Woman Warrior Wednesdays #7 by Kate Krimson

Sorry about the delay. This week has been crazy busy for me, but I have a comic book review for this week.

Spitfire #1 (“Living in the Ruins”)-Marvel-$3.99

3 out of 5 stars


Summary of Background Story:


Spitfire’s real name is Lady Jacqueline Falsworth. Her dad is the British superhero Union Jack. During World War II, she was bitten by a vampire and given a blood transfusion from the Human Torch. The vampire venom plus the blood of the Human Torch apparently equals speed. After the war, Spitfire and her brother (Union Jack II) fought evil doers together. Later in life, she got hurt fighting Namor. Human Torch gave her another blood transfusion. Blade, a vampire hunter, tried to kill her when she started displaying some vampiric traits: fangs and regenerative powers. She forgave him for trying to kill her and they began a romantic relationship. They joined the MI:13, a British Secret Service agency and later defeated Dracula and his Vampire Nation.


Summary of Comic Story:


In Kent, Pete Wisdom, Spitfire’s boss, introduces Spitfire to Ms. Amelia Bertram-Hayes. They are at a vampire shindig that is comprised of vampires that left Dracula’s little club. Blade is there.


In New York City six years later, Blade and Spitfire are looking for Hayes. Spitfire senses her presence in the city first and leaves Blade to find her. Spitfire crashes through a vampire bar wall with Blade following behind her. Inside they find out Hayes has been there before and that she used to spy for the Nazis. They go to Hayes’ place. Hayes traps Blade with a cross-shaped “Spellcaster.” Spitfire and Hayes fight. Of course, Spitfire wins. Blade and Spitfire give each other a victory kiss. Spitfire suggests going out for a “real beer.”


Writer (Paul Cornell): The story although interesting is a little too short and lacking in details. Considering Hayes’ Nazi past, readers are aware that is Hayes is far from being good, but we are not entirely sure why Blade and Spitfire are hunting her down. Pete Wisdom does not come into the picture in New York City. Did Spitfire drop him as her boss or is he not necessary for this mission? He could have have died in the past six years and we just don’t know.


Illustrator (Elena Casagrande): The illustrations are good, especially one of Spitfire zooming freely through New York City.


Cover Artist (Jenny Frison): Frison makes Spitfire look as though someone has managed to take a photograph of her running with the wispiness of her hair, and her arms and legs in the running position.