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Faith
Faith, Vol. 1: Hollywood and Vine
Faith Herbert a toujours voulu être un super-héros, comme ceux de ses comics favoris. Lorsque Peter et son groupe de Harbingers renégats ont activé ses pouvoirs psiotiques latents, elle a enfin pu réaliser son rêve. Avec les Renégats, elle a vécu des aventures incroyables et a même connu l'amour... mais les Harbinger ne sont plus, et elle va devoir apprendre à s'en sortir seule. Timide blogueuse pop-culture pour un site d'actualités le jour, elle devient super-héroïne la nuit dans le cile de Los Angeles. Lorsque de jeunes psiotiques comme elle disparaissent sans laisser de trace dans toute la Cité des Anges, Faith Zephir Herbert va devoir prendre ses responsabilités pour les retrouver sains et saufs.
123 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 646 reviews
February 6, 2017
I have never read anything with Faith in it before but it didn't take away from the story. I thought it was pretty good.
Faith is trying to go it alone without her crew. She works a regular job during the day and helps people by night or in the day time if need be.
She is a very sweet character. My favorite was when she saved the dogs =D
I loved the graphics as well.
She had some help trying to find out what was going on with these evil peeps and it all turned out okay in the end. I hope to read more of her adventures!
Faith is trying to go it alone without her crew. She works a regular job during the day and helps people by night or in the day time if need be.
She is a very sweet character. My favorite was when she saved the dogs =D
I loved the graphics as well.
She had some help trying to find out what was going on with these evil peeps and it all turned out okay in the end. I hope to read more of her adventures!
June 16, 2019
3.5 stars
Faith is just a likable character.
You can't help but like her and because of that, you really can't help but like her comic.
You don't see a lot of unbridled optimism in superheroes anymore, which makes her a nice fresh breath of air. She's also got a geeky internal monologue going on that I think most of us who read comics can relate to in a Haha! That's exactly what I would be thinking, too! way.
So why not 4 full stars?
Well, the main story wasn't all that memorable, to be honest. In fact, I read it a week or so ago and couldn't tell you who the villain was or really much of anything about the plot. This volume shines over the little things - Faith trying to have an alter ego, a budding romance with Archer, dealing with her douchebag ex-boyfriend, etc..
Overall, this was sweet. And I think we could all use something sweet every now and then.
Faith is just a likable character.
You can't help but like her and because of that, you really can't help but like her comic.
You don't see a lot of unbridled optimism in superheroes anymore, which makes her a nice fresh breath of air. She's also got a geeky internal monologue going on that I think most of us who read comics can relate to in a Haha! That's exactly what I would be thinking, too! way.
So why not 4 full stars?
Well, the main story wasn't all that memorable, to be honest. In fact, I read it a week or so ago and couldn't tell you who the villain was or really much of anything about the plot. This volume shines over the little things - Faith trying to have an alter ego, a budding romance with Archer, dealing with her douchebag ex-boyfriend, etc..
Overall, this was sweet. And I think we could all use something sweet every now and then.
September 22, 2016
It's refreshing to see a superhero comic that goes beyond just refusing to hypersexualize its female lead and stars an overweight woman whose weight is a non-issue. It's totally unrelated to her powers, to her work as a superhero, to her personal life, to anything. And beyond that, I really like Faith as a character. Unfortunately, the story is kind of meh. It does nothing for me. I'll still probably read the next volume she shows up again, because I like her, but the story here is a snooze.
June 14, 2018
Faith is your plus size super hero and she has a double identity. She was part of a team and now she is on her own in LA. She has a job and she is kick-ass and compassionate.
The art didn't stand out to me really. I did like her costume with the coat tails being what flaps in the wind. It's smart. This is a smart comic connected to a larger universe it appears.
I wasn't too into the villain and there was a whole lot of angst. It was a great comic.
The art didn't stand out to me really. I did like her costume with the coat tails being what flaps in the wind. It's smart. This is a smart comic connected to a larger universe it appears.
I wasn't too into the villain and there was a whole lot of angst. It was a great comic.
March 11, 2018
Faith, alias Zephyr (her super hero name) and Summer (her regular boring job name), is plus-sized, or "fuller figured," and this isn't even mentioned in the comic in any way, which is unique, surprising, refreshing. The story is vanilla. She's a Clark Kent-type journalist, but she works in social media. She has a super cute sculpted ex she is trying to get back into saving the world with her. This has a lot of energy and is pretty fun, I thought.
August 12, 2023
Faith TPB (Trade paperback) #1, Hollywood and Vine collects the four issues of the Faith comic book by Valiant Entertainment. Faith was a member of the Harbinger Foundation’s supergroup, but she has elected to go solo as a superhero. Faith is a loveable overweight, fangirl who calls herself Zephyr. She has an internal monologue constantly going which demonstrates a delightful personality, especially when one considers that she is adopted.
She reminds me of Nightcrawler from the early Uncanny X-men comics, who had a zest for life and would not allow others to steal his joy. Faith is like that. During this angst-ridden time of such overt negativity, Faith is perfect to shine like a light, the way that Superman used to do. All we need nowadays is a little Faith.
