ComiXology Originals 2019
Written by Alex Segura & Monica Gallagher
Illustrated by George Kambadais
Coloured by Ellie Wright
Lettered & Designed by Taylor Esposito of Ghost Glyph Studios
Hard Revolution Part 2: Do Evil in Return
Lara, still reeling from the conclusion of last issue, falls into bad habits - drinking and avoiding what's happening around her. But there are forces in Creighton that won't rest until Lara faces her destiny, whether she wants to or not, leaving the journalist's professional life in disarray.
I like this story and how it's being told. In some aspects it feels kind of familiar, a heavy drinker with an allergy to work unless it's what she wants to cover. Angry, alone and not sure how to find herself or even if she wants to. For so long she was her brothers keeper and now, now she's all alone and has no idea what she's doing. This makes it easy to relate to and identify with in some regard or another and her current obsession, following The Black Ghost, has led her to a place that is pushing her to the edge. Also for whatever reason we do love seeing someone who's life is in much worse shape than our own and Alex & Monica have certainly been able to accomplish this beautifully.
The way that this story is being told with the story & plot development and how it releases information for the reader is extremely nice to see. This includes the introduction of new characters are existing ones in new ways. The character development that we are seeing here is marvellous and that you can see how the situations are affecting them and helping to further who they are is great. I like that the characterisation contains the actions and reactions that we see them taking because that's just as important as the dialogue. With the pacing I like how we see the twists and turns that occur as well as whomever this nameless benefