Review: Nubia & The Amazons #5

Review: Nubia & The Amazons #5

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Vita Ayala, Stephanie Williams

Artist: Alitha Martinez

Inks: Mark Morales

Colors: Romulo Fajardo, Jr.

Letters: Becca Carey

Reviewed by: Seth Singleton

Summary

There is no shame in getting tissues before in the middle or at the end of reading Nubia & The Amazons #5.

The monster behind Doom’s Doorway is revealed! Medusa is back and wants the Amazons to pay for the years of imprisonment she suffered in Tartarus. Now our queen must fight her to secure a future for her sisters. Will she deliver the killing blow or show mercy for a woman scorned by Man’s World? Plus, a look into Nubia’s past gives us a preview of her future!

Positives — True Warriors

True warriors know that there is a time to fight and a time to lay down arms and talk. If there is an opportunity to end the pain and suffering that are the only reason behind why someone wants to fight, then there is also the choice to be led by wisdom and seek a better path. Nubia had responsibilities as the champion who guarded Doom’s Doorway.

Now, she has a new responsibility as queen of the Amazons. Her role allows her to be the change that she wants to see in the world. Back in issue number one, Nubia was given a gift from the gods. It was a stone full of potential and she was conflicted over how to use it. But in a show of true strength and wisdom, Nubia sought out Io and because she did Io was able to bond the stone to a spear called The Staff of Understanding.

Positives — Building New Lore

A spear or a staff is invaluable and its ability to be both a weapon for defense and to attack. It offers range, the playability of the staff, and the choice to use a sharp or blunted end depending on the user’s intention. Nubia’s spear contains all of these elements and the powers within the stone given by the gods. It’s a power that Nubia recognizes and one that she feels has a companionship to the lasso borne by Princess Diana.

When Nubia first faces Medusa beyond Doom’s Doorway, she must defend herself against Medusa’s attacks. The entire time of the engagement Nubia is searching for a way to do things differently. Her persistence guides her success. By embracing the powers of the spear and not just the weapon as a tool Nubia is able to see Medusa and her pain.

She is also able to see her role in perpetuating Medusa when Nubia was the champion. But now as queen, she can recognize how this pattern will repeat unless things change. Nubia’s choice is brilliant because it comes from her understanding.

This is something that is mentioned on a page that describes The Staff of Understanding, its properties, and the belief that Nubia’s time in Doom’s Doorway has made her more closely connected to magic. By adding new layers of lore to Nubia’s story Vita Ayala and Stephanie Williams are creating an identity in collaboration with the gorgeous design and artistry of Alitha Martinez, Mark Morales, and Emilio Lopez. Like Diana’s Lasso, Nubia’s spear lends a firmament to Nubia’s identity within DC’s universe.

Negatives

Seek elsewhere, dear reader. There are none found within these pages or this review.

Verdict

Nubia is building an identity. There are external features like the new spear and then there are the less tangible but distinguishable attributes like her heart. Compassion, understanding, and clarity are things even the gods recognize. And they recognize the value and the necessity of Nubia as queen.

There are trials and tribulations coming the way of the Amazons. There have always been conflicts and in the near future, Nubia’s insight may determine how the residents of Themyscira will face their destiny.