She reminds me of Nightcrawler from the early Uncanny X-men comics, who had a zest for life and would not allow others to steal his joy. Faith is like that. During this angst-ridden time of such overt negativity, Faith is perfect to shine like a light, the way that Superman used to do. All we need nowadays is a little Faith.
October 23, 2022
Faith Herbert – superhero name Zephyr, alias Summer, a “reporter” actually a content writer but she wants to be a reporter – is easily one of the most likeable characters in all of Comicbookland. She’s cheerful, optimistic, funny, approachable, and the fact that she’s “plus size” makes her all the more understandable as a superhero.
Sure, there are other heroes who don’t fit the cookie-cutter form of DC / Marvel, whose skin tight costumes barely contain their elite Olympian body and whose crime fighting acumen would make the most seasoned criminologist or detective blush with professional envy, but few who are so gosh darn affable.
One of the reasons I like DC’s Animal Man so much is his empathetic disposition – we know and understand Buddy Baker, he’s a family man who struggles to make ends meet, oh and by the way he’s got superpowers. Go back to the 60s and that was part of Marvel’s early charm was the “hero next door” charisma of Peter Parker or Ben Grimm.
Faith is a psiot in Valiant’s universe and she can fly and has some related latent psychic abilities. She’s out on her own and writer Jody Houser, who has done some nifty work on Stranger Things and Star Wars, tells this with a fun wink and nod. Not quite the breaking of the fourth wall we’ve had so much fun with in She-Hulk or Deadpool, but from a perspective of a super hero who we can get to know over coffee and some guilty carbs.
This GN is fun and enjoyable, if not ever really breaking any new ground.
Sure, there are other heroes who don’t fit the cookie-cutter form of DC / Marvel, whose skin tight costumes barely contain their elite Olympian body and whose crime fighting acumen would make the most seasoned criminologist or detective blush with professional envy, but few who are so gosh darn affable.
One of the reasons I like DC’s Animal Man so much is his empathetic disposition – we know and understand Buddy Baker, he’s a family man who struggles to make ends meet, oh and by the way he’s got superpowers. Go back to the 60s and that was part of Marvel’s early charm was the “hero next door” charisma of Peter Parker or Ben Grimm.
Faith is a psiot in Valiant’s universe and she can fly and has some related latent psychic abilities. She’s out on her own and writer Jody Houser, who has done some nifty work on Stranger Things and Star Wars, tells this with a fun wink and nod. Not quite the breaking of the fourth wall we’ve had so much fun with in She-Hulk or Deadpool, but from a perspective of a super hero who we can get to know over coffee and some guilty carbs.
This GN is fun and enjoyable, if not ever really breaking any new ground.
July 2, 2019
Valiant's best series in a long while. Faith is an uber-nerd with superpowers. The dialogue is snappy and full of nerdy pop culture references. I like her burgeoning relationship with Archer. They are my two favorite characters in the Valiant universe. Francis Portela's art is great. We need more Faith!
February 7, 2017
I enjoy reading a few of Valiant's titles, but I have to admit that as a rule the general tone - with some exceptions - is quite grim. This miniseries (which was quickly upgraded to an ongoing), focusing on the popular Renegades character Faith Herbert a.k.a. Zephyr, is an even more radical departure in that it endeavors to do what even Valiant's handful of "fun" books neglect to do - charm their readers with the kind of optimism and exuberance that made superhero comics so popular in the first place. It's the kind of approach that Marvel got right with their recent Ms. Marvel and Silver Surfer titles (among others).
Hollywood and Vine finds Faith moving to Los Angeles after the breakup of the Renegades, assuming a secret identity as a mild mannered web content provider (because no one does any actual reporting anymore) and coming across a plot by the alien Vine to avenge an earlier lost conflict with humanity by infiltrating Hollywood.
The thing that makes Faith work so well, as a book and a character, is that Faith is a comic book nerd herself, and tries to faithfully employ the various tropes of the superhero genre in her own hero-ing career - only to discover that the formula doesn't always fit the circumstances. This isn't necessarily a new idea, but Faith's ability to improvise and adjust under fire is what sets her apart, as well as her innate belief in herself and her instinct to distinguish between her own preconceptions and the reality she faces. In this sense, she is kind of like the ideal Jane Austen heroine in superhero form.
Bravo.
(p.s. Don't worry if you're unfamiliar with Valiant continuity. What little background you need to get started with this character is provided in the first issue.)
Hollywood and Vine finds Faith moving to Los Angeles after the breakup of the Renegades, assuming a secret identity as a mild mannered web content provider (because no one does any actual reporting anymore) and coming across a plot by the alien Vine to avenge an earlier lost conflict with humanity by infiltrating Hollywood.
The thing that makes Faith work so well, as a book and a character, is that Faith is a comic book nerd herself, and tries to faithfully employ the various tropes of the superhero genre in her own hero-ing career - only to discover that the formula doesn't always fit the circumstances. This isn't necessarily a new idea, but Faith's ability to improvise and adjust under fire is what sets her apart, as well as her innate belief in herself and her instinct to distinguish between her own preconceptions and the reality she faces. In this sense, she is kind of like the ideal Jane Austen heroine in superhero form.
