Book Review: Mara

Book: Mara (issues #1-6) written by Brian Wood with illustrations by Ming Doyle and color by Jordie Bellaire

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Acclaimed creator Brian Wood (The Massive, DMZ, X-Men) and brilliant newcomer artist Ming Doyle (Guardians of the Galaxy, Fantastic Four, Girl Comics) bring you Mara, the story of an especially gifted woman in a sports- and war-obsessed future.

When she starts manifesting strange superpowers, the world that once embraced her turns against her, and for this young woman who once had it all, it's almost too much to bear.











Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

This might have started out a little slow but it turned into a very thought provoking emotionally well written fast paced story. And, I absolutely love Ming Doyle's artwork, it was beautifully illustrated.

The story is set in the near future where the world has been thrown into wars and on the brink of catastrophe. To give the people something to dwell on other than disaster, sports have been turned into the supreme entertainment. Enter professional volleyball player, Mara Prince, she's the ultimate athlete with a multitude of endorsements.

Everything was going great for Mara until she was accused of cheating. No one believed her when she said she didn't cheat. But that was the least of her problems, unbeknownst to her, she was changing. And while that was going on she had to deal with being shunned by fans, mounting unflattering press, the possible loss of her endorsement deals and getting kicked off her volleyball team.

But something was happening to Mara, she was quickly developing powers and that was making people fear her. Even though she didn't do anything to provoke such a response, the world seemed to fear her and turned on her.

With her previous life as a sports star gone, Mara was recruited by the military but not liking the idea of being considered dead to her brother, her only family member and being turned into the military's secret weapon, Mara escape to look for her brother.

At first glance, this might seem like it's going to be a sports themed or a superhero comic but it was more than that. It was quite philosophical but without being overwhelming. Mara's life was turned upside down, she went from being a beloved sports star to being the world's greatest threat. What is she going to do with her new found powers? Will she become a superhero? This was really good.

I would highly recommend this for the amazing story and artwork.