Review - Supermom Expecting Trouble #1 (@ActionLab)

"You think you've got this superhero business figured out."

Depending on who you talk to, pregnancy is either the greatest or the worst thing ever. Sure, the end result usually makes it all worth it, but if you're a superhero and the father is a supervillain like in Supermom Expecting Trouble #1 from Action Lab Entertainment, expectations likely need to be recalibrated. The issue is written by Gordon Mclean, illustrated by Caio Oliveira, colored by Fahriza Kamaputra and lettered by Frank Cvetkovic.

Superhero Voltra is out to stop her archnemesis from taking over the planet. There's just one problem: she's pregnant... and he's the father. Cue the world's strongest mother fighting the world's evilest father over the fate of both the world and their unborn child in this action-comedy filled with big laughs, crazy fights, shocking twists and (most importantly) evil monkey clowns. What more do you need?

The core concept in Mclean's script is actually quite interesting as it offers a relatively new take on the concept of hero and villain. Mclean spends most of the issue introducing the reader to Voltra as the renowned crimefighter of the day and an expectant mother, working in an accelerated duration for her pregnancy likely as a result of her superpowers. The pacing of the issue fairly even throughout as well, with Mclean following along with Voltra in something of a day in the life scenario which gives the reader a glimpse into the world she's working with. Most of the more interesting dialogue is between Voltra and her family (mother and sister) which provides all the levity in the issue. The cliffhanger at the end of the issue really isn't as impactful as other cliffhangers, although it does a great job in defining the direction of the series and raising plenty of questions.

Oliveira draws Voltra and the other characters very much in the guise of a capes and tights book. Voltra's appearance is pretty representative of an presumably six-month along pregnancy, although there are moments where Oliveira illustrates her with a physical prowess that might not be as easily accomplished that far along. The other characters in the issue all boast a certain oddness to them that's reminiscent of characters in The Tick. The panels are very neatly arranged as Oliveira doesn't stray too far from the tried and true format. Kamaputra's colors are the right mix of light and dark that keep the issue light while also conveying some of the seedier, criminal elements.

Supermom Expecting Trouble #1 is a unique new series that has a relatively interesting premise. Voltra's day-to-day is quickly upended by an impending childbirth--an event further complicated by her relationship with the father. Mclean's script is lighthearted enough that it's a pretty quick and enjoyable read. Oliveira's artwork is a great fit for the tone of the script. Supermom Expecting Trouble #1 isn't something you run into every day in terms of its uniqueness and that works in its favor.

Supermom Expecting Trouble #1 is available December 18.