This new title captures a quality of youthful excitement and novelty quickly and keeps its finger on that pulse throughout the entire issue. This may be the most vivacious ghost story ever told.
Written by Jamie S. Rich
Illustrated by George KambadaisMiranda Turner never knew that her sister, international supermodel Lindy Turner, was also the superpowered crime fighter known as the Cat. At least not until Lindy appeared in Miranda’s bedroom as a ghost, looking for help to find her own murderer. Now Miranda has taken over her sister’s secret identity and patrols the streets as a masked do-gooder. She’d better watch out, though. Being the Cat comes with lots of excess baggage, including superhero rivals, archenemies, and whatever secret motives Lindy’s killer had to take her life. If Lindy’s spirit can keep her baby sister on track, this new Cat just might survive long enough to solve the mystery and make the moniker her own.
In the premier issue of “The Double Life of Miranda Turner,” we are introduced to the scrappy young super heroine known to the public as, ‘The Cat,’ by a most unusual, unlikely emissary: Lindy Turner, the deceased sister of Miranda Turner and former crime fighter. Lindy gives the audience an overview of how Miranda, despite her lack of superpowers, took up her mantle and continued her work after she was murdered. The apparition narrates the story. She and Miranda are able to interact, and Lindy’s guidance seems to be a powerful asset for the newly minted hero.
Though the basic premise of “The Double Life of Miranda Turner,” may seem familiar, it is the story of a young hero trying to live up to the legacy of her predecessor, this classic coming-of-age tale has a decidedly new twist. With such a unique character serving as the narrator, and such a complex set of circumstances serving as its foundation, it’s easy to see that this anything but a typical superhero story.
The fresh perspective offered through Lindy’s voice explores new territory. By establishing a narrator who is a peer of the main character, not a mentor who might downplay the story or an apprentice who might exaggerate it; we expect this narrator to offer a more realistic perception of the main character. The audience may find a credibility or believability in Lindy’s assessments of Miranda. The conflict between the sisters brings themes of sibling rivalry into focus. The fact that Lindy appears as a ghost (a pretty traditionally depicted one at that, transparent-ish, blue-ish, floating, invisible to everyone except the protagonist, you know, the whole nine,) articulates the nature of the relationship between the two young women. Though Lindy is gone, Miranda is still haunted by her legacy, trying to measure up.
Whip-smart and laser focused the first issue of this new series is full of skillful exposition. From the unfolding of the backstory, to the subtle and articulate characterization, this book is a strong example of a seamless integration of information and action. Rich proves that he is a strong writer with a true understanding of storytelling in this medium.
Rich’s creative partner Kambadais produces work that seems just as effortless as the writing, but has a voice all its own. The artwork in “The Double Life of Miranda Turner” #1 captures an essence of spontaneity, that is sure to draw readers in. The carefree feeling in the line work and structure make it seem that panels have their own movement, and give the story a sensation of immediacy. Kambadais’ art is as animated as it is animate. Playfully toying with the rules of the real world, the figures and environments depicted in this issue defy the ordinary at every turn. Whether they are defying the laws of physics, or taking the human body well past its limits, the illustrations seem to wink as they shrug them off.
There is definite promise in this new series. “The Double Life of Miranda Turner” is bright, playful, and full of intention. It seems to celebrate the joy of escapism that super hero comics can represent, while balancing a modern sensibility that makes its content relevant. That being said, this may be a great book to offer a younger reader. Playing on classical sensibilities with a clear focus on what’s current; there is a lot of common ground to be found for readers young and old, in this title.
Final Verdict: 8.2 – This is worth checking out.