Bravo.
(p.s. Don't worry if you're unfamiliar with Valiant continuity. What little background you need to get started with this character is provided in the first issue.)
September 20, 2018
Absolutely love this! I'm guessing there is some other series I should have read before this but I'm not sure what it is and this volume does a pretty good job of filling in blanks on who all these people in her life are so I didn't actually feel like I was missing much. There isn't necessarily a lot of depth in this first volume, but I feel like it's a good start and also it's just nice to read something light that makes you feel good every once in awhile.
I know a lot of people probably think it's gimmicky or that it 'doesn't really matter' but it's so nice to see a series with a fat super-heroine where her weight isn't made into an issue at all. And I love that she is ACTUALLY fat, like she's not just a bigger version of the same basic body type, she has a belly and a double chin and she's cute and awesome and has friends and love interests and kicks ass when she needs to. It's just really nice to be able to see that.
I know a lot of people probably think it's gimmicky or that it 'doesn't really matter' but it's so nice to see a series with a fat super-heroine where her weight isn't made into an issue at all. And I love that she is ACTUALLY fat, like she's not just a bigger version of the same basic body type, she has a belly and a double chin and she's cute and awesome and has friends and love interests and kicks ass when she needs to. It's just really nice to be able to see that.
June 16, 2021
I really like this a lot.
In many ways, it follows the Spider-Man approach of a hero trying to live a normal life with normal problems while dealing with extraordinary circumstances. However, it also challenges many of the tropes we take for granted. The humor is lighthearted, clever, charming and not excessive. It’s not a crutch, it’s just an ingredient that enhances the overall experience.
Faith is a super likable character, and it was also very nice to see Torque and Archer again.
A great read!
In many ways, it follows the Spider-Man approach of a hero trying to live a normal life with normal problems while dealing with extraordinary circumstances. However, it also challenges many of the tropes we take for granted. The humor is lighthearted, clever, charming and not excessive. It’s not a crutch, it’s just an ingredient that enhances the overall experience.
Faith is a super likable character, and it was also very nice to see Torque and Archer again.
A great read!
September 10, 2021
This book manages a lighter tone than most Valiant fare, including the Harbinger stories the title character stems from, but without straying into dangerously "cutesy" territory. The bright and colourful art serves the writing well and vice versa.
I will certainly "keep the faith" and read the next volume.
I will certainly "keep the faith" and read the next volume.
June 19, 2019
Okay, guys.
Is it just me or does Faith (both her looks and personality) often seem like a younger, super-powered Pam Poovey? I can’t be the only one who sees it.
What’s it about?
Taking place after the 2012 Harbinger run, Faith moves to LA. It’s unfortunately a bit of a tiring struggle juggling her cover as Summer Smith, a writer for a pop-culture website and being a superhero.
Why it gets 5 stars:
The story is good and done in a way that I enjoy seeing in the brighter side of superhero comics. It works by itself, it’s simple, there’s no 800 other tie-ins you need to read to understand it. You just grab this book and get a fun superhero adventure.
The artwork is nice.
The characters are interesting. I like Faith because while some complain that she isn’t as fit or attractive as most other female superheroes, there is much more to a great superhero. She has a sweet personality and is relatable to most readers of a comic being a nerd herself.
The action scenes are pretty fantastic, fun superhero action! Though I normally go for books with grittier, more violent action (which even applies for many modern superhero comics) this is a fun change of scenery that’s still exciting.
This book has some pretty good, suspenseful moments.
This comic is often pretty humorous.
The dialogue is pretty well written.
I love all the nerdy references and easter eggs. I know some people don’t like them but I personally find references and such to be fun, humorous if done right and it shows nice little nods for the nerdy folks reading. It’s fun and definitely fitting for this character!
The ending is nice. It wraps everything up nicely.
Overall:
A fun, exciting superhero adventure! Though I normally go for the dark, gritty, violent stuff it’s nice to read something fun and bright sometimes, even better is when it’s this good! It’s an often intense story that readers can just jump right into with a great main character, easter eggs, laughs and some suspense!
I had lots of fun and no problems so I 100% recommend this one!
5/5
Is it just me or does Faith (both her looks and personality) often seem like a younger, super-powered Pam Poovey? I can’t be the only one who sees it.
What’s it about?
Taking place after the 2012 Harbinger run, Faith moves to LA. It’s unfortunately a bit of a tiring struggle juggling her cover as Summer Smith, a writer for a pop-culture website and being a superhero.
Why it gets 5 stars:
The story is good and done in a way that I enjoy seeing in the brighter side of superhero comics. It works by itself, it’s simple, there’s no 800 other tie-ins you need to read to understand it. You just grab this book and get a fun superhero adventure.
The artwork is nice.
The characters are interesting. I like Faith because while some complain that she isn’t as fit or attractive as most other female superheroes, there is much more to a great superhero. She has a sweet personality and is relatable to most readers of a comic being a nerd herself.
The action scenes are pretty fantastic, fun superhero action! Though I normally go for books with grittier, more violent action (which even applies for many modern superhero comics) this is a fun change of scenery that’s still exciting.
