Last month's issue left us at a cliffhanger and I was anxiously awaiting the chaos that was unleashed by Wulf. As I predicted that evil looking genie was up to no good. But let me just back track here real quick with saying that even if you haven't been following Sela and Belinda from the very beginning, this arc is a perfect place to jump in. Issue 101 gave readers a brief intro so it doesn't feel like your lost in the plot and this month continues a new adventure that old and new fans will love.
Let's get on with this month's plot. Wulf thought he was being slick shit when he stole Ali's lamp, but turns out the genie he unleashed isn't very friendly. As each student is sleeping the genie asks "what do you wish," seems generous but each wish turns awry. Wulf turns into this hyper masculine narcissistic warrior that goes on a rampage. Skylar asks to be wanted, so naturally being an evil genie dude he turns her into a wanted fugitive. Hailey is turned into water and Violet basically opens a hell portal to Wonderland. So all very interesting stuff. Surprisingly it all gets resolved in this one issue so I'm guessing we are in for a whirlwind of chaos for the next one.
What I really enjoyed about this issue is that we got to see Ali's backstory. And I'm hoping they do that for each character because it really helps the reader connect and align with a character. Ali's story was really heartfelt and I can't blame the kid for bringing a genie with him. Ali's ability is too interact with the dead; however, he was told to keep it at bay until he was old enough to fully appreciate it. So when his mother died he tried to contact her but to no avail so that's where the genie comes in. Why I really like Ali is because when everything hits the fan he wishes that he never had brought the genie. He only got one wish and instead of wishing for his mother he saved everyone. Top notch kid.
I am 100% on board with this arc. I know we are only on the second issue but I'm hooked. The visuals were so beautiful and the colors really made the issue. Everything from the genie's ghostly green to the bright spring colors of Ali's world was alluring.
Score: 5/5
Writer: Pat Shand Artist: Andrea Meloni Publisher: Zenescope Entertainment Price: $3.99 Release Date: 9/10/14 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital