New 'Xena: Warrior Princess' Comic Series Announced

[Katie]

comicbook.com/comics/2019/01/21/xena-warrior-princess-new-series-dynamite-comics/

Xena is back in action in a brand new series.

Dynamite today announced a new Xena: Warrior Princess ongoing series will debut in April. The series is written by Vita Ayala (Black Panther, Shuri, Wonder Woman, The Wilds), with art by newcomer Olympia Sweetman, colors by Rebecca Nalty (WWE, Sparrowhawk) and letters by Ariana Maher (James Bond 007, Nancy Drew).

According to Dynamite, the series will return to Ancient Greece with the reformed warlord. “Take up your swords and chakrams to follow the newest adventures of the cult classic TV phenomenon and her trusted companion Gabrielle. As they will first have to investigate a mysterious village where children are miraculously strong. Could the infamously petty Greek Gods be involved, and if not how long before they stick their meddlesome hands in?”

Xena: Warrior Princess #1 features covers from David Mack (Daredevil, Jessica Jones), Emanuela Lupacchino (Wonder Woman, Supergirl), Erica Henderson (Squirrel Girl), Paulina Ganucheau (Black Panther), and Raúl Allén and Patricia Martin (Wonder Woman, Livewire).

Editor Nate Cosby describes the series as, “Bounding adventures! Amazing episodes that build to a huge overall story! Every action sequence motivated by strong characters and deep emotion! Did you dig the Xena television series? You will ADORE what Vita, Olympia, Rebecca and Ariana are cooking up with this series. And if you don’t know what Xena’s about? This is the perfect place to start!”

[Tim]

A good way to bring Xena back. 

Lucy and Renee are twenty years older, but in the comics, that doesn't matter.

[Melinda Halliwell]

I wonder what it would be like seeing Lucy and Renee and other Xena actors in comic form then?

[Jean]

Feb 6, 2019 14:41:54 GMT -5 Melinda Halliwell said:

I wonder what it would be like seeing Lucy and Renee and other Xena actors in comic form then?

Now that is interesting to think about. Since we are so used to seeing them dressed in their period outfits and Xena-like costumes.

[Tim]

And no doubt they will in this comic.  The characters won't have aged like the actors have.

[Katie]

Yup. I'm interested to see the comic and hope it does well.

Also we've had some pretty fun ones in the past.

[Tim]

I'm sure Xena fans will enjoy it.

[Jean]

That they will. Always nice when you get new content through comics and novels.

[Tim]

Yeah, it sure is.

[Jean]

I'll see if I can get a copy of this in April, or read it online.

[Tim]

Go for it.

And then give us your thoughts after.

[Jean]

Feb 26, 2019 18:01:38 GMT -5 Tim said:

Go for it.

And then give us your thoughts after.

Will do.

[Jean]

butwhythopodcast.com/2019/06/16/review-xena-warrior-princess-issue-3/


Xena: Warrior Princess, published by Dynamite Comics follows the mighty princess, forged in the heat of battle. Written by Vita Ayala, with art by Jordi Pérez, colors from Rebecca Nalty, and letters by Ariana Maher, Xena: Warrior Princess #3 follows out heroes Xena and Gabrielle as they’re spirited away to a land far from Greece.

The pair are stuck with the now former goddess Discord as she endures her punishment which was dealt out in the last issue by her father Zeus, the story has taken a sharp turn. In addition to the main cover, by David Mack there are additional variants which showcase the best animals of the Amazon: capybaras. With one by Emanuela Lupacchino and one by Paulina Ganucheau, which is featured above, the scene is set.

Now, in Xena: Warrior Princess #3 it’s all about survival in a strange land for Gabrielle and Xena as Discord is assured that her brother Ares will eventually give her back her godhood and pull them back to Greece. As Xena and Gabrielle hunt and sustain the group, Discord pouts. However, when the trio encounters the natives of the Mirador Basin – modern day Petén, Guatemala – Discord is their lifeline to figuring out where they are and how to potentially get out.


The art of this issue is different from the last two as Pérez has taken over artist duties. While it isn’t bad, there are panels that lack details in the characters’ faces even when it is a close-up, causing a distortion in their image, most notably for Discord (shown above). While her clothing is still on point, the illustration of her face is an interesting choice and one that doesn’t sit well compared to the care shown to our two main characters. That being said, the wildlife, foliage, and indigenous peoples shown are well drawn and eye-catching.

Nalty’s colors continue to be well done and set a distinctive tone for the series. While the lettering of the panels where Discord and indigenous people talk is perfectly done, with some words coming out in English while surrounded by runic writing.

Overall, Xena: Warrior Princess #3 continues a great series. Each month, I patiently wait for the next issue like I used to wait for new episodes of the television show. I can’t think of a better writer behind my childhood icon, and as the story seems to be taking us well beyond Greek mythology, the series is fresh, fun, and something I have fallen completely in love with.

Rating: 4.5/5

[Katie]

Thanks for sharing Jean. Good review.

[Tim]

Xena and Gabrielle are now here in North America?

No one in Xena's part of the world even knew this continent existed back then. A strange land indeed.

Thanks for the review, Jean.