This book has some pretty good, suspenseful moments.
This comic is often pretty humorous.
The dialogue is pretty well written.
I love all the nerdy references and easter eggs. I know some people don’t like them but I personally find references and such to be fun, humorous if done right and it shows nice little nods for the nerdy folks reading. It’s fun and definitely fitting for this character!
The ending is nice. It wraps everything up nicely.
Overall:
A fun, exciting superhero adventure! Though I normally go for the dark, gritty, violent stuff it’s nice to read something fun and bright sometimes, even better is when it’s this good! It’s an often intense story that readers can just jump right into with a great main character, easter eggs, laughs and some suspense!
I had lots of fun and no problems so I 100% recommend this one!
5/5
February 1, 2018
This is everything I've ever wanted in a superhero comic.
First of all, Faith is just an amazing character. She's hilarious without feeling like a comic book cliche. I think it boils down to her sheer earnestness, which also makes her endearing as hell. I dare you to dislike her--IT'S IMPOSSIBLE.
I loved that this read as very self-aware without being too hipster cool. It pokes fun at superhero comics without every coming across as petty or mean. That is a fine line to toe, and Houser does so with skill.
The art is great--we flip between a more traditional modern superhero style and a softer look that represents Faith's imagination. It's a fun art device that works well.
The plot kept me intrigued, which was great, but really this soared because of Faith. I want to follow her everywhere.
First of all, Faith is just an amazing character. She's hilarious without feeling like a comic book cliche. I think it boils down to her sheer earnestness, which also makes her endearing as hell. I dare you to dislike her--IT'S IMPOSSIBLE.
I loved that this read as very self-aware without being too hipster cool. It pokes fun at superhero comics without every coming across as petty or mean. That is a fine line to toe, and Houser does so with skill.
The art is great--we flip between a more traditional modern superhero style and a softer look that represents Faith's imagination. It's a fun art device that works well.
The plot kept me intrigued, which was great, but really this soared because of Faith. I want to follow her everywhere.
July 27, 2016
More like 3'5 stars
I just liked this comic a lot. It is full of surprises, like for instance, this retake of the woman figure in super heroes comics. I love that she is overweight, and that the other characters have lots of different physical atributes instead of sporting the same kind of body. I also enjoyed the reference to Superman: heroe and reporter hahaha
The story line is quite good, and we found a super heroe who is quite human, which is also very appreciated. It references a lot of backstories that aren't present on the actual comic, so I guess we will be getting more information on thispast as the series goes on. And the actual story is quite curious and leaves you wanting to know more.
I just liked this comic a lot. It is full of surprises, like for instance, this retake of the woman figure in super heroes comics. I love that she is overweight, and that the other characters have lots of different physical atributes instead of sporting the same kind of body. I also enjoyed the reference to Superman: heroe and reporter hahaha
The story line is quite good, and we found a super heroe who is quite human, which is also very appreciated. It references a lot of backstories that aren't present on the actual comic, so I guess we will be getting more information on thispast as the series goes on. And the actual story is quite curious and leaves you wanting to know more.
July 19, 2016
I enjoyed the artwork and the storyline. The reality tv show was tongue in cheek funny. I liked that the MC was not the typical bosomy skinny mini with muscles on muscles and gravity-defying barely there costumes.
My only quibble is I feel like there is much more back story that I wasn't caught up on enough to catch everything in this volume. I would like to read more of the back story and would like to read the continuation of Faith's story. 4 solid stars.
My only quibble is I feel like there is much more back story that I wasn't caught up on enough to catch everything in this volume. I would like to read more of the back story and would like to read the continuation of Faith's story. 4 solid stars.
October 23, 2017
Faith rocks!!
Plus Valiant and Houser keep her real. What with the regular job, millennial day to day life, boys, etc. She's geeky, cool, and Zephyr. Even the fan service doesn't seem too contrived. I dig it.
Plus Valiant and Houser keep her real. What with the regular job, millennial day to day life, boys, etc. She's geeky, cool, and Zephyr. Even the fan service doesn't seem too contrived. I dig it.
March 4, 2019
One of my favorite things about Valiant comics is that so many of their stories aren't about superheroes in the classic sense. They're either reluctant heroes, accidental heroes, or they're part of teams that can't seem to get it together. For the most part, all the characters are only looking after their own interests and happen to save the world in the process. Other than maybe Quantum and to a certain extent, Livewire, is there any character in this universe that actually wants to be a superhero in the classic sense, the way Spider-man, Batman, and Superman are? Well that's where Faith comes in, and that's why she stands out so much in the crowd. She's like a breath of fresh air and truly wants to use her powers to help people and the whole world.
After surviving the tragic breakup of the Harbinger Renegades and discovering that the violence of the government-sponsored Unity team wasn't for her, Faith Herbert has decided to go solo, move to the City of Angels, and become its premiere superhero, Zephyr! But aside from fighting puppy bandits and LA traffic, she longs to do something with more weight. But she definitely gets more than she bargains for when she starts to investigate the kidnapping of a number of potential psiots.
