If you’re looking for a thoughtful superhero story with a conscience, you’ll want to check out The Blue Valkyrie, a comic with words by Emily Riesbeck and art by David Mitchell (and in the first issue, colors by Corianne Wells and edits by Tina Vasquez).
Chloe Ritter is a normal denizen of Cream City. A queer trans woman who lives with her girlfriend, Alice Gates, Chloe has a traumatic experience when she meets up with a former acquaintance. However, in the midst of the attack, she manifests a previously unknown superhuman ability to repel her attacker.
Meanwhile, Ed Pryce of Pryce Industries is determined to develop Roger’s Park in spite of the consequences that the gentrification will have on the local community. A major subplot of the series follows the citizens of Cream City who have organized in order to block Pryce’s construction of condos in the park.
Chloe soon learns that she isn’t the only one who has developed superpowers. Her friend Isabella “Iz” Morales can control the growth of plants, and the presence of even more super humans can only be so far behind!
However, there are more potential adversaries afoot, as well, including Prashil Pradeep, A.K.A. Agent Goodnight of the mysterious A.R.P.S.A. organization, who approaches Alice in the wake of the incident in Roger’s Park.
The Blue Valkyrie never shies away from tough topics, and in the first eight issues, topics like police brutality, bullying, and sexual assault are all covered. However, each issue includes a clear content warning, so those who might wish to avoid any particular topic can easily do so.
The Blue Valkyrie incorporates experiences and issues like choosing a new name and dealing with street harassment into a classic superhero narrative with great effect.
You can support The Blue Valkyrie directly through their Patreon page.
