Boom! Studios 2016
Written by James Asmus
Illustrated by Carlos Magno
Coloured by Brad Simpson
Lettered by Ed Dukeshire
This is a fantastic story, that it’s set in a time when there was more than one Kong and the rival tribes who each had their own are the spotlight really gives us larger, broader scope of the world they come from. James is doing a spectacular job introducing us to these characters and how events lead up to a catastrophe so that Skull Island is the best hope these folks have for survival.
Last issue was the boat carrying them all came close to Skull Island it ended up turning over and here we are picking up right there with the people and the Kongs in the water. They aren’t alone here as prehistoric monsters share these waters as well and danger is everywhere. Carlos and Brad go to extreme lengths to bring this to life. Between the Kongs, the people and now these creatures of a bygone age the attention to detail is phenomenal.
The guys really do well to showcase how these people behave in situations like this as well. I mean there’s no option but to fight to survive and they do it instinctively without reservation. It’s the kind of storytelling that seems innocent enough but actually has a major impact on the reader.
As if all that weren’t enough we still get to see the wedding that is supposed to unite the two tribes as one. We do learn a few things from K’Reti here as he talks with his father and from both sides as the wedding preparations are done. The youth see that the mountain is going to erupt regardless of what the elders believe but as they are simply children still in their eyes their voices are ignored in favour of the old ways. As if a sacrifice or a wedding with appease the so-called gods to stop a volcano from erupting, yes as modern we know the difference but I do like seeing here how James has the split in beliefs. The young looking to move forward and the elder stuck in their ways.
Ewata, the ship and the Kong have surprises of their own in store for us this issue as well. Though she is not there to talk to her beloved K’Reti and his conversation with Usana well it’s the kind of stuff that you just don’t expect but appreciate oh so much. Upon Ewata’s arrival back at port and the ships that have been preparing to leave the Island she comes to see the wedding of K’Reti and Usana and that well you’ll be able imagine how that strikes her.
I touched upon it earlier but Carlos is such a talented artist. The way he can envision and execute that vision so the book comes to life in such a way is to be admired. The flow through pages and panels that fill with backgrounds and the right use of angles and perspective to make you feel like you are there with them is why i’m such a fan of his. There’s a real sense of emotion and feelings from this work it’s hard not find those emotions spilling into your bones.
With four more issues to go it’s almost time for the real story to begin as the survivors have to make their way to Skull Island and safety. But what dangers they’ll have to face remain to be seen but you can guarantee that it won’t just be from the Island’s residents.