This was endearing and lots of fun, as anyone would expect a comic starring Faith would be. It's awesome how she's a pop culture nerd and sees all of her superhero exploits through the lens of a comic book fan. Her struggle to maintain her secret identity is adorable. And I love that the creators seem to want to take their time with developing Faith and Archer's cute, budding friendship. While this book might lack in dramatic heft, it makes up for it in charm!
After surviving the tragic breakup of the Harbinger Renegades and discovering that the violence of the government-sponsored Unity team wasn't for her, Faith Herbert has decided to go solo, move to the City of Angels, and become its premiere superhero, Zephyr! But aside from fighting puppy bandits and LA traffic, she longs to do something with more weight. But she definitely gets more than she bargains for when she starts to investigate the kidnapping of a number of potential psiots.
This was endearing and lots of fun, as anyone would expect a comic starring Faith would be. It's awesome how she's a pop culture nerd and sees all of her superhero exploits through the lens of a comic book fan. Her struggle to maintain her secret identity is adorable. And I love that the creators seem to want to take their time with developing Faith and Archer's cute, budding friendship. While this book might lack in dramatic heft, it makes up for it in charm!
May 22, 2018
In the first volume of the series, Faith is a former superhero who left her superhero teammates to strike out on her own. Working as a reporter for a smalltime website using the alias of Summer Smith, Faith works her regular job during the day and heroics at night as Zephyr. In her first case on her own, Faith runs into a rather nasty cult involved in the disappearances of gifted people. It's up to Faith and her friends to deal with the cult before anyone gets hurt.
I've only ever heard good things about this series which is why it's a little frustrating that I didn't particularly enjoy this first volume. It's good to see a female superhero whose focus is absolutely not on her sex appeal but Faith didn't have anything that really interested me and the story is seriously snooze worthy. And as much fun as it is to have a geeky heroine, when she quotes every major sci-fi show that's been on in the last twenty years, it feels a bit much. Faith has a lot of comments to make about the superhero genre and I appreciated the fresh take on it but this volume just didn't hold my attention.
I've only ever heard good things about this series which is why it's a little frustrating that I didn't particularly enjoy this first volume. It's good to see a female superhero whose focus is absolutely not on her sex appeal but Faith didn't have anything that really interested me and the story is seriously snooze worthy. And as much fun as it is to have a geeky heroine, when she quotes every major sci-fi show that's been on in the last twenty years, it feels a bit much. Faith has a lot of comments to make about the superhero genre and I appreciated the fresh take on it but this volume just didn't hold my attention.
February 17, 2017
Stuck between a 2.5 and 3/5 stars, so I'll just round down
I dunno... I just didn't really care about anything that happened in this. Or anyone, really. Everything just fell kinda flat and I didn't feel involved in the characters lives or the whole plot and stuff. There's not really much to say other than I didn't feel much of anything reading this, and the art was OK. I think one of the only things I liked about this volume was the fact that Faith is a bigger female superhero, and nobody makes any nasty comments about that- I'm very self conscious about my weight, and seeing her kicking ass and not giving a shit was really nice and inspiring.
But yeah. Probably not going to carry this series on, unfortunately.
I dunno... I just didn't really care about anything that happened in this. Or anyone, really. Everything just fell kinda flat and I didn't feel involved in the characters lives or the whole plot and stuff. There's not really much to say other than I didn't feel much of anything reading this, and the art was OK. I think one of the only things I liked about this volume was the fact that Faith is a bigger female superhero, and nobody makes any nasty comments about that- I'm very self conscious about my weight, and seeing her kicking ass and not giving a shit was really nice and inspiring.
But yeah. Probably not going to carry this series on, unfortunately.
June 11, 2016
Faith is a fresh, funny and action packed new comic series. Jody Houser's writing is just fantastic and the artwork is bright and traditional and lovely. I was immediately drawn to the story and the humour on offer, and Faith herself is just a delightful character to follow. I really enjoyed this book and felt like it just went by in a flash, I can't wait to read on and discover more about the characters and the world they inhabit. I recommend this, for sure.
March 5, 2017
Not a follower of Valiant, so I felt a little afloat regarding characters & back story. A little too much cutesy romantic fantasy. Still funny. What I found to be the most ridiculous, unbelievable, downright far-fetched nonsense? That full-page shot of Faith flying over the 405 freeway. Those lush green hills and big fluffy trees are pure fantasy in the desert that is Southern California. Has the artist ever been to L.A.? OUTRAGEOUS MISREPRESENTATION.
February 22, 2017
I really liked the premise, but the details really got in the way for me. The plot was just kind of meh. Most of all, I found Faith's internal monologue text boxes reeeeeaaaaallllly distracting - and it really cluttered up the frames. I think this is where I will leave this series.
