The Legendary Lynx

This entertaining and self-aware graphic novel spotlights the Lynx, star of the comics series at the center of Segura’s novel Secret Identity. After reporter Simon Upton disappears, office secretary Claudia Calla springs into action as the Lynx, a roof-hopping, butt-kicking action heroine in a leopard print bell-bottom jumpsuit. She’s soon chasing supervillain Mr. Void, a demonic immortal who feeds upon his modern-day descendants, and his glowing skeletal henchmen the Voidoids. The action teases a fully populated comics universe with characters like glowing ghost girl Apparition, swordsman El Cid, and sexy information broker Scarlet Snake as Calla uncovers a sinister plot and makes startling discoveries about herself. The conceit that this is a reprint from the novel’s universe is upheld expertly in design; it looks just like a 1970s comic, with Jarrell’s art reminiscent of Frank Miller’s early Daredevil issues, zippy kinetic action paired with period-accurate off-white pages, and Ben Day color dots. Segura’s script plays on comics tropes: flashbacks, editors’ notes referring to past (fictional) issues, plot-convenient amnesia, and an inner monologue worthy of peak Spider-Man. Catnip for Segura’s existing readers, this also has enough in-jokes to appeal to fans of Ms. Marvel, Squirrel Girl, and Bandette. It’s a brisk thrill ride that begs for a sequel. (Nov.)

This review has been updated for clarity.