The Unstoppable Wasp #5 Review - Marvel Monday

Written by: Jeremy Whitley
Art by: Elsa Charretier, Megan M. Wilson and Joe Caramagna
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 3, 2017
Review by: Andrew McAvoy

At the end of the last issue we were left with Nadia (the Unstoppable Wasp) being reunited with her childhood friend Ying. It would have been a heart-felt reunion, unfortunately marred by the fact that Ying had been turned into a human bomb by the pair's former captors. So the pressure is put on Nadia to somehow diffuse the explosive placed in Ying's head before a big, and lethal, mess is made. Luckily she also has the Avenger's butler Jarvis to hand, as well as her newly assembled G.I.R.L technology and science unit. Let's see if there is a sting in the tail for poor Ying...


This issue sees the series settle into something of a steady rhythm. Up until now it has focused upon Nadia's relocation in the USA, and her piecemeal assembly of her novel (all-female) science and technology think-tank unit G.I.R.L. Now that her unit is finally in place they face their first challenge. They are easing their way in, they only have to work out how to diffuse the bomb in Ying's head before it explodes with lethal force wiping out their entire unit. Easy peasy then.

They set to work, after a rather breakneck race to the laboratory in Jarvis' car (and a rather bizarre debate about whether Nadia should wear a seatbelt). The rest of the issue centers on the "will they/wont they' in relation to finding a solution to the deadly conundrum. Again we see Matt Murdock dragged into the fray as Nadia's court date to secure residency in the USA clashes with their pressing task. His cameo's as lawyer are fun in this series, and its amusing how he seems baffled at Nadia's continually idiosyncratic logic.

As a male in his mid-30s I am acutely aware that this series isn't targeted at me as its core audience. There is however something that I find really appealing about it. The writing has had to take a shift in this issue to accommodate a larger cast of characters all competing for space within the dialogue. To that end the individual members of G.I.R.L. struggle to differentiate themselves a little in this first "group" issue; and they do all tend to sound the same. I have confidence that their individual voices will come out clearer in due course. Jeremy Whitley's writing does have its humorous points though, and the dialogue for the rather prissy (C-3P0-esque) Jarvis makes me chuckle.

The plot itself, centered around the task at hand, was pretty straightforward. As with previous issues it is the artwork from Elsa Charretier and coloring from Megan M. Wilson that continues to hook me on this series. This issue showcases a really wonderful splash-page showing the lab in full swing. The look of this title harks back to Marvel's early days but also manages look fresh - for me its a beguiling combination - particularly Wilson's colors which I think are key.

Bits and Pieces:

As this issue sees a slight change in dynamic between the characters, there is a slight dip in quality as that adjustment takes place. It remains a solid issue though and moves the story along pretty well. If you've been enjoying the series up to now then I think it will continue to hold its attraction for you, and will carry you through confidently enough to the next issue. 

6.5/10