Liberty Lass: a webcomic review

Synopsis Review


Liberty Lass is an unapologetic celebration of patriotism, cast in the Comics Code compliant style of Bronze Age. Creator Steve Vincent's love for Bronze Age comics goes so far that he even has a fictional company--the Cosmic Comic Company--that "produces" the title. Liberty Lass is a character originally generated for the online gaming world, City of Heroes. Currently, Vincent has produced five full issues of Liberty Lass.

Issue 1: Birthright, part one: self evident truths introduces us to U.S. history nerd Abigail "Abby" Madison who, while en route to get a simple chocolate shake, happens upon the attempted robbery of an armored car by the Rapscallions, a trio of super villains.  The leader, Jackal, initially promises no harm will come to bystanders, but makes clear this is contingent on "not trying anything stupid."

It being the 21st century and all, one young woman in the crowd attempts to use her phone and this is interpreted as the aforementioned "something stupid."  When one of the Rapscallions lashes out at the girl, Abby heroically shoves her to safety; but proves a step too slow to save herself.

Abby is engulfed in flames.  Shockingly, she emerges from the flames, her clothes immolated--with the curious exception of the fabrics covering her breasts and genitals.   

[Good ole' Comics Code. Are the average person's undergarments made of asbestos in this fictional world?]

The villains assume Abby must be a "super" and launch a full force attack. Through this engagement, Abby discovers she possesses superhuman strength and the ability to fly, as well as extreme durability. Though she puts up a good fight for a novice, in the end Abby is rescued by the timely arrival of Shield of Dawn--the world's premiere superhero team.

The villains subdued, Shield of Dawn leader Dr. Synapse offers to scan Abby's mind to determine more about her suddenly-manifested powers. He notes her signature is unusually strong and that he's only known one other person with that sort of signature. He writes down an address and offers to introduce Abby to this mystery person if she will meet him there. Somewhat tentatively, she agrees.

At this point, Abby scuttles on home where she is able to change into a new set of clothes just before her mother walks through the front door. Unsure how much to to reveal, Abby elects to keep her newfound discovery to herself...for now.

The next day at Eldredge Prepatory, Abby is grilled by her friends Jackson and Deena when they learn that she was present at the site of the "big superhero battle" the previous day. Again, Abby hesitates but ultimately determines NOT to reveal her newfound identity. Here follows the stereotypical angsty self-questioning, "Will I have to start telling lies and half truths to everyone I know?"

The first issue ends with Abby meeting Dr. Synapse outside a nursing home. Upon entering, the Dr. introduces her to a man named Lincoln Hamilton. It is revealed that the octagenerian [who, frankly, looks like he should be in his forties] reveals that he was once the superhero known as Liberty Man--the original superhero!

While I initially planned to provided synopses for each of Liberty Lass's chapters, Internet connectivity problems have complicated that.  Rather than postpone this review any longer, I decided to cut the issue synopses off, offer my overall ratings, and "move on down the road."  Here's hoping YOU give Liberty Lass a read and maybe even a subscription!

Sustainability - 4

Vincent's kept churning out content for going on three years now.  This leads me to believe he'll be able (and willing) to keep it up. 

Language - 4

The (from my perspective) excessively sensitive may object to some of the flash back language (e.g., when Lincoln Hamilton refers to having fought "the krauts" in WWII, or his tendency to address Abby as "little lady")

I've not run across anything along the lines of what you'd traditionally consider a "curse word."

Violence - 5

As with MOST, The "violence" in here is not much to worry about.  It seeks to adhere to the old Comics Code Authority standards. 

Sexuality - 5

For as far as I've read through the comic, I've not seen anything would cause me to worry about excessive sexuality.

Political Leanings - 4

As indicated above, this comic is thoroughly steeped in classic American patriotism.  It makes not apologies and not attempt to  hem and haw on that topic.  If you like that, then you'll likely love Vincent's work.  If you don't, then my rating scale won't go low enough for you.  Personally, as a fan of the late 80's Captain America, I'm more in favor of this than not.  So I give the comic a 4 on this point.

Morality - 3
Though I do like the proud patriotism--primarily because it's so atypical in today's superhero comics environment--I back off a bit on the morality score because the tone Vincent strikes seems to me to flirt with being "excessive."  I would feel comfortable bumping up the morality score a bit more if in future issues Abby exhibits a clear-headed objective assessment of her country's greatness and its flaws.
 

Artwork - 2

My weak scoring on art has more to do with the fact that this particular style (pure CGI, or whatever I should call it) is just not really my "cup of tea." 

Storytelling - 2

While I do appreciate the patriotic tone of the storytelling, thus far its complexity and sophistication could be better.  However, practice does make perfect, and given Vincent's dedication to stay after it, I have no doubt he will continue to improve.

Overall Rating: 3.6