Primer Clashing Colors #1 by Jennifer Muro, Thomas Krajewski, and Gretel Lusky hits the shelves this week, but before we get into that, let’s recap!
Primer debuted in 2020; bringing a fresh face, and brand new character into the DC Universe from the same creative team who have reunited for Primer: Clashing Colors. We met 13-year-old Ashley Rayburn. Her father is a known criminal who used her in a crime that landed him in prison, resulting in Ashley being rotated through several foster homes.
I think we can all somewhat relate to being a victim of our parents’ actions (maybe not an accessory to murder, but hey, I don’t know your history). Being a child, your mind is super impressionable. You also dote on every little thing your parents tell you because they’re your primary caregivers, teachers, and mentors. If they are bad people, however, you can be manipulated into believing you’re doing the right thing. In Ashley’s case, she knew no better – a frightened child listening to her father.
Where there are traumatized characters, I will be reading and reviewing them. I’m a sucker for a troubled character and maybe I like to analyze their mentalities a lot more than what’s considered healthy.
Despite the hefty introduction to the characters’ past, the comic itself is incredibly light-hearted and gives off a real “coming of age” vibe. Primer: Clashing Colors #1 explores Ashley’s independence and takes you on a colorful journey as you watch her confidence grow.
Primer is a character suitable for all ages but caters more to a younger audience. A 13-year-old who goes through the foster system, has a manipulative father, and lost a parent seems like daunting stuff but it makes it all the more relatable and gives a voice to those with similar experiences. Not to forget, amazing superpowers!
Her set of body paints grant Ashley a range of special powers. She can only use three colors at a time, but she is basically the most powerful superhero, right? Since she can choose any of the thousands of combos. I find it incredibly clever. This gives room for the character to have a long-lasting run to explore each variation.
Thomas Krajewski is known for his work on The Fairly OddParents and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, making him an ideal fit for this new original character. He knows how to appeal to younger audiences, and I think Primer would make a good animation that would do very well. It ticks all the boxes for a fun, lovable, and entertaining story.
Jennifer Muro is no stranger to writing superheroes, she’s worked on Justice League Action and DC Super Hero Girls in the past; again, I think she’s a perfect fit. Alongside Krajewski, the pair expertly build a new character up and develop each character perfectly while keeping the story their main focus.
Gretel Lusky is a brilliant artist. You really can’t have a book about an artistic teenager with magical paint and have the art itself lack essential qualities that bring the entire book together. It’s clean, animated, and most importantly, it’s bold and vibrant. This is expected from Lusky. Everything I’ve seen by her is gorgeous. Her aesthetic is exactly up my alley so she’s got a gold star from me. If Gretel had a tattoo flash sheet – I would be covered in her style, I’m not kidding.
If you’re searching for something fresh and fun, Primer: Clashing Colors is an ideal read and a great addition to any comic collection simply for the execution alone. I’d like to stay close and watch where this is going and I’d definitely be thrilled to see Primer continue her adventures on the page and elsewhere.
One reply on “Primer: Clashing Colors #1 Review”
This is very confusing. The writers know how to write children stuff and early teen stuff, but clashing colors feels like a kid story more than the original thing. I know this is dc for kids story, but I enjoyed the original story. There are characters that adults and kids can like at the same time, but I wish I understood why this story feels more childish than the origin. Now I feel bad in wasting money in the origin book.