Bad Girls # 2 Review

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Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Party Girls

Written by: Steve Vance
Art by: Christine Norrie & J. Bone
Colored by: Lee Loughridge
Lettered by: Kurt Hathaway
Assistant Editor: Harvey Richards
Editor: Joan Hilty
Publisher: DC Comics

Bad Girls #1 was good enough to keep my interest a little longer, but I really hoped for some improvement this issue. The first issue introduced the characters, and set events in motion, but didn’t get much else accomplished. Thankfully writer Steve Vance, and the new art team of Christine Norrie and J. Bone, step things up with issue #2. Vance further develops his cast of characters, and adds in a couple of hints at what’s to come. The artwork is a really pleasant surprise as well.

I haven’t read much about Bad Girls, but series co-creator Jennifer Graves took on the art duties for issue one. I enjoyed her work, and was more than happy to see it continue for the remaining five issues. Yet, when I picked this issue up, the first thing I noticed was the new artists. I’ve done a little research, and can’t seem to find any reason given for the artistic change. I do know that Norrie and J. Bone seem to be on the book for the duration.

Norrie and J. Bone’s work comes together seamlessly. The artwork isn’t a drastic departure from what Jennifer Graves did last issue, but it actually improves on the look of the characters and the setting. Graves had a nice “animated series” look with a touch of realism. Norrie and Bone take a big leap into the “animated” style, which expands on the artwork by Graves, and helps give Bad Girls a distinctive style.

Steve Vance clarifies the series direction, and explains some of the murkier aspects of issue one as well. Like I mentioned in my
review
of issue one, Bad Girls is really similar to a lot of teen movies out there. Lauren’s new in town, and is torn by her opportunity to join with the “in” crowd, but give up her morals in doing so. Of course things are complicated when the “in” girls develop super powers. Vance strikes a nice chord with Lauren, and her thought processes, especially concerning her dueling emotions. A great moment has her just wanting to be popular in High School, then she’ll be a “good person” when she gets to college.

Vance ups the stakes this issue, as the “Bad Girls” really cut loose with their powers. Do they rob banks? No. They use them to scope out party locations, and buy beer. Thankfully for the town of San Narcisco, absolute power doesn’t corrupt, absolutely. Instead for the “Bad Girls”, it corrupts, like totally. As things progress I expect the girls will begin to use their powers for more loathsome reasons, but right now it’s still kinda playful, albeit very petty.

Well, I’m officially with Bad Girls for the duration of it’s six issue run. I really love the art, Steve Vance has peaked my interest, and the covers by Darwyn Cooke are awesome. This really has turned out to be a nice little comic, and drastically different from everything else that DC’s putting out.