July 31, 2016
I loved this a lot. I initially gave this a 4 but while writing this review, I realized how great this was, and it's going to a 5. This is probably the best female-centered graphic novel I've read so far. What I love about it is that author Jody Houser treats her characters as regular people. Faith is an overweight superhero but not once did Houser even write anything in the graphic novel to talk about that. Faith is just who she is. Faith loves SFF and geeky things but it wasn't over-the-top to the point where it was patronizing. Houser never once puts all this in the reader's face by giving Faith some ridiculous overweight scene or geek girls are real scene, it is all just who Faith is. We know right away from the art, that this is who Faith is, and it is fantastic. The cast of this comic is so diverse but it never brings attention to it, it just is. The biggest thing is that Faith is a desirable woman, that has ex-issues, but is also dating a new guy. An overweight geeky superhero girl that is dating and I am just super excited over this fact. I also loved the fact that in her head imagination, she always wears low cut shirts, but in real life, she doesn't. I think this says something interesting about the character. This graphic novel says, "this is what our world is like," and just goes along with the story.
Nothing has been more of a spiritual successor to Whedon's Buffy than this. It just felt right. The story was very Whedonesque. Basically, people are kidnapping psiots(the superhumans in this world), and Faith is tracking down these bad guys. This isn't a super complex story but it works really well. Yes, there are many instances of the narrative talking about things that happened in other comic books before this volume of Faith, but the reader can figure it out rather quickly.
I'm definitely going to be following this series with the new on-going series that they are putting out now. This also gives me more determination to try more Valiant comics in the future. To sum it up, I was so impressed with how the graphic novel was handled, that I had to give it a 5.
Nothing has been more of a spiritual successor to Whedon's Buffy than this. It just felt right. The story was very Whedonesque. Basically, people are kidnapping psiots(the superhumans in this world), and Faith is tracking down these bad guys. This isn't a super complex story but it works really well. Yes, there are many instances of the narrative talking about things that happened in other comic books before this volume of Faith, but the reader can figure it out rather quickly.
I'm definitely going to be following this series with the new on-going series that they are putting out now. This also gives me more determination to try more Valiant comics in the future. To sum it up, I was so impressed with how the graphic novel was handled, that I had to give it a 5.
January 9, 2017
I was surprised how much I liked this. And it wasn't just the hero.
Usually, superhero-universe characters are too actiony or referential for me, unless they're not macro-universe-based (cf. Ms. Marvel. Vol. 1: No Normal, Rising Stars: Born in Fire).
Here, I loved how much time was spent on the practicalities of life as a superhero - with a dayjob, alias, exes, relationships.
Solid, readable, engaging.
Yeah, kinda loved it.
Usually, superhero-universe characters are too actiony or referential for me, unless they're not macro-universe-based (cf. Ms. Marvel. Vol. 1: No Normal, Rising Stars: Born in Fire).
Here, I loved how much time was spent on the practicalities of life as a superhero - with a dayjob, alias, exes, relationships.
Solid, readable, engaging.
Yeah, kinda loved it.
July 6, 2019
Fun! I’ve been curious about this book for a while, so when I saw that our library had the first four volumes, I decided to check it out.
I seem to recall that the initial buzz about this title was something along the lines of, “OMG! A plus size superhero!” While Faith certainly is that, it's definitely not her sole defining characteristic. She's a wonderfully lovable person actually, friendly, into SF and Fantasy and geek culture in general. None of the stories dwell on her size, nor do any of the other characters even mention it, which is how it should be, really. She's a person who's quite comfortable in her own skin, and more power to her.
Plotwise, we’re not talking anything special. People with powers are disappearing. Faith investigates. If you read comics, this is pretty familiar stuff. The book is more about introducing the cast and establishing relationships and so on. For what it's worth, the storyline does get resolved by the end.
Is this a great book? No, but it's good, solid entertainment with a likeable lead and fun supporting cast. Definitely a comic to be happy with! Recommended!
I seem to recall that the initial buzz about this title was something along the lines of, “OMG! A plus size superhero!” While Faith certainly is that, it's definitely not her sole defining characteristic. She's a wonderfully lovable person actually, friendly, into SF and Fantasy and geek culture in general. None of the stories dwell on her size, nor do any of the other characters even mention it, which is how it should be, really. She's a person who's quite comfortable in her own skin, and more power to her.
Plotwise, we’re not talking anything special. People with powers are disappearing. Faith investigates. If you read comics, this is pretty familiar stuff. The book is more about introducing the cast and establishing relationships and so on. For what it's worth, the storyline does get resolved by the end.
Is this a great book? No, but it's good, solid entertainment with a likeable lead and fun supporting cast. Definitely a comic to be happy with! Recommended!
February 11, 2024
Faith is a kick ass heroine! Not your typical scantily clad model type superhero chick, she transcends that stereotype and it becomes a non-issue.
Faith Herbert aka Zephyr has actually been around in comics as part of the Harbinger Renegades through Valiant Comics since 1992. I was unaware of this series, as I have read almost nothing from Valiant. But a year ago, Faith was given her own stand alone series, and I took notice. Faith is a psiot, a sub-species of humans that have evolved psychic/mind-based powers, and she also can fly as she is light as a feather. As such, I love the front cover, that juxtaposes the imagery of a large person being able to sit on phone wires, to showcase one of her powers.
This first volume tries to catch you up a bit on Faith and why she left the Harbinger team. It seems as if a romantic break up with one of the members and the fallout from an especially difficult mission has her wanting to spread her wings. She takes on a secret identity of Summer Smith to safeguard her Zephyr persona , and goes to work at a gossip magazine as a journalist. Sporting a red wig, she tries to balance being a working woman with deadlines and bills with making new friends, and possibly starting a new romance.
