Rainbow Brite Comic: Issue #2 In-Depth Review

SPOILER WARNING!! Rainbow Brite issue #2 is out, so it's time for another review! :D

To read reviews by others, check my Twitter feed where I make sure to retweet them :) I can't wait for issue #3!

SPOILERS AHEAD! Rainbow Brite Comic: Issue #1 In-Depth Review

The comic has been out for a week so it's time to dive in and do a more thorough review! SPOILER WARNING!! Do no watch unless you've already read the comic or don't mind being spoiled!

Since there are so many great reviews out there, I took quotes from several of them to make points more eloquently than I could have and included them in this video. Click here to be taken to my blog post where you can find links to all of the articles I pulled from. And click here to read Jeremy Whitley's tweets regarding the two types of parenting shown in this comic.

Rainbow Brite Comic: Issue #1 Review Quotes

I've been having a blast reading reviews from across the spectrum about Rainbow Brite issue #1 by Dynamite. By my current count, there are 25 and that's not counting the podcasts that have talked about it as well. And the best part is that, by far, the reviews have been unanimously positive! Even the reviewers who had one or two small concerns recommended the comic to readers of all ages. I may not be familiar with the comic world, but any product that garners that many accolades is impressive in my mind!

I've read reviews by die-hard fans, casual fans, folks who remember Rainbow Brite existing when they were young, and even comic readers who knew nothing about the property. Each reviewer brings a unique perspective to their experience and I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes with all of you!

"Rainbow Brite has gone through more than half a dozen incarnations through the years, but this newest one from Dynamite and a solid bench of creative talents might be one of the better ones. Supported by heartfelt characterization and a genuine wit from Jeremy Whitley and expressively stylish artwork from Brittney Williams and Valentina Pinto, Rainbow Brite #1 is a grounded, but fun new take on the property, one that is brimming with potential. Sure to please long-time Saturday morning TV fans and a whole new generation of readers unfamiliar with her colorful adventures, Rainbow Brite #1 is a well-presented beacon of positivity."
-Newsarama

"The cover of issue 1 done by Paulina Ganucheau is enough to grab attention by itself. Rainbow Bright poses serenely in a beautiful piece that blends nouveau and deco into a moody technicolor dreamscape. This cover isn't eye-candy, it's eye-soul food."
-Carrie Tupper

"The character choice to make Wisp a warrior, as simple as it may be, filled me with so much joy that I almost cried. Because, for me, she always was a warrior - a protectress who saved me from the shadows more times than I can count. I am so impressed by Whitley’s storytelling, and I cannot wait to see where he takes these characters."
-Rediscover the 80s

"I was immediately struck by the clear and solid friendship between these two girls. So much girl-oriented media engages with “mean girl” stories, the type that feed the worst examples of preteen girl in-fighting. This is especially awful when media is targeted at girls (like my ten year old) who are most likely to be vulnerable to that sort of social interaction."
-Geek Mom

"This comic is perfect for all ages, with an innocuous, fun story supported by a well defined and innocent art, this creative team of Whitley and Williams manage to establish a good foundation to take this adaptation of an animated series to another level."
-Un Comic Mas

"Jeremy Whitley, Brittney Williams, and Valentina Pinto have crafted a comic and a universe which not only covers new ground in the Rainbow Brite franchise, but also pays homage to what has come before. It is a comic which readers both young and old will be able to enjoy in equal measure. With an issue that starts like this, the future for this comic series is looking very bright."
-Equestria Daily

"It’s an empowering story for young girls, and girls of color as Willow herself is a black girl, that I feel would be welcomed with open arms and hearts by the targeted demographic. Rainbow Brite is the sort of story we need to bring in new readers, and to invite children to fall in love with the source content like many of their parents did at their age, and that’s a bonding experience that stays with you for a lifetime."
-Sirens of Sequentials

"If this comic had any other name on it other than Rainbow Brite, it would be equally enjoyable. I am interested in seeing the story progress and seeing what elements from the original "world" is used, and what has changed. The Rainbow Brite of my generation is still mine. This new one is promising. I look forward to more!"
-RainbowBrite.co

