IDW Publishing 2015
Storytellers & Creators: Gabriel Rodriguez & Chris Ryall
Coloured by Jay Fotos
As if the prospect of the first issue wasn’t enough to get us involved and hooked into the story this issue has up the ante. I mean wow okay so we knew the Captain wasn’t supposed to tell his people about the base and what was in it but seriously! Okay this issue kicks butt people and this is the kind of thing that goes places you don’t suspect and that’s what makes it worth reading. I mean an alien virus with a hunter on it’s tale plus what scientists create that interacts with it, it doesn’t get any more bizarre.
The opening is fantastic and it really showcases the interior artwork in all it’s detail and mystery. We never get to see this person talking just his mouth and this contraption that seems to keep him lips from closing so we only see the teeth and gums and it’s pretty creepy. The mutants he’s with well they are kind of awesome and I like the one’s staff it’s very early man in appearance. So whatever these things are they are prepared for the coming humans.
Back to Onyx and the soldiers she’s encountered. Ah Loner her abilities are growing exponentially and I think the more she uses them the stronger she gets. That headband isn’t doing much to help her control or block anything and she’s hearing a lot more than people are guessing. Including the fact that the General plans on killing her after learning the secret of the base, which he’s completely off base about now.
Alright I adore these mutant creatures and we do learn about them, how they were created to a degree. But really it’s the imagination required to bring them to life that’s really the standout here. I’m particularly fond of the snake hybrid creature it’s freakin awesome and completely nightmare inspiring and yet ready to be made into a plushy. Also of note here is the way Jay is able to blend the colouring and make these transitions in his work to really highlight what we need to take notice of. He brings a lot to this book with what he does behind Gabriel's imagination.
So the way that the humans secret base and the alien spore story arcs are able to be fused into one cohesive story is extremely well done. It does give a whole new meaning to strange bedfellows but in the best possible manner. Before the captured Onyx however can be dealt with however Loner, Cap and the others show up and the big fight ensues. The biggest and best thing that happens is that Loner gains Cici’s respect during the battle and we see more of Loner’s abilities in action. It’s a fantastic fight sequence because it’s written and illustrated in such a way that it’s unmistakably dynamic.
Oh the way this issue ends well I am somewhat surprised, can’t say I don’t like it and the ramifications of it well you have to wonder about them.
I am already a huge supporter/fan of this book. It’s kind of got everything including the kitchen sink thrown in so that it keeps this uniqueness and originality to it. With no clear cut genre to stick it in they’ve created their own and well it fast becomes one of those guilty pleasures you’re not afraid to admit to.