When discussing this issue, Greg mentioned how Cover Girl #1 reminded him of a television show and/or a movie, and it does, but just like Mr. Stuffins #1 (review here, natch), Cover Girl demonstrates what I find to be the advantages of the comic book narrative, or at least the benefits of "less chefs in the kitchen," which allows Cover Girl #1 to be a well-developed opening issue to a series with as slight of a concept as "attractive woman bodyguard protects handsome action movie star."

I can only imagine how hacky a film and/or TV series would be using that premise, but in this opening issue, writers Andrew Cosby and Kevin Church give us a strong introduction to the book's star, struggling actor Alex Martin, as he makes his way from schlub to star. It is an interesting approach, because, as I mentioned, the basic conceit of the series it that the big male action star is being protected by an attractive female bodyguard. So to see so much time being devoted to developing the protagonist's character, I can certainly see folks taking issue with spending that much time just setting up the "main" plot, but I appreciated the look into Alex's character, and specifically his rise to fame, which came about not because of his acting, but because of a simple act of heroism (saving a woman from a car crash, a car crash caused by some mysterious men in dark suits and sunglasses).

Essentially, this first issue is the film Hero done in a single issue, only much better than Hero (which really was not that good), and with an espionage angle worked in to boot!

In any event, this issue is also a good example of how you really cannot make sweeping statements about "how to write a first issue," as it really depends on how good the writing is. To wit, "making your first issue all expositionary set-up for your main plot" is generally speaking a bad idea, but when written well, it is okay in my book. Cosby and Church do a good job of doing their version of "Hero," with agents suddenly "discovering" Alex after they see him featured on the news as a "hero."

And when their star investment is suddenly targeted by the mysterious men in dark suits, they need to protect him - and they turn to Rachel Dodd, the girl on the cover of Cover Girl #1, natch.

The art from R. M. Yankovicz in the issue is not very good, but it is at least serviceable. Yankovicz does not seem to be much of a fan of backgrounds, as he does not use them very often. Also, much like Mr. Stuffins, the coloring on this book is so darn murky. Not an attractive look.

All in all, this was a fun, pretty witty look at the "Hollywood Shuffle" (which is, coincidentally enough, the title of this issue), with decent enough artwork and a set-up for a premise that is sure to lead to some interesting, witty stuff.

Recommended.