"I honestly kind of loved it. This is very clearly targeted at a younger audience, but its got kind of a Calvin and Hobbes or Adventure time feel to it, like it has room to expand. It feels like this comic is likely to mature over time and I’m excited to see some of the content and topics that will be addressed moving forward."
-Shoot the Breeze Comics

"Whitley's script feels charming and sufficiently saccharine, oozing a sense of effervescence. Williams' illustrations are airy and light in a way that infuses the issue with the right amount of bubblegum appearance. Rainbow Brite #1 is a very easy read that's still thoroughly engaging and a treat for readers of all ages."
-Omnicomic

"Willow and Wisp are so darn likable and their adventures together look great. The addition of the parents to both of the kids was well done, and they weren’t the usual tropes for parents. These are supportive, yet sensible parents who let the kids get on with their own play. As a parent I really appreciated the writing of the characters."
-3 Million Years

"When the origin story of Rainbow Brite leads with a black girl breaking from her fantasy comic to put her homemade mage hat over her natural hair and argue about Live Action Role Play with her friend, the moment is remarkable in how normal it is. She’s not a sidekick, but a precocious nerd raised by supportive, wryly humorous parents."
-Black Nerd Problems

"Friendship, particularly female friendship is a very important aspect to this comic."
-But Why Tho?

"When I saw the Paulina Ganucheau cover, and read the advance promotional material, I hoped this would be a brilliant reboot of the character that would still retain the appeal to an all-ages audience. What I got on the inside was not what I expected, and yet still lives up to my hopes."
-Critical Blast

"Pick up this series for a child. Pick this up for an adult! In a world where violence seems to be draining the color out of everything, pick up something that will make you smile. Jeremy Whitley has won many awards for his ability to weave together stories. His most notable achievement, in this author’s opinion, is the way he makes sure there are stories for his little girl to be inspired by. He writes stories for the children that don’t “fit.” He writes for the imaginative, the fantasy-lovers, the knights of all sizes and shapes!"
-Quirktastic

"Jeremy Whitely writes many comics for young girls. His characters are smart, funny, and have an excellent representation of sexualities, genders, and POCs (people of color). A must have in school libraries...I'm just saying..."
-I Smell Sheep

"Being a story based around the concept of color, getting the visuals right is imperative. The art style is perfect for 2018 kids, as it subscribes to the rotund looking styles of today's kids' TV shows (e.g. Steven Universe and the controversial Thundercats reboot). The lines are crisp and straightforward. The colors are gorgeous and uncomplicated. I really enjoy the variant covers, too."
-Florida Geek Scene

"If you’re looking an all ages comic that’s fun and colorful featuring young girls who easily pass the Bechdel test while setting out on a hero’s quest then Rainbow Brite is for you!"
-Gay League

"I feel as though things will liven up much more later on in the story."
-The ComicBookGeek

"From that one scene, I get the feeling we as readers may be presented with the concept that it doesn't matter where you come from or how you're raised, its who you become that decides your destiny. Being able to take these kinds of complex thoughts from such a simple premise is pretty cool, and I'm glad this series is going to continue. The television show from the 80's was such a fun and engrossing experience and I hope the comic can capture some of that radiance as it builds."
-Chico Comics Page

"This was a really nice set up issue, The art is fantastic and Whitley again showcases his talent for writing authentic young women. It will be fun to see how this series develops."
-Fiction State of Mind

"it is striking and current, especially in a time when the average girl, while accepting the figure of the princess as an ideal, is much more attractive the idea that a protagonist could get to the level of a character that, if it had been presented in those years, it was exclusive for the child." (translated from Spanish)
-Capital Comic

"Our heroines are creative, innocent, and fun, which is the perfect description for this series so far and exactly the type of book we need more of in these often dark, colorless times."
-Rogues Portal

