Welcome back to Geek Girl issue 2 as Sam Johnson and Carlos Granda continue to explore Ruby’s adventure as the new superhero Geek Girl. Issue 2 reveals Ruby as the only superhero left standing as villainess Lighting Storm has defeated Neon Girl and Pit Bull. Upon hearing this news Ruby decides that fighting crime can wait, as she and Summer choose to go out clubbing as they experience the marvelous world of flirting, drinking, and lesbians.
The Good:
Issue 2 of Geek Girl strikes a nice balance between humor and serious events that are occurring to Ruby A.K.A. Geek Girl. In particular, it has been confirmed that Neon Girl and Pit Bull have been hospitalized, and Geek Girl is the only superhero that can stop Lighting Storm. Naturally, a normal superhero would immediately want to fight crime, yet Ruby chooses to go to a club with Summer to get intoxicated creating a comedic moment. While out clubbing, elements of Ruby’s struggle come up between her and Summer in conversation, which shows a more traditional learning curve element we see in typical superhero comics. This creates a unique element in the comic as the comedic moments are paired with the serious elements to create tongue and cheek banter with the reader as Ruby and Summer are enjoying and dealing with their problems throughout the night. Furthermore, the comic addresses different aspects of sexuality with Ruby’s Geek Girl uniform and her clubbing actives as she flirts with a lesbian. While drinking Summer states to Ruby that her Geek Girl uniform makes her look very sexy, thus elevating Geek Girl to a sex symbol in many ways. Yet, given the comic and the nature of Ruby and her other traits including being a nerd, clumsy, and hesitant, her sex appeal is meant to mock how other superheroes are drawn in ridiculous portions. In pairing up 2 traits that are polar opposites of one another this result is achieved. The second element of sexuality is Ruby flirts with a lesbian while she is clubbing. While it is 2016, not many comics deal with lesbian or gay characters and as a result this is a progressive step for comics as it is a significant part of this issue. This also address another element that the typical superhero comics fail to address, which is how to deal with unwanted attention in a sexual way, as the lesbian wanted Ruby, while Ruby was not into her. Considering this is a tricky situation the comic explored that from a civilian superhero hybrid position of Ruby.
The Bad:
The comic had one rough spot that did not make sense with the entirety of the story. This was when Ruby wanted to go home and the lesbian club dancer got into a fight with her. Resulting in Ruby grappling her arms, which eventually led to the lesbian being kicked in the head. The entire incident did not fit into the story or have any significant meaning and only added more confusion. Without the several panels that depicted this incident the comic would have been much smoother and clearer as to what was going on.
The Verdict:
Issue 2 of Geek Girl continues to explore the adventures of Ruby as the superhero Geek Girl. The issue builds upon issue 1 as it focuses on how Ruby is adjusting to being a superhero and the obstacles she faces. All while talking to Summer about them at a club various humor elements come up due to the situation or through various conversations resulting in a unique blend of seriousness and comedy. The comic also has explored different levels of sexuality in a mocking way towards other comics and in a progressive way that other comics should follow. As a result, Geek Girl is worth the read as it sets forth a new type of superhero story that combines several different elements from many different genres.
Geek-Girl #2 is Out Now in Regular, Digital and Limited Variant editions, and available at www.geekgirlcomics.com and www.comixology.com
