Dynamite Entertainment 2015
Written by Andy Diggle
Illustrated by Aaron Campbell
Coloured by Salvatore Aiala Studios
I am such a huge fan of this book Andy’s writing is phenomenal and the moxy we see from the characters is the kind of stuff that you really appreciate because yeah they stole the military vehicle and now they are strolling through a bad section where ya know it could extremely dangerous for a gringo. Yet the brass cajones we see on display and then the work of Morgan well it’s all done so incredibly well it’s like the perfect encounter.
A lot of credit needs to go to Aaron and Salvatore Aiala Studios because the interior artwork here really is pretty freakin amazing. I mean stepping out of that ride in his whites and that face of his in such dynamic detail and you are immediately drawn to those eyes of his it’s just eerie how much life is in them. Faces throughout this book just grab your attention repeatedly and you really have to admire the skill required to make them look like this.
The fact that the intrigue here is not subtle at all is fantastic. Even better is Andy’s ability to weave such incredible background information into it at the same time is one of the reasons I go out of my way to read whatever he’s writing. This look into Maggie and Weaver’s childhood and the circumstances that have formed their lives like when Maggie’s mom realizes just how special truly is or Weaver’s overwhelming fear lack of confidence they are milestones in representing who they are. I love that Maggie has always been this outgoing and remarkable young woman and Weaver’s bravado doesn’t come naturally it makes looking at who they are now more interesting.
Mr. Styles and Holly what an interesting pair these two are. Holly is that type of person you want to go drinking with she’s loud, bold and speaks her mind and Deek well he’s not exactly low key these days either after all what he did in downtown Manhattan heh well yeah. He thinks he’s smarter and has the right grasp on things and while Cadre may have declared war he isn’t seeing the full picture like Holly is. I don’t like Mr. Styles but I don’t think we’re supposed to but Holly on the other hand intrigues the hell out of me and her look is punk retro-modern and that combined with her personality makes her a standout.
The amount of characterization, plot advancement and all around action that we see here makes this one of Dynamite’s more dynamic books and Season 2 is on track to outdo Season 1 by a long shot. The energy is ramped up the stakes have been raised and the interiors have definitely intensified. There is something palpable about how much more energy and enthusiasm has gone into Season 2 and as a reader I couldn’t be any happier with this and thrilled to support it.