Exclusive Marvel preview: Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat! pounces into a new solo series

By Oliver Sava | December 17, 2015 | 5:30pm

Aux Features Books

One of Marvel’s oldest heroines, Patsy “Hellcat” Walker has gotten a big boost in profile thanks to her inclusion in the hit Netflix series Jessica Jones. And while the show’s Trish Walker isn’t quite the same as her comic-book counterpart, exposure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe means very good things for the comic Patsy. Her new ongoing series, Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat! debuts next week, and Marvel has assembled an exciting creative team to chronicle Patsy’s monthly adventures. Writer Kate Leth is a rising star in the industry, and her approach to Patsy’s story isn’t very far from her energetic, charming Boom! miniseries Power Up! (one of The A.V. Club’s Best Comics of 2015), which offers a light-hearted, grounded take on a superhero team.

Leth quickly summarizes Patsy’s complicated history in these preview pages from next week’s Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat #1, and doesn’t waste any time getting to the butt-kicking and butt-punching, which Patsy learned to do on the moon because she’s awesome. Artist Brittney Williams brings a lot of personality to Leth’s script, and using a chibi Hellcat to emphasize comedic beats is a great touch that establishes a lighter tone for the book. Megan Wilson’s coloring further emphasizes that bright, cheerful atmosphere, and the pastel palettes work beautifully with William’s clean, animated linework. Everything about this preview screams fun, and this creative team clearly understands what makes Patsy a unique character in the Marvel Universe.