Written by: Scott Peterson
Artist: Diogo Saito, Rosa La Barbera, Roberto Di Salvo
Colorist: Vita Edremova, Ekaterina Myshalova
Lettering: Chris Dickey
Cover Artists: Diogo Saito, Nathan Greno
Published by: IDW Pubishing/Disney Comics
Tangled, as you may recall, is the 2010 film that introduced Rapunzel as the latest Disney Princess. This comic series takes place not long after the end of the film, but also coincides with the new Disney Channel series. Rapunzel finds it difficult to adjust to the life of a princess and wishes to explore the world. This issue shows just how much Rapunzel believes in freedom and how she wishes to find out what exactly she wishes to do with her life – apart from just being a princess.
I am glad to see that Tangled was picked up for an animated series on Disney Channel and a comic by IDW Publishing. Rapunzel is certainly one of the most interesting Disney Princesses to date. She is now a strong-willed girl, who is determined to keep her newly-found freedom. Even after reuniting with her royal parents, she doesn’t simply want to remain just a quiet, restrained princess.
Now, I haven’t seen the show, so was a bit confused when I discovered Rapunzel has her long golden locks back. I was also amazed at how defiant she is towards her parents, but it makes a lot of sense when you remember the events of the movie. There are also a few new characters that are unknown to me, like Rapunzel’s personal maid. She certainly doesn’t look the part for such a title!
This issue actually contains two loosely connected stories. Rapunzel first sets out to capture the bandits that are attacking the townsfolk in the late hours. At the same time, and against the King’s wishes, Eugene and the head guard are searching for the criminals in the forest. It is in Rapunzel’s best interest that she is not discovered by her father’s chief of security. Following that, we have a short tale of self-discovery, with Rapunzel walking through the town, trying her hand at several crafts in order to find her place in the kingdom. It is also worth noting that this is a comic aimed more at younger readers and those that follow the show.
This first issue can be found with three cover arts. The first (pictured at the top) is by Diogo Saito, a Brazilian comic artist, who is also the artist for our first story in this issue. Our lead cover image shows Rapunzel in front of portraits of her family, Eugene, and her lady-in-waiting Cassandra. Cover B is also by the same artist, and shows Rapunzel striking an over the shoulder pose with her golden locks. Lastly, we have the cover RI by Nathan Greno. Greno is not only a comic artist, but also a director and writer. He is very familiar with Tangled, as he was the co-director for the film. His cover art shows Rapunzel and her locks framing a number of important characters in the show.
I can see this comic doing well with young girls, but I don’t believe it will appeal to an older or wider audience. It wasn’t as enjoyable as I have hoped, but it is nice to see that the Tangled franchise is being expanded upon.
Overall: 6/10
