It’s time again to visit the bubbliest time-traveller since… Kitty Pryde? Marty McFly? Boy, there aren’t a lot of spunky people with this superpower, are there? But that’s half the charm of writer Cayti Elle Bourquin and artist Challenging Studio’s Paradox Girl. Issues#4-6 continue to follow the misadventures of the titular PG as she comes to the painful realisation her best intentions mixed with time-travelling aren’t always the best solution. While the new issues build on the emotional core and complexity of its leading lady and dishes out laughs like there’s no tomorrow, the pacing is slow and Paradox Girl fails to live up to her job description: be an actual superhero.
In issues #4-6, Paradox Girl learns the hard way her superpowers aren’t what the people she’s trying to save really need. She attempts to comfort an older gentlemen at the park by going back and fixing his broken pocket watch. Well, she learns it wasn’t the pocket watch that needed fixing. Next, PG stars in a James Bond spoof, where she plays every character. Finally, she must use her wits to escape imprisonment by the evil Dr. Dr. when he’s able to turn off her powers. Sure, it takes her six months after she’s captured to be freed, but she figures it out.
As with the first three issues, Paradox Girl‘s strongest asset is its leading lady. PG is so lovable and hilarious, she could be stuck in a weird, purgatory-like time vortex and still make Paradox Girl entertaining. Literally, in issue five, she’s the only character, and her fighting with herself James Bond style is golden. More than that though, the new issues reveal more about Paradox Girl and her internal struggle with her powers. It’s rather difficult for her to stay in a moment and help someone when she’s there, in the future and in the past all at once. With this new level of complexity, she becomes an even more fascinating character.
Consistency has never been Paradox Girl‘s thing, but when it comes to the artwork in her comic, it continues to sparkle. The artist has an infinity for blues, purples and reds that always match the tone. For example, dark purple is used as an overcast for a funeral rather than a grim black or grey, because that wouldn’t be Paradox Girl. There’s also has great comedic timing. It’s especially reflective in issue #5. As Bourquin deepens and expands Paradox Girl, Challenging Studios easily matches her tune and creates a visually compelling piece once again.
However, one of Paradox Girl‘s major complaints for most of issue #6 is her want of continuity; she and I have a similar want. The issues are always stand-alone stories, meaning there’s no overreaching arc. Hell, a new villain emerged at the end of issue #3, and he has yet to make another appearance. I understand Paradox Girl is not-your-typical superhero. And I have yet to see Batman help an old woman cross the street or Tony Stark volunteer at a soup kitchen. As much as I enjoyed the latest issues, I wish she actually fought crime.
Overall, Paradox Girl issues #4-6 will please its fans and hopefully attract hordes more. Paradox Girl is too colourful and funny to ignore. What Paradox Girl lacks in actual crime-fighting action, she makes up with heart and laughs time and time again.
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