Ame-Comi Girls #24

Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray

Artist: Steven Cummings

Queen Mera of Atlantis makes her first appearance in Ame-Comi continuity. The issue successfully builds another corner of this alternate universe by establishing the current state of affairs between the surface world and the underwater kingdom, as well as defining the role Mera plays being a daughter of both. Small details like turning Seattle into "Little Atlantis" make of the story a fun discovery ride, just like the fight that later ensues between the Queen and the mysterious Black Manta. Palmiotti and Gray write an exciting confrontation that is not only entertaining, but also revealing, as dark secrets of the Royal family of Atlantis come out in the open. Despite the limitations of this series' format, this self-contained adventure is rich and eventful. Steven Cummings and Randy Mayor capture the beauty of the Mera PVC figure that inspired this tale. Enough ends are let loose to revisit these characters in future issues of this digital title.

Queen Mera vs. Black Manta by Steven Cummings and Randy Mayor

Ame-Comi Batgirl

Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray

Artist: Sanford Greene

Inspired by the successful line of action figures, Batgirl is the second mini leading to the ongoing Ame-Comi Girls title. In this alternate reality, Barbara Gordon and her cousin Carrie defend the streets of Gotham as Batgirl and Robin from villainesses like Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Harley Queen, and Duela Dent, the Joker's Daughter. Duela and her associates bridge the Wonder Woman mini to this one, and magnify the scope of the story to a major conspiracy. Palmiotti and Grey introduce many interesting elements to the plot, like the choice of sidekick for Batgirl; she and Robin remind me of Electrawoman and Dynagirl from The Krofft Supershow fame; that, along with the twists for Jim Gordon and another heroine who joins in, are examples of fun findings one comes across during the read. Sanford Greene's rough pencils are almost a complete opposite of Amanda Conner's smooth finishes, which makes for a somewhat brusque transition. Also, as opposed to Wonder Woman, Batgirl is not a self-contained adventure, but only the first half of a larger story that continues with Duela Dent's mini; still an entertaining three-issue series.

Batgirl by Sanford Greene

Ame-Comi Wonder Woman

Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray

Artist: Amanda Conner

Inspired in the successful line of action figures, Ame-Comi Girls is a new digital initiative by DC Comics featuring the most popular female characters of its line-up in adventures outside the New 52, all in manga-esque style. As a prelude of what will eventually become an ongoing series, Wonder Woman is the first to debut in a three-part weekly mini-series.

Palmiotti and Gray take good care in telling a whole origin story for the amazon princess, and they clearly have fun doing it; they can go anywhere they want to with the character and not be restricted by pesky continuity. This Diana brings her warrior side to the forefront, and she means business. Amanda Conner is the ideal artist for this project with her fun and expressive style.

As a product, the comic has many things in its favor: The digital format with its widespread layout, makes it feel as if one is at the movie theater. The short and sweet story with a weekly delivery is a huge plus: If you like a mini, you don't have to wait forever; if you don't like it, it will be over soon. Finally, the time DC is taking on building its own Ame-Comi world before jumping to the ongoing series, is time and effort well invested. Overall, the mini is a great start for this entertaining initiative.