"As colour is a very important part of the story, it draws your eye to how Valentina Pinto applies it. For the most part, we get a lot of bright primary colours. From the opening writing sequence through to when Wisp returns home at night, everything’s bright and colourful. It’s only when she’s confronted by the shadow brutes that we start to see a change. Given the final page of the issue, I’m very interested to see what happens in Rainbow Land."
-Eddy Currents

"After reading issue 1 of Dynamite’s new Rainbow Brite comic, I’d suggest those picking up this comic on brand recognition alone might need to adjust their expectations accordingly. Regardless, every story has the potential to be someone’s first experience of a particular genre; and this would be a solid introduction to the world of Rainbow Brite."
-Black Nerd Problems

"The illustrations are bright and eye catching, the writing is witty and fun but not so much that it would go over the heads of younger readers. The lettering is well placed and non-intrusive which again for younger readers and readers like me with dyslexia makes all the difference."
-Comic Crusaders

"Rainbow Brite #1 is a shining example of what an all-ages title should aim for.  It obviously is going to be more light-hearted and innocent than your normal comics, but it doesn’t shy away from subtlety and nuance.  Most all-ages titles feel that they have to explain every little thing in extreme detail, but Rainbow Brite #1 is content to let you put some pieces together."
-Heroic Legacy

Now that the comic is out for everyone to read, I'll be recording my own non-spoiler-free review soon, but I'm sure I'll be echoing many of these wonderful comments as I add in my own! What do you think of Rainbow Brite issue #1?

Rainbow Brite Comic: Issue #1 Reviews

Several people (including myself) were given the opportunity to read advanced preview copies of Rainbow Brite: Issue #1 and the reviews have been unanimously positive! You can watch my spoiler-free first-impression review here, and you'll find links to many other reviews below:

Newsarama Review
Carrie Tupper Review
Rediscover the 80s Review
Geek Mom Review
Un Comic Mas Review (Spanish and English)
Equestria Daily Review
Sirens of Sequentials Review
RainbowBrite.co Review
Shoot the Breeze Comics Review
Omnicomic Review
3 Million Years Review
Black Nerd Problems Review
But Why Tho? Review
Critical Blast Review
Quirktastic Review
I Smell Sheep Review
Florida Geek Scene Review
Gay League Review
The ComicBookGeek Review
Chico Comics Page Review
Fiction State of Mind Review
Capital Comic Review (Spanish)
Rogues Portal Review
Eddy Currents Review
Comic Crusaders Review
Heroic Legacy Review
Eye on Comics Review
TMStash Review #1 [review #2]
Good Comics for Kids Review
Women Write About Comics Review
The Comics Bolt Review
6 Nerdy Chicks Review
The Comics Cube Review
Hell Yeah Teen Superheroes Review
Doom Rocket Review

Rainbow Brite Comic: Interview with Kevin Dilmore of Hallmark

Since we've seen such great interviews from the comic's author, I thought it would be fun (and informative!) to interview someone from Hallmark who has overseen the project from the beginning. Thankfully, Kevin Dilmore, senior writer and PopMinded host for Hallmark, was more than happy to talk to me and answer some questions! Check it out :)

Rainbow Brite Comic: Interviews with the Author

Jeremy Whitley, author of the upcoming Rainbow Brite comic series, has been conducting interviews to answer questions about this exciting new project. I got to conduct one of those interviews myself! But I wanted to include links to all of his interviews here so that you'll be up-to-date on all of the latest developments in this upcoming story. Check 'em out! Each interview leaves me more and more excited to read this new chapter in Rainbow Brite's history!

I Smell Sheep Interview
Comics Worth Reading Interview
Previews World Interview
Part-Time Fanboy Podcast Episode 245
Newsarama Interview
Rediscover the 80s Interview
Shoot the Breeze Comics Interview
Sequential Tart Interview

Rainbow Brite Comic Author and Artist Tweets

When the news broke about the upcoming Rainbow Brite comic book, several fans took to Twitter to announce their excitement. Here are some great tweet responses from the team working on the comic itself!

Glad you're excited! I may have used your site for reference a time or two!

