MISC. MANGA, *Barda

Over the last few years, DC Comics has run a series of graphic novels specifically geared towards teenage and young adult audiences where they reintroduce stock DC characters for a whole new audience. Each one of these books is in their own separate reality, so you don't need to be familiar with decades of backstory to enjoy a fresh take on an iconic character or even a lesser-known one. Barda is based on Jack Kirby's Mister Miracle comics of the Bronze Age who was an alien amazon that acted as the title hero's love interest and eventually wife that would never get the infamous "fridging" since she's on the same super-human levels of Wonder Woman. Written and drawn by Ngozi Ukazu whose prior works included First Second's Check, Please! and Bunt!, she gives Big Barda a contemporary remodeling for the 21st Century as literally one the strongest female characters in comic books.

Set on the planet of Apokolips, they are in a constant star war with the neighboring world of New Genesis. Each planet is the total opposite of each other, where New Genesis is a shining utopia, Apokolips is a desolate dystopia ruled with an iron grip by the evil god Darkseid. Barda is the new leader of Darkseid's elite all-girl squadron called the Female Furies who moved up the ranks after originally being a prisoner of the same system under the scrutinous watch of the wicked Granny Goodness. The new captain is placed with breaking the only prisoner to have actually escaped Granny's grasp, the rebellious Scott Free. After trying to get to find out the recaptured outcast's secrets, Barda begins to question her place on Apokolips, especially after her ally Aurelie is punished for the simple act of dancing. The statuesque soldier servers her ties with Darkseid and helps Scott break free, mostly due the budding romance that she develops with the soon to be World's Greatest Escape Artist.

The Barda graphic novel shows how a central female character can gain her real strength not just from believing in herself or giving into some matriarchal philosophy, but by the power of love. It is an overused cliche having warmth and compassion being the universal solution to all problems, even ones on a galactic scale such as this set in Jack Kirby's Fourth World saga, but Barda successfully demonstrates how love can bridge alliances and sever the bonds of war. Barda's discovery of empathy to other people's feelings opens up a new world to her which changes her whole perspective on to becoming a warrior of peace instead of power. The comic has a genuine anime design to it, although some might point out its also influenced by the current CalArts style. Barda is an invigorating take on a secondary character who steps into the spotlight.