GO GIRL #4

By: Arnold T. Blumberg
Date: Sunday, August 26, 2001

Some comic book fans may recall that Trina Robbins once wrote herself into the pop culture history books by designing the original costume for Vampirella. Now she's teamed with Anne Timmons to present a charming new series focusing on a teen superheroine named Go Girl. Her mother was an adventurer in the 1970s (named Go-Go Girl of all things!), and now Lindsay Goldman has inherited her mother Janet's ability to fly and her old costume as well. The result a light-hearted all-ages super-series that offers simple but stylish artwork and a positive role model for young female readers.

In this issue, Lindsay and her mother are off to visit her mother's old superheroine partner, Right-On Sister. Now she's just plain Liz, and she's invited Janet and Lindsay to her ranch. But this is a superhero series after all, so you know something will inspire Lindsay to swing into action as Go Girl before we get to the halfway point. Fortunately, there's plenty of mystery to be had at Liz's ranch cattle has been disappearing (UFO fanatics can peg this one a mile away), and a new handyman named Hoss keeps complaining that someone "left" him here and hasn't returned for him yet.

Go Girl begins to piece together the elements of a conspiracy, but then she's taken out of action by a low-hanging tree bough. Fortunately, a dog who's learned a lesson or two from Lassie comes to the rescue and brings Liz and Janet to Lindsay's aid. They discover that the disappearing cattle have been stolen by rustlers, but the thieves only admit to taking a few of Liz's livestock. Who or what took the rest? Come on, guys, you know where this is going! Remember that peculiar handyman, Hoss? Think you might be able to figure out where he really came from?

This is a warm-hearted title that deserves more attention for offering attractive, well-rounded adventure tales for readers both young and old. GO GIRL also recaptures the mood of other classic comics for female readers like KATY KEENE, allowing readers the chance to send in clothing designs for Go Girl, two of which are featured on the back cover of this issue. The industry needs more titles for girls and young readers in general, and GO GIRL is a welcome addition. Besides, any series that manages to work in the old cliché, "Meanwhile, back at the ranch," and actually have it work within the context of the plot deserves praise.

GO GIRL

Grade: A

Issue: No. 4

Author(s): Trina Robbins, Anne Timmons

Publisher: Image Comics

Price: $3.50