Ursula #1: The Rise of the Seven Sea Witches
Disney Villains: Ursula #1 plunges readers into the bottomless blue of the ocean’s dark past, long before a certain mermaid named Ariel ever dreamed of walking on land. Published by Dynamite Entertainment, this debut issue serves as a masterclass in tentacled treachery and political intrigue beneath the waves. While most fans know her as a banished exile, this series reveals that she once presided over a vast underwater kingdom as a pillar of ancient, magical authority.
The “inspired illuminators” bringing this aquatic epic to life include:
- Writer: Sherri L. Smith (Sparrow, Flygirl)
- Artist: Gabriele Bagnoli
- Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
The narrative introduces a world where Ursula is not alone in her power. As one of the Seven Sea Witches, she rules the deep alongside her royal sisters: Capricia, Scylla, Charybdis, Melusine, Tiamat, and Vodyanoy. Together, this powerful septet ruled the world’s oceans with absolute impunity. However, the peace of their reign is shattered when one of the sisters is found broken and stripped of her magical essence, triggering a quest for vengeance that will redefine the hierarchy of the sea.
The High-Stakes Mystery in Disney Villains: Ursula #1
What readers should prepare for in Disney Villains: Ursula #1 is a story that balances mythic world-building with a grounded detective narrative. Sherri L. Smith’s script captures the formidable ego of the character, depicting her as a ruler who views an attack on her sister as an attack on their collective throne. Transitioning from the opulence of the underwater courts to the dark trenches where outcasts hide, the story explores the paranoia that comes with absolute power. Consequently, the issue serves as both a standalone fantasy and a vital piece of the wider Disney Villains tapestry.
The pacing of the debut allows the tension to build as Ursula sets out to find and punish the culprit. She knows that among all the denizens of the deep, only one would dare to challenge the Sea Witches’ reign. This sense of impending confrontation provides a rhythm that keeps the pages turning. For fans who track new comics for their character depth, the way this series humanizes a “baddie” while maintaining her menace is a mandatory study in modern comics engineering.
The Septet of Sea Witches
Visually, Disney Villains: Ursula #1 is a spectacular achievement. Gabriele Bagnoli brings a textured, bioluminescent look to the underwater kingdom, capturing the duality of its vibrant beauty and its inherent danger. The way Bagnoli renders the various Sea Witches—each based on different mythologies—makes the environment feel like a diverse, global ecosystem of magic. In addition, the character acting for Ursula herself is exceptional, conveying a level of “regal defiance” that differentiates her from the standard villain tropes found in the marketplace.
Furthermore, the comic book covers for this #1 issue are a collector’s dream. The lineup includes a shimmering Cover A by Mirka Andolfo, along with variants by Jae Lee, Robert Quinn, Shatoki Shiki, and a unique cartoon head variant by Francesca Carita. These covers highlight different facets of the Sea Witch’s persona, from her tactical brilliance to her intimidating physical presence. It is a mathematical certainty that fans of high-prestige fantasy art will find these variants to be the highlight of their monthly pull list.
In addition to the main quest, the issue addresses the heavy lore of the “Seven.” As Ursula completes her investigation into the broken sister, the fallout of her actions suggests that the balance of the ocean is more fragile than the Sea Witches believed. Transitioning from a state of rule to one of defense ensures that the stakes feel high from the very first panel. Whether you are following the mystery of the magical artifacts or simply soaking in the gothic atmosphere, this issue is an essential addition to your long box.
In conclusion, Disney Villains: Ursula #1 is a must-buy for anyone who appreciates dark fantasy with a strong POV. By pairing Sherri L. Smith’s sharp writing with Bagnoli’s vibrant art, Dynamite has guaranteed that this volume will be remembered as a defining chapter in the character’s history. Whether you are a fan of the original Little Mermaid or simply love high-stakes supernatural drama, this is a journey you cannot afford to miss. Don’t miss this portal into the bottomless blue before the tides turn against the Seven!
📢 Join the Conversation
Who do you think is the only denizen of the deep brave enough to challenge the Sea Witches? Which cover are you picking up: Andolfo, Lee, or Quinn? Join the conversation on X and tag us @comicbookaddt to share your thoughts on the Ursula premiere!
Follow our community for more updates:
