Peace Party opens with the Pueblo creation myth, which states that human beings, who were given domain over the Earth, destroyed the planet three times, and are well on their way to destroying the Earth one more time.

     Enter Drew and Billy, two young Pueblo adults, whom upon returning from a camping trip with their friend Oliver, get into in a nasty car accident. But instead of being injured, they are drawn into a nether world where an ancient spirit tells Drew and Billy that it is through them that the spirit world will seek to bring justice to the endangered Fourth World or modern day Earth.

     Upon returning to the mortal plane the two find that their friend Oliver has been seriously injured. While seeking for a cell phone Drew and Billy interrupt a hit in progress and end being marked themselves. Unknowingly the two are able to escape by using their newfound super powers, which are more supernatural, and allow them to manipulate nature in order to save their butts.

     Full of action, comedy, and social issues Peace Party is a great comic series. The first issue ends on a cliffhanger, so if you are expecting to see the two in full regalia using their new powers you will be disappointed and will have to pick up issue two. But if you are looking for action and a little education about social issues and what's going on out in the Western US, you will like it.

     Peace Party is smart and well drawn. And I have to add this comic was a relief and a sign of hope. As a person of color, to finally see other people of color in the leading roles in full control, actually living regular ordinary lives and not being victims of circumstance and side-kicks, was quite refreshing. Drew in particular had me nearly keeling over with his quick wit and use of street talk that lightened up the many of the intense action scenes. Believe me, while reading and looking at the action scenes, you will feel like you are personally trying to escape with Billy, Drew, and the poor guy they sort of car-jacked.

     I also liked the social commentaries and articles featured throughout the comic which made it more like a mini-magazine, rather than a monthly serial. I call this use of entertainment products to further education-the Walt Disney formula, which and I hope that the publishers of Peace Party keep it up.

     BUT despite my ravings Peace Party is an American Comic, the super hero story line, and the 32 page comic format, ugh is so PLAYED. Personally I was really getting into the Pueblo Creation story and was kind of upset that it was over in two pages. When will Americans learn that not EVERY comic book has to be about super heroes? Everyday life can be just AS interesting and fun! But Peace Party did venture somewhat into this area as it focuses on ordinary things, minus the manipulation of nature (which can be done by some or at least that is what is claimed). Not that people walk into mob hits everyday but the fact that ordinary drama was used to move the story line was innovative all to itself.

     Unfortunately, with the current running schedules of U.S. comics, which can run from monthly into ad infinitum, before the next issue is published, this comic will be buried with the thousands of new comics that come out everyday. Peace Party is good stuff, and I would hate to see it drowned out by bad positioning and an obsessive-compulsive industry built around grown people re-creating characters they admired as children.

     Send your comments and or questions about this article to JenniferJ@ybfree.com.

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