She is more than willing to remain a super hero, and takes on a ring of dog nappers, along with aliens bent on world domination. All of this is done with a practicality, showing Faith as a real woman with issues and fantasy crushes. In fact, I love when she fantasies, for the art shifts to show the difference between her reality and her fantasy. Artist Francis Portela draws Faith in her real world, while Marguerite Sauvage takes over for the fantasy segments. I love this, for it shows while Faith may be fantasizing, and the art changes to a pastel hue with a more cutesy rendition of her, Faith doesn’t alter her appearance drastically (aka- her weight) even in her dreams. She is who she is, and is proud of her look. In fact, the artists make sure she is drawn wearing trendy clothes, no trying to camouflage who she is. I love that!
This is a solid start to a new series, and I’m glad that Valiant choose Faith to showcase. She is a worthy adversary of any super villain, with promising future story lines. She is positive role model to girls, on top of all that. You go girl!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2017/08/2...
Faith Herbert aka Zephyr has actually been around in comics as part of the Harbinger Renegades through Valiant Comics since 1992. I was unaware of this series, as I have read almost nothing from Valiant. But a year ago, Faith was given her own stand alone series, and I took notice. Faith is a psiot, a sub-species of humans that have evolved psychic/mind-based powers, and she also can fly as she is light as a feather. As such, I love the front cover, that juxtaposes the imagery of a large person being able to sit on phone wires, to showcase one of her powers.
This first volume tries to catch you up a bit on Faith and why she left the Harbinger team. It seems as if a romantic break up with one of the members and the fallout from an especially difficult mission has her wanting to spread her wings. She takes on a secret identity of Summer Smith to safeguard her Zephyr persona , and goes to work at a gossip magazine as a journalist. Sporting a red wig, she tries to balance being a working woman with deadlines and bills with making new friends, and possibly starting a new romance.
She is more than willing to remain a super hero, and takes on a ring of dog nappers, along with aliens bent on world domination. All of this is done with a practicality, showing Faith as a real woman with issues and fantasy crushes. In fact, I love when she fantasies, for the art shifts to show the difference between her reality and her fantasy. Artist Francis Portela draws Faith in her real world, while Marguerite Sauvage takes over for the fantasy segments. I love this, for it shows while Faith may be fantasizing, and the art changes to a pastel hue with a more cutesy rendition of her, Faith doesn’t alter her appearance drastically (aka- her weight) even in her dreams. She is who she is, and is proud of her look. In fact, the artists make sure she is drawn wearing trendy clothes, no trying to camouflage who she is. I love that!
This is a solid start to a new series, and I’m glad that Valiant choose Faith to showcase. She is a worthy adversary of any super villain, with promising future story lines. She is positive role model to girls, on top of all that. You go girl!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2017/08/2...
June 27, 2016
ok, I know that I am supposed to like this. I am supposed to think it is new, fresh, not a cliche. I am having a really hard time getting there.
Faith is "a psionically gifted 'psiot'". Well if you are going to be described as a psiot, you better be psionically gifted. That is a truly lame description. She can fly and move things with her mind.
Let's go through the Super Hero checklist. Dead parents, check. Mild mannered secret identity that a blind person could see through, check. Job as a reporter, sort of. She is "content writer" on a blog because she couldn't get a job as a reporter. Enormous boobs for a crime fighter, check. Skimpy outfit that barely holds in her assets, NO!
Here is where we deviate from all other comics. Faith is over weight. Nothing wrong there. She reflects the picture of true Americans. I actually like having an overweight crime fighter who isn't a bumbling fool. But how Faith is portayed is anything but a breath of fresh air.
Her super suit completely covers everything except her hands and face. Other female heroes have a 20 inch waist with breasts large enough to break their super backs. Yet their outfits barely cover anything. But this character can't even show her shoulders? Her bust line is exposed a couple of times, but otherwise she is wrapped in a white sweatsuit with a built in cape. Really? How progressive of you.
And can we talk about her super name? Zephyr? I know that zephyr translates into wind, but it was also the name Germans used for their blimps. So you have an overweight hero, dressed all in white, flying overhead, and her super name means blimp in german? Wow. Really pushing those social boundaries.
And now, her arch nemesis so far. Its the skinny blonde with big boobs who is now dating Faith's ex, a John Cena knock off. This chick sure isn't wearing a white sweatsuit. And get this, she is a space alien, a member of a cult known as "The Vine", and a super shallow reality star.
I can't wait to see how she will be portrayed in the up coming Sony films.
Faith is "a psionically gifted 'psiot'". Well if you are going to be described as a psiot, you better be psionically gifted. That is a truly lame description. She can fly and move things with her mind.
Let's go through the Super Hero checklist. Dead parents, check. Mild mannered secret identity that a blind person could see through, check. Job as a reporter, sort of. She is "content writer" on a blog because she couldn't get a job as a reporter. Enormous boobs for a crime fighter, check. Skimpy outfit that barely holds in her assets, NO!
