cat who is a popular fixture at the doorway to doom. Meanwhile, the lore of the Contest comes next.
Positives — The Contest
The lore page reminds this reader of the beautiful Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons which was recently published by DC Comics. The page describes the contest as a right that consists of a divine competition that makes all Amazons equal despite their rank, age, or status. But each contest contains different sets of trials that test three types of skills. The events measure logical and critical reasoning, physical strength, and decision-making and judgment.
There is a contentious debate over whether the contest should be held. Yara Flora and Esquecida believe that there is a risk that Hippolyta’s murderer is crowned champion. Others suggest that crowning a murderer is still a likelihood simply because many on the island have blood on their hands. Nubia decides that one representative from each tribe will enter the contest.
They have two days to choose their competitor and meanwhile, Cassie asks Nubia if she can continue investigating the Queen’s death. But that won’t be an easy task because tensions are running high all over the island. Karessi is almost struck by an errant arrow. She takes great offense when no one apologizes. Suddenly her eyes turn black and she threatens to kill the assembled Amazons with her bare hands.
Verdict
Stephanie Williams and Vita Ayala are poets and weavers of myth. The Amazon’s past and future are in caring hands. They are also sowing fertile soil with brilliant seeds that hold the power of magic beans. Every page feels like a codex that generations of writers will reference for new stories.
A loving team of artists renders thoughtful details in every panel. Becca Carey’s letters create distinctive voices. Together, it is a chorus for the eyes and the imagination of the reader. It is fair to assume that more brilliance is on the way.