— Jeremy Whitley @ SDCC (@jrome58) July 17, 2018

Well it's been a ball to write so far. We're trying to honor the original while adding some new wrinkles. Hopefully you love it too!

— Jeremy Whitley @ SDCC (@jrome58) July 17, 2018

You tagged wrong but it still got to me. Listen, like I wouldn't include Stormy if I got a chance...

— Jeremy Whitley @ SDCC (@jrome58) July 17, 2018

I think you'll love the book. I'm having a ball writing it

— Jeremy Whitley @ SDCC (@jrome58) July 17, 2018

Luckily she's cute and rainbow colored. So it was still in my wheelhouse.

— Tony Fleecs (@TonyFleecs) July 17, 2018

METOO

— Paulina Ganucheau (@PlinaGanucheau) July 17, 2018

Get to Know the Rainbow Brite Comic Team

As fans, we are so lucky to have top-notch individuals working on this project. I truly believe their combined experience and passion will create amazing results. So, without further ado, let's get to know them better!

Writer: Jeremy Whitley (Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Contact)
Birthday: March 24, 1984
Experience: Comixology portfolio

Interviews: She Has No Head! – An Interview With Princeless Creator Jeremy Whitley and Secret Love, Princeless, and Ponies on Nerds of Color

Internal Artist: Xenia Pamfil (Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Contact)

Experience: Comixology portfolio

Interviews: Black Ship Interviews Xenia Pamfil

Internal Artist (Issues 1-3): Brittney Williams (Website, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Contact) Birthday: October 10, 1989

Experience: Comixology portfolio

Interviews: Hope Larson and Brittney Williams discuss 'Goldie Vance,' their upcoming teen detective comic book series, Cracking the Mysteries of 'Goldie Vance' with Hope Larson and Brittney Williams and “We Take The Stuff We Like And Throw The Rest Out” – Re-Writing The 60’s For Goldie Vance With Hope Larson And Brittney Williams

Cover Artist: Paulina Ganucheau (Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Shop, Contact) Birthday: November 12
Experience: Comixology portfolio

Interviews: Hire This Woman: Artist Paulina Ganucheau, Paulina Ganucheau Talks Art and Zodiac Starforce, The Art Corner Ep 8 - Interview with Paulina Ganucheau, Not Your Typical Princess Story: An Interview with ANOTHER CASTLE: GRIMOIRE Creators Andrew Wheeler and Paulina Ganucheau, Interview With Zodiac Starforce Creators, The Mary Sue Interview: Dark Horse’s Magical Girl Comic Zodiac Starforce Is Your New Favorite Thing, and By the Power of Astra! Interview with Kevin Panetta and Paulina Ganucheau


Colorist: Valentina Pinto (Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, DeviantArt)
Birthday: August 4
Experience: Comixology portfolio

Interviews: Exploring Two Clone Wars-Era Fan Favorites in IDW's Star Wars Forces of Destiny: Ahsoka & Padme


Editor: Kevin Ketner (Twitter, Instagram)
Experience: Comixology portfolio

Letterer: Taylor Esposito (Website, Twitter, Facebook)
Birthday: August 17
Experience: Comixology portfolio

Interviews: What Does a Letterer Do? My interview with Red Hood’s Taylor Esposito, Taylor Esposito on the Craft & Importance of Comic Book Lettering, The Process: Taylor Esposito Helps Your Comics Speak, Inside The Mind Of Comic-Book Letterer: Interview w/ Taylor Esposito, Comic Book Conversations #7: Taylor Esposito, Outside the Panels: Taylor Esposito, and [Creator Spotlight] Letterer of the Month – January 2018: Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios


Guest Cover Artist: Tony Fleecs (Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, DeviantArt)
Birthday: July 24, 1979
Experience: Comixology portfolio

Interviews: Live at NYCC- Tony Fleecs Interview: How do you write comics?, Live at NYCC- Tony Fleecs Interview: What's it like making comics?, BABSCon 2015 - Tony Fleecs Interview, Tony Fleecs Interviewed by Christina Rice, ConStars: MLP Comic Book Artist Tony Fleecs, Equestria Daily Interview Series: Tony Fleecs, “He’s not too worried about it.”, Champions of the Champion of Earth: An Interview with Joshua Hale Fialkov and Tony Fleecs, and DCC 2018 - Tony Fleecs Interview (My Little Pony)