Here is where we deviate from all other comics. Faith is over weight. Nothing wrong there. She reflects the picture of true Americans. I actually like having an overweight crime fighter who isn't a bumbling fool. But how Faith is portayed is anything but a breath of fresh air.
Her super suit completely covers everything except her hands and face. Other female heroes have a 20 inch waist with breasts large enough to break their super backs. Yet their outfits barely cover anything. But this character can't even show her shoulders? Her bust line is exposed a couple of times, but otherwise she is wrapped in a white sweatsuit with a built in cape. Really? How progressive of you.
And can we talk about her super name? Zephyr? I know that zephyr translates into wind, but it was also the name Germans used for their blimps. So you have an overweight hero, dressed all in white, flying overhead, and her super name means blimp in german? Wow. Really pushing those social boundaries.
And now, her arch nemesis so far. Its the skinny blonde with big boobs who is now dating Faith's ex, a John Cena knock off. This chick sure isn't wearing a white sweatsuit. And get this, she is a space alien, a member of a cult known as "The Vine", and a super shallow reality star.
I can't wait to see how she will be portrayed in the up coming Sony films.
August 15, 2016
Got to read this comic for free through NetGalley, but that won't influence this review in any way.
Such a lovely cover! Faith sitting peacefully, rockin' her gear, rockin' that beautiful ombre hair, probably writing a review about the last comic she read. Pigeons like WTF is happening.
Faith - Superhero Zephyr by night, and wig-wearing Buzzfeed-esque reporter by day. She's sweet, she's a nerd (there are even action figures in her bathroom!), she's plus-size, just a tiny bit insecure, but spunky and funny when it matters. I like her, she's refreshing. Not overly hilarious (it's not like she constantly has a come-back ready), but funny and a bit of a fumbler.
The cast is diverse, but it doesn't feel forced or ham-fisted in any way, there are just many people of color and that rocks.
One thing though; I love that Faith is a plus-size girl. I mean, there are a lot of big people in the world, so why shouldn't there be a thick superhero as well? But, she seems to be the only plus-sized cast member in this comic, literally everyone else is thin. Not that that's a bad thing; I'm a skinny girl as well, but I picked up this comic hoping to see more diversity, and not just in gender and color.
The story certainly has potential, but the first two-thirds of this comic is lacking a bit. We're mostly following Faith around during her search for some real crime (instead of saving puppies from pooch-stealing cartels), and her search is, well, long and slow. And when the story finally really gets going, when she finally gets that serious life-risking crime fighting she'd been looking for, it's over before you know it. Cliffhanger. Ugh.
TL;DR
Pros:
- Diverse Cast
- Realistic Protagonist
- Funny but with moderation
- Beautiful covers
Cons:
- In this comic there is one thick girl and a whole lotta skinny people.
- Story is lacking
- Liked the art during Faith's "imagination" sequences more than the regular art
Such a lovely cover! Faith sitting peacefully, rockin' her gear, rockin' that beautiful ombre hair, probably writing a review about the last comic she read. Pigeons like WTF is happening.
Faith - Superhero Zephyr by night, and wig-wearing Buzzfeed-esque reporter by day. She's sweet, she's a nerd (there are even action figures in her bathroom!), she's plus-size, just a tiny bit insecure, but spunky and funny when it matters. I like her, she's refreshing. Not overly hilarious (it's not like she constantly has a come-back ready), but funny and a bit of a fumbler.
The cast is diverse, but it doesn't feel forced or ham-fisted in any way, there are just many people of color and that rocks.
One thing though; I love that Faith is a plus-size girl. I mean, there are a lot of big people in the world, so why shouldn't there be a thick superhero as well? But, she seems to be the only plus-sized cast member in this comic, literally everyone else is thin. Not that that's a bad thing; I'm a skinny girl as well, but I picked up this comic hoping to see more diversity, and not just in gender and color.
The story certainly has potential, but the first two-thirds of this comic is lacking a bit. We're mostly following Faith around during her search for some real crime (instead of saving puppies from pooch-stealing cartels), and her search is, well, long and slow. And when the story finally really gets going, when she finally gets that serious life-risking crime fighting she'd been looking for, it's over before you know it. Cliffhanger. Ugh.
TL;DR
Pros:
- Diverse Cast
- Realistic Protagonist
- Funny but with moderation
- Beautiful covers
Cons:
- In this comic there is one thick girl and a whole lotta skinny people.
- Story is lacking
- Liked the art during Faith's "imagination" sequences more than the regular art
August 11, 2016
The first three issues of Faith are a delight. It has the backstory and world building you need and expect from any new character's universe -- where did you come from? what can you do? who did you hurt, and who has hurt you? mild-mannered secret identity. You know, the things we need to give any sh!ts about a character. But Faith is also more than just a fun new superhero comic. She's a woman, and she's fat. The book never beats you over the head with these facts, but obviously her identity informs her decisions and motivations as a superhero. The stories become a vehicle to legitimize and acknowledge the lives of people who happen to also be women, who happen to also be fat. And that, my friend, is harnessing the power of comics for the good of the world. Faith is the superhero who can save us from ourselves.
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