Dynamite; $4.99 

Long before Ursula the sea witch met young mermaid Ariel, she ruled over the ocean kingdom Atlantica as a member of the Seven Sea Witches. Ursula is prospering and enjoying the banquet she will consume on tithing day when she learns that one of her sisters has been attacked and has lost her power. Angry about what happened to her sister, Ursula sets out to learn who struck Scylla and get her revenge. 

Dynamite has done interesting things with their Disney Villains line. By making villains the main characters, readers get to learn more about them personally and their motivation. The debut of Ursula by writer Sherri L. Smith and artist Gabriele Bagnoli continues that trend by setting up the underwater world ruled by the Seven Sea Witches and the nasty way that they stay in power. This isn’t Ursula hiding from King Triton; she’s strong, powerful, and confident that she will punish whoever is to blame for Scylla’s condition. 

She appears more dangerous and imposing than in The Little Mermaid, teasing a big underwater clash in coming issues. 

–Amanda Sheriff