Plutona #1 – 4
Plutona #1–4: A Haunting Coming-of-Age Superhero Tale
Genre
đŠž♂️ Superhero
đ Coming-of-Age
đČ Psychological Drama
đ Mystery
Plutona masterfully fuses the emotional weight of teenage drama with the mythos of superheroes, creating a grounded, suspenseful, and emotionally rich narrative.
Main Characters
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Teddy – A comic book-obsessed teen, drawn to the idea of heroism but struggling with isolation.
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Mie – A strong-willed and responsible girl who often clashes with others, especially Teddy.
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Ray – The group’s bully, harboring insecurities and hidden emotions.
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Diane – Mie’s younger sister, sensitive and observant, a silent witness to the group's tensions.
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Mike – The kind-hearted and quiet member of the group, whose moral compass is tested.
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Plutona – The legendary superheroine whose unexpected death becomes the catalyst for the story’s unraveling.
Writer
✍️ Jeff Lemire – Known for his emotionally resonant stories (Sweet Tooth, Essex County), Lemire brings a raw, human quality to Plutona that elevates the tale beyond the traditional superhero framework.
Artist
đš Emi Lenox – Her expressive, indie-styled illustrations add a personal and vulnerable tone to the story, capturing the complexities of adolescence with subtlety and warmth.
Editor Details
đ Jeanine Schaefer – With a keen eye for emotionally charged storytelling, Schaefer helps balance the tension between realism and fantasy throughout the mini-series.
Publisher and Brand
đą Image Comics
Brand: Creator-Owned
Release Year
đ 2015–2016
Brief Plot Summary
One quiet afternoon after school, five suburban teens venture into the woods and stumble upon something unimaginable: the lifeless body of Plutona, the world’s most revered superhero. As the children grapple with fear, moral dilemmas, and the weight of their discovery, their relationships begin to fracture. Over the course of four issues, secrets are unearthed, loyalties are tested, and the innocence of youth is forever shattered. The series is a poignant meditation on responsibility, mortality, and the fading boundary between fantasy and reality.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Secret in the Woods – The group’s decision to hide Plutona’s body sets off a chain reaction of psychological conflict and emotional breakdowns.
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Teddy’s Descent – Perhaps the most haunting subplot, Teddy’s obsession with Plutona and what she represents becomes a dark and tragic commentary on escapism.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
đ Fans have speculated that Plutona is less about the superhero herself and more a metaphor for the death of childhood innocence. Some readers interpret Teddy’s actions as a coping mechanism for trauma or mental illness, while others suggest the story critiques how society idolizes superheroes at the cost of personal identity. The abrupt ending also invites speculation about alternate outcomes and unseen consequences.
Review Summary
⭐ Art – Emi Lenox’s intimate and raw linework, paired with Jordie Bellaire’s moody color palette, perfectly conveys the story’s emotional depth and sense of dread.
đ Story Quality – Lemire’s narrative is minimalist yet emotionally rich, with believable dialogue and subtle character development that lingers.
đ§ Character Depth – Each child is a layered portrayal of vulnerability, fear, and confusion, making their arcs both relatable and heart-wrenching.
Plutona is a short but powerful series that delivers a stunning emotional punch. It’s not just a superhero story—it’s a mirror held up to the fragility of youth and the complexity of growing up. đđŠž♀️đ
For fans of character-driven drama, indie comics, and emotionally raw storytelling, Plutona is a must-read gem.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)