Coalition of Malice | |
Publication date | September 2011 |
Published by | KABOOM! |
ISBN | 978-1-60886-678-6 |
Wordgirl: Coalition of Malice is the first issue of a short series of WordGirl graphic novels distributed by KABOOM! and Scholastic. The issue contains two short comics, Coalition of Malice and Super Fans.
The comic was followed by the second issue, The Incredible Shrinking Allowance.
Summary[]
WORD UP!
Join WordGirl and Captain Huggy Face as they fight for truth, justice, and use of the right word! But a titanic team-up spells trouble when WordGirl's arch-villains The Butcher, Mr. Big, Dr. Two-Brains, Granny May, and Chuck the Evil Sandwich-Making Guy join forces... as the fearsome Coalition of Malice! Also, what's WordGirl to do when her biggest fans in the world are caught in the middle of a repetitious rampage of the wicked Lady Redundant Woman? Find out in "Super Fans!"
KABOOM! proudly brings you all-new adventures of WordGirl—based on the Emmy Award-winning animated PBS show.
Plot[]
Coalition of Malice[]
An over-worked and exhausted WordGirl and Captain Huggy Face are interrupted in the middle of the night by a crime alarm, causing them to miss precious sleep time and instead have to go to the wharf. When they arrive, they are ambushed by a team-up of villains (Mr. Big, Dr. Two-Brains, Granny May, Chuck the Evil Sandwich Making Guy, and the Butcher) who have formed a team known as the Coalition of Malice. The group announces their plans to defeat WordGirl and unmask her, only for WordGirl and Huggy to... fall asleep right on the spot.
The Coalition, surprised by how easy their objective has suddenly become, starts to argue over whether or not it is 'sporting' to unmask WordGirl while she is asleep. As they argue, one of Tobey's robots picks up WordGirl and Huggy and brings them to safety. Tobey explains to WordGirl that he has decided to help her as revenge against the Coalition for not letting him join, however his status as a villain limits exactly how helpful he is allowed to be. WordGirl then comes up with a plan to defeat the Coalition.
The next day, WordGirl, Huggy, Tobey and his robots deliver letters to each member of the Coalition, intending to both lure them to the park and trick them into once again arguing against each other. The plan succeeds, and WordGirl is able to easily fly in and tie up the five villains before they even know what is happening. She then lectures the Coalition on the futility of trying to cooperate with other untrusting villains; the Coalition unanimously agrees and disbands before being taken to jail. WordGirl thanks Tobey for his help and departs.
That night, WordGirl and Huggy are finally able to get a good night's sleep.
Super Fans[]
While goofing around at the mall, Becky and Bob witness Lady Redundant Woman (and her many copies) robbing the many stores. The pair transforms into WordGirl and Captain Huggy Face in order to fight back, but are suddenly overwhelmed by a group of adoring, clingy WordGirl fans, led by TJ. Despite being well-intentioned, the fans end up distracting WordGirl, and Lady Redundant Woman escaped. WordGirl flies TJ home and tries to explain the situation.
Unfortunately, the fans take things even further the next day, dressing AS WordGirl and treating TJ like royalty. Lady Redundant Woman mistakes the fans for an army (similar to her own army of clones) and is briefly intimidated, but quickly realizes they are just powerless kids and takes them hostage. She then ties up a surrendering WordGirl and escapes yet again.
WordGirl pursues Lady Redundant Woman and tries one last time to turn the overbearing fans to her advantage. She comes up with a new, safe plan for them to participate in... just as the fans drop everything and leave at the sight of singing sensation Tony Vance. WordGirl is once again alone, except for TJ, who apologizes for the entire situation and for his fellow fans' fickle loyalty. Just then, a group of Captain Huggy Face fans (known for their much stronger loyalty) appear and offer to help WordGirl with her plan. The fans pelt Lady Redundant Woman with tomatoes and WordGirl is finally able to capture her, before flying away with her (newly appreciated) fan TJ.
Credits[]
"Coalition of Malice"[]
Writer: Chris Karwowski
Art and Colors: Steve Young
Cover Art: Steve Young
Letters: Jason Arthur
Editor: Christopher Meyer
"Super Fans"[]
Writer: Chris Karwowski
Art: Pat Lapierre
Colors: Braden Lamb
Letters: Deron Bennett
Cover Art: Steve Young
Editor: Christopher Meyer
Special thanks to Lynne Karppi, Danielle Gillis, and Gary Hymowitz
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Text-less pages credited from artist Steve Young's portfolio page which can be seen here.
- In this comic, Granny May refers to WordGirl's headgear as a 'hood'. However, the episode "Tim Botsford: Neighborhood Assistant" would later confirm that it is actually a helmet.
- This is the only time Mr. Big is shown wielding weapons; specifically, a pair of rocket shoes and a pair of mind-controlling brass knuckles.
- This is the only time that Becky is shown to have a 'WordGirl alarm' in her bedroom.
- Like every other issue, the last two pages of this comic include an added glossary of words used throughout the two stories. These include: Exhausted, Coalition, Malice, Professional, Amateur, Confused, Innocent, Corrupt, Convinced, Multiply, Clones, Autograph, Esteem, Convention, Distracted, Stunned, Impressed, Satellite and Inspired.