Danger Girl: Revolver #1
Written by Andy Hartnell
Art by Chris Madden
Colors by Jeromy Cox
IDW Publishing
Release Date: January 18, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

Andy Hartnell brings the girls back in Danger Girl: Revolver #1. Like most comics in the action-spy genre this issue paid homage to the movies, comics, and novels that have defined the spy franchise. Instead of the sleek, classy, and cool agent, Hartnell re-introduces readers to his impossibly proportioned heroines. Danger Girl: Revolver #1 is an introduction to this genre done right. With dynamic art and choreography, this issue introduces a brand new Danger Girl storyline lacking any dull moments. From the second this issue started it demanded the reader’s attention.

We are first introduced to the cast as they are knee deep in a heist/recovery mission that is going wrong in the best kind of way. It is in these moments that Hartnell’s adoration for the spy genre shines through. From the escape boat named “Galore” to the biplane getaway, each panel honors the double 0’s we know so well. The rest of the issue is dedicated to big explosions and introductions of the cast. As far as first issues go this one has created a wonderful way to grab the reader’s attention immediately from the start. By dropping readers right into the fray of a mission in the book’s opening pages, Hartnell has created a sort of prologue that establishes action and pace right off the bat.

Artist Chris Madden has done something pretty impressive with Danger Girl: Revolver #1. Madden has illustrated this comic in complete eye-catching detail. Escapes and firefights are obviously going to peak the reader’s interest, however, in the slower moments the art direction stands out. It is a tried and tested technique, but by making the girls of Danger Girl so ridiculously proportioned, the comic never loses steam. It may seem like a cheap trick to illustrate busty girls with guns to attract readers, but it’s a formula Hartnell has been using for years.

Danger Girl: Revolver #1 is not going to blow anyone’s mind with thought-provoking content or story. What it is going to do is provide readers with something that is generally fun and exciting. Sexy girls with big guns being chased by scared villains, it’s classic camp storytelling. When comics sometimes take themselves too seriously, Danger Girl will always be there to remind us that it’s okay to just have fun reading a comic.