Guest Cover Artist: Anoosha Syed (Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, DeviantArt)
Birthday: November 7, 1993
Experience: Comixology portfolio

Interviews: Artist Interview with Anoosha Syed, The Art Corner Ep. 10 - Interview with Anoosha Syed, Exclusive: Meet Anoosha Syed, the Artist Inventing Modern-Day Disney Princesses, and Illustrator Anoosha Syed talks art

Rainbow Brite is Coming Back in Comic Form!

On July 17th, Dynamite Entertainment and Hallmark announced that they are producing a Rainbow Brite comic book series that will debut in October of this year! The series will be written by Jeremy Whitley and drawn by Brittney Williams. The first issue will have four different covers to choose from (or collect all of *wink*). The first two are drawn by artists Paulina Ganucheau and Tony Fleecs, respectively. The third features familiar artwork from Hallmark, and the fourth will be blank so that you can have your favorite artist draw a unique cover for you!

Additionally, the first cover is being printed in poster form and will be available during San Diego Comic Con at the PopMinded by Hallmark booth (#1505) between 4:00-5:30pm on Saturday. You can even have it signed by the author!

I will be writing multiple blog posts about this, I feel sure, as I get to know more about the team working on this project and any other details that may be revealed before October. But, for now, here is the Press Release, full of exciting information!

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Dynamite Entertainment and Hallmark today announced the classic character Rainbow Brite comes to comics and brings a little color to your life! The adventure begins for children and adults alike, as writer Jeremy Whitley (My Little Pony, Unstoppable Wasp) and artist Brittney Williams (Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat!, Goldie Vance) deliver a brand new all-ages monthly series.

Following the massive success of younger reader titles such as Grumpy Cat, Boo: The World’s Cutest Dog, and Bob’s Burgers, Nancy Drew, Dynamite Entertainment welcomes the most colorful girl in the world, Rainbow Brite, to their fall 2018 lineup.

“Rainbow Brite captured the imaginations of kids born in the ’80s (like myself) as a fantasy heroine who could change the world not just through magic, but through kindness,” stated author Jeremy Whitley. “She is a symbol of what can happen when we all work together and fight back against the shadows that want to drain all of the color from the world.”

In Rainbow Brite, Wisp and Willow are best friends who live in a small town. They are inseparable, until one night Wisp discovers something is stealing the color from the world. To escape their grasp, Wisp must use her wits and the help of a new friend…from somewhere else! Then the adventure begins…

“The world needs a young hero clad in a rainbow now more than ever in a world where things are often simplified into black and white and it’s easy for people to turn their back on people not like them,” added Whitley.

Jeremy Whitley is scheduled to sign Rainbow Brite posters from 4-5:30pm on Saturday, July 21 at the PopMinded by Hallmark booth #1505 at San Diego Comic-Con 2018.

“We’re very excited to release this series for younger readers,” said Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment. “Rainbow Brite has some history in comics, so we’re pleased to bring her back to print with Jeremy’s story which fans of all ages will love.”

The debut issue of Rainbow Brite #1 delivers a wide selection of cover variants, providing fans and retailers a chance to collect the whole set! The cover artwork features the talents of Paulina Ganucheau (Zodiac Starforce), Tony Fleecs (My Little Pony), and a classic cover, respectively.

A Blank Authentix Edition will be available as a variant for Rainbow Brite #1 featuring the same great story, but with a blank cover for fans to get their favorite artist to draw their version of Rainbow Brite and friends.

Rainbow Brite #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ August 2018 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in October 2018. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies of Rainbow Brite #1 with their local comic book retailers. Rainbow Brite #1 will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, iVerse, Madefire, and Dark Horse Digital.

Source: https://www.cbr.com/rainbow-brite-returns-comic-series/