Queen Elsa and her sister Princess Anna of Arendelle have been through a lot. After losing their parents, then nearly losing each other, these sisters formed an unbreakable bond, made friends and Elsa is ruling her kingdom with her ice-gifts. From the beginning of ‘Frozen: Breaking Boundaries Part I’ we see how considerate Anna is. Her visit and concern for the clockmaker’s retirement is not exactly a princess-like thing to do. Her compassion for others is shown as a strength. Already Anna is a good role model for anyone picking up this comic-book. Still, it’s what the clockmaker tells her that shows the true purpose of this narrative.
Mari, appearing out of nowhere seems to know who she is as she enlists Anna’s help in wrangling a runaway deer. But things shift and in the next instant Mari is gone. In Anna’s attempt to find her place in the world she decides to help Mari realize her purpose. Meanwhile Elsa is dealing with someone destroying the woods and a neighboring kingdom whose king doesn’t feel respected.
As a Disney themed story, you know that things will work out in the end. However, this is only part one. There’s still a considerable amount of trouble for Mari and Anna to get into. Equally as intriguing is Elsa’s problem. As a monarch, protecting her people is her purpose. She finds troubling things in the woods. It not only undermines her authority, it endangers the lives of several kingdoms. Worse yet, she would be blamed for it. As a film ‘Frozen’ told the story of the strength of love and how in saving Anna, Elsa finds herself. Now Anna needs to know how she fits in as little sister. Perhaps it isn’t enough to spread happiness. Then there’s Mari who is sheltered and is struggling to break free from her domineering father. His overprotectiveness another layer to how this tale unfolds.
Subplots within an unfolding narrative is rare for stories based on animated Disney characters. There’s usually a straightforward plot where the protagonist saves the day and everyone loves them by the end. Elsa’s unique position of saving her sister proves she’s not only competent, but a leader. In turn, Anna puts pressure on herself, but she still is open enough to help others. Everyone at one point in their life wants to be heard, understood or at least appreciated. What happens in the second issue shows a tentative Mari, Anna, Kristoff and Sven amidst blocks of ice. Elsa is represented even if she is not seen. Her control of her gifts are everywhere. Maybe it can help Anna find out what she wants to do with her life, or help her realize that what she’s been doing is enough.
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