Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #1 by Stephanie Phillips and Valeria Favoccia (Comixology Originals)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this edition, we’re checking out a brand new series on the Comixology Originals line at some fans might already know the main character, who has starred in her own series of novels. Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #1 by Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, and Saida Temofonte bring Beatrix Rose, the popular character from the Mark Dawson books to the comic world in a big way! Let’s check out the explosive first issue, shall we?

Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #1 - On sale July 12th
Creative: Stephanie Phillips, Valeria Favoccia, Ellie Wright, Sheelagh D, Saida Temofonte (Cover: Adriana Melo)
Credit: Comixology Originals

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The background of Rose is that she worked for 15, a British Intelligence Group until she was betrayed by her team. She disappeared after that until her re-appearance. The issue starts off in 2006 Hong Kong, where someone is disposing of a corrupt businessman and his associates. There are no punches pulled as our narrator who’s disposing of these people is none other than Beatrix Rose. Rose gives the readers a quick run down of events: Husband has been murdered. Her Daughter - kidnapped. She’s on her own and moving in the shadows, working for the Triad. Being the gun-for-hire wasn’t exactly the plan but a bad direction is better than no direction.

When Rose has been given her next assignment, she brings work on tracking down “Yaomo” or “Demon”, whos been assassinating Triad members. Readers get a glimpse into how Rose goes about preparing for these missions with great narration as a backdrop. From here, Rose goes to work and comes face to face with her intended target. Once there’s a meeting of these two forces, Rose now comes to the realization this mission won’t be as easy as she might have thought.

There couldn’t be a better writer selected for this than Stephanie Phillips. If you haven’t checked her work out on We Only Kill Each Other , the amazing Grim from Boom Studios or a little book called Harley Quinn over at DC Comics just to name a few, Phillips is crushing it right now. Bringing Rose to the comic world after having the established book audience is tricky to pull off. Phillips gives her a strong introduction from her first assignment we see. The narration is perfect for new readers to the character (like myself) which gives enough, but not everything away about Rose’s past. The fight scenes are laid out exceptionally well, much due to Phillips’ background as a Maui Thai fighter (source: Beatrix Rose press release). The pace never slows down but it doesn’t have to here. Rose in action is the story and it’s one that locks you in from the jump.

Favoccia does a fantastic job bringing the Hong Kong Underworld to life through Rose’s actions. The fights feel very intense and captures the readers attention without letting go. The first encounter with Yaomo and Rose is excellent. It’s arguably the strongest visual moments of this issue after the intro pages. Seeing what a force she is, Rose instantaneously connects with the readers. The world of espionage mixed with underground looks like this will be a fun ride to jump on board with.

Overall, This new world of Beatrix Rose shows promise and excitement with its first issue. Incredible storytelling and art set the stage for what looks to be a non-stop thrill ride with intrigue thrown in the mix. Make sure you check this out on Comixology this week. It’s one that doesn’t miss its mark.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Beatrix Rose: Vigilante #1. Thanks for reading.

BEATRIX ROSE: VIGILANTE #1 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS)

Ken M