Over the last two issues, Wasp‘s creative team of Al Ewing, Kasie Nie, and KJ Diaz have created a high-stakes mystery story that delves into the backstory of both Wasps, Janet and Nadia Van Dyne. This latest issue continues to do just that, while also getting the story to its peak.
SPOILERS AHEAD for Wasp #3!
We find our titular heroine and her protege living a life where a key figure in their pasts, Hank Pym, never existed. This change in history doesn’t seem to affect Janet’s life too much, as she remains a key figure in the Avengers. I appreciate this choice for the narrative, as it proves something fans of her character knew all along: even without Hank Pym, Janet Van Dyne has had a hero’s heart since day one and would’ve become a force to be reckoned with regardless of her access to Pym Particles. However, this causes a much bigger change in Nadia’s life, as she never escapes her captivity in the Red Room, and becomes far more ruthless than we have ever seen her. We also get more information on the Trovaya’s and their ties to the Red Room, which answers a question I have had for many years, more importantly, it adds depth to Nadia’s origin and gives Janos more characterization.
Jarvis also returns in this issue, and his final scene makes me hopeful that he will have a big role in the last issue. The cliffhanger the issue ends on truly made me gasp out loud, and was the perfect way to have our two Wasps meet in this new world where they have no ties. By the way he writes her, it’s clear that Al Ewing appreciates and understands Janet Van Dyne in a way not many other writers do, and sees the still very much untapped potential of Nadia Van Dyne and her family.
Kasia Nie’s art and KJ Diaz’s coloring continue to be stellar and the glue that pulls the book together. Nie gets a chance to design two new outfits for Janet, and they are truly exceptional and what you would expect to see one of the biggest fashionistas in the Marvel universe wearing. Nadia also gets a new look, and it’s a great reimagining of her current suit that fits the context of the story being told. Nie continues to draw the Creature from Kosmos in a completely terrifying and creepy manner and captures other characters who have not been seen in this series prior to this issue in an authentic way. Diaz’s coloring is dynamic, and the scenes with the Creature of Kosmos are the best example of this, as the shadow and lighting effects make him look and feel even more sinister.
Wasp #3 by Al Ewing, Kasia Nie, and KJ Diaz is another near-perfect installment in Janet Van Dyne’s premiere solo comic series, giving us some much-needed payoff after the first two issues provided the setup. The fresh perspective on Janet Van Dyne is something I very much appreciate, and I know fans of her character will as well. While there are threads that need to be tied up, and there is only one issue left, I am sure this team will deliver a satisfying conclusion to the story.
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