Writers: Jennifer Muro, Thomas Krajewski
Artist: Gretel Lusky
Publisher: DC Comics
Released: June 23^rd, 2020
Received: Own

DC introduces another new and young heroine in Primer. Jennifer Muro, Thomas Krajewski, and Gretel Lusky worked hard to create an upbeat and approachable character here – one that any age group will hopefully enjoy (but especially a younger audience).

The name of this series might just give away a few details. Ashley Rayburn is one of those impossibly happy girls – despite her family history. Now she’s in foster care, and she’s done a great job making the best of it.

One of her foster parents is a brilliant scientist, who one day brought home a project that they really shouldn’t have. Unfortunately, it was that or leave it in the hands of their employer, which is unarguably the wrong hands in this case.

Long story short, Ashley got her hands on that top secret tech, which at first just looked like pretty paint. Now, she’s a young superhero known as Primer.

Primer is such a short yet endearing graphic novel. It’s fun and quirky, and really does a great job of portraying a hero who is both young and truly happy with who she is. It’s inspiring to see, that much is certain!

I personally adore the whole concept behind her character. Or more accurately, behind her powers. Paint fueled power sounds like a lot of fun, especially when you can make all sorts of combinations.

The creativity knows no bounds in this new origin story, and that is going to be something that catches attention. I don’t know if there are any future plans for Primer (aka Ashley Rayburn), but I sincerely hope so. I’d love to see her team up with some of the other young heroes out there. Or just continue doing her thing. Either would be fine in my book.

The artwork is, as one might imagine, pretty bright and happy. There’s lots of colors in Primer – and not just because of the paint she drops all over herself. Gretel Lusky did a brilliant job with the use of negative space in contrast to those bold colors. Plus, to put it simply, I adore all the paint splotches all over. It’s evocative for her character.

Overall, this is a pretty light and fun read. Sure, Ashley’s past is a bit dark, but I adore that she doesn’t let it get her down. I feel like that is an important message to hold onto. Fingers crossed that we’ll see more of her!