Wonderland #1 Review - Mobile Edition

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Wonderland #1 Review
By Andy Frisk
September 1, 2012 - 00:05

Zenescope Entertainment
Writer(s): Raven Gregory
Penciller(s): V Ken Marion
Colourist(s): Thomas Bonvillain
Letterer(s): Jim Campbell
$2.99 US

Spinning out of the Wonderland Trilogy, the new ongoing series Wonderland's first issue from Zenescope Entertainment was the company's highest selling single issue ever. Continuing he story of Calie and Violet Liddle, the daughter and grand-daughter of the the original denizen of Wonderland, Alice Liddle, Wonderland #1 opens with the two on the road, constantly moving about in order to avoid detection by the Queen of Spades and her evil minions from the realm of Wonderland. One of Wonderland's most insanely devious residents has found a conduit for crossing over into our world though. Calie has vowed to always protect her daughter Violet from the perils that being a former resident of Wonderland entails, but will she be really be able to do so when the time comes?

Pleasantly surprised with the taunt storytelling and underlying depth to the tale (I had often considered Zenescope Entertainment's books to thrive more on titillation than talent), Wonderland #1 laid the groundwork for what looks to be a long and engaging tale. The introduction of the Mad Hatter's violence into the mundane world is truly chilling considering its circumstances. Circumstances that surround an abused young boy, and his powerlessness to stop the abuse. All of the plot threads came together to make for a thrilling, haunting, and engaging read.

Speaking of titillation, artist V Ken Marion's work in Wonderland #1 is beautiful without relying on loads of skin and nearly bared breasts. Granted, every woman in Wonderland #1 is at least a double D in bra size, but not once did one of them strike a hyper-sexualized pose or inadvertently bare something they probably shouldn't have. In fact, for most of the issue Calie is dressed in long sleeves and jeans. In addition to his solid artistic grasp on female anatomy, Marion bounces back and forth effortlessly and believably between the real world and the world of Wonderland visually. His rendering of the Jaberwocky's cave is particularly well done.

Wonderland #1 was Zenescope Entertainment's highest selling comic book for one reason, and one reason only: it's darn good.

Rating: 8/10