REVIEW: 'We Wicked Ones' #1 by LJ Duey, Paulo Mel, and Ander Zarate

 

WE WICKED ONES #1

Writer: LJ Duey

Artist: Paulo Mel, Ander Zarate

Letters: Crank!

Publisher: Scout Comics

Release Date: March 22, 2023

Cover Price: $4.99

After being orphaned in a mass witch burning orchestrated by the US government, Celia Jordan grew up to be Washington DC's darkest secret-she's now wreaks havoc as the city's resident witch... and its most sought-after contract killer. When a politician hires her to kill a beloved and powerful superhero, Celia hesitates, but not for long. No one has been able to catch her yet-why would they now? Featuring a breathtaking cover by world-renowned artist, David Mack.

Score:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

'We Wicked Ones' is a surprisingly delightful thriller that puts the unrepentant assassin witch Celia Jordan in the spotlight as the righteous antihero/supervillain you'll love to hate. Snarky, deadly, efficient, and detached from any emotional center makes her a busy cold-hearted killer. In some ways, the series reminds me of another title that recently dropped, Mark Millar's 'Nemesis,' which features a homicidal supervillain. Both are born from trauma and while Nemesis is basically an evil Batman-type, Celia operates in a town, Washington D.C., where lawmakers sanctioned the genocide of her kind leaving her orphaned, and what better revenge than taking out a senator or two. 

Writer L.J. Duey writes with confidence giving Celia agency and swagger that emboldens her actions creating a charismatic anti-hero in the process. The action is well choreographed with her constantly talking, taunting, and casting killer spells. Paulo Mel and Ander Zarate create a moody and stylish atmosphere. Shadows and rich dark colors offer a noirish tone that fits this crime thriller/supernatural power fantasy. There's plenty of tension and anxiety induced by the unpredictability of what Celia is willing to do to earn her contract. 

'We Wicked Ones' is an effective genre-bending action thriller that sparkles with style and attitude. You will root for the bad guy.