By Larry Jorash — Actress Emilia Clarke, who most famously starred as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has now co-written a comic book, doing so by collaborating with writer Marguerite Bennett, artist Leila Leiz, colorist Triona Farrell, letterer Haley Rose-Lyon, and producer/principal contributor Isobel Richardson. The comic is M.O.M. - Mother of Madness #1, the first of a new three-part series from Image Comics, each issue of which will clock in at a weighty 40 pages with a price tag of $5.99.

And it’s a strong debut issue. The story in M.O.M. - Mother of Madness #1 follows a main character named Maya, who is a young single mother with an OnlyFans account and a job in a misogynistic office that feels as if it were plucked straight off a Jordan Belfort stock trading floor. On top of this all, Maya has superpowers that she can’t control. Powers that only shine through when Maya allows herself to feel emotions.

The main strength of this comic is its often dry, sometimes sarcastic, and always witty voice. It’s also a fearless book, that goes to surprising and interesting places. For example, early in the book, Maya has a period bleed through her clothes at work, and with super-sonic-hearing she can hear people around her reacting to this. MOM: Mother of Madness #1 pulls no punches. The story itself in this comic is fairly status quo as it pertains to superheroes and origin issues, but, again, the voice the comic uses to tell that story is fantastic.. So, while the plot might feel familiar to fans of superhero fiction, the witty and forthright comedy is likely to feel quite refreshing and welcoming. 

Of course, none of this works at all without the absolutely stunning artwork from Leiz and Farrell. The cartooning in this book is extremely creative. Any time Maya’s power set begins to manifest, Leiz’s linework is practically dancing on the page. While the work itself is not entirely embedded in realism, it finds its own niche that works incredibly well. Leiz may ultimately be the breakout star of this title.

M.O.M.: Mother of Madness #1 is a substantive and long read, with its 40-page length. The binding is also card stock which makes for a nice hold while reading a physical copy of the book. Ultimately, MOM is perfect for readers that enjoy satire, and also readers looking for strong, female protagonists in their comics. This story will also find a warm place for mothers in general, as the root of this tale is about protecting and fighting for the ones we love.

Overall: M.O.M.: Mother of Madness #1 is a relatively familiar superhero origin story, elevated by its witty conversational voice, humor, and clever artwork. 7.5/10

REVIEW: M.O.M.: Mother of Madness #1

M.O.M.: Mother of Madness #1
Writers: Emilia Clarke and Marguerite Bennett
Artist: Leila Leiz
Principal Contributor/Producer: Isobel Richardson
Colorist: Triona Farrell
Letterer: Haley Rose-Lyon
Publisher: Image Comics
Game of Thrones superstar EMILIA CLARKE debuts an EXTRA-LENGTH, THREE-ISSUE MINISERIES! The mayhem begins with Maya, under-the-weather scientist by day, over-the-top superhero by night, and badass single mom 24/7. Deadpool action and Fleabag comedy collide when Maya activates her freakish superpowers to take on a secret sect of human traffickers. Mature readers only! Comedy and chaos await in the first of three 40-page issues by the glamorous artist of Horde, LEILA LEIZ!
Price: $5.99
More Info: M.O.M.: Mother of Madness #1

Read more great comic book reviews here!

Larry Jorash (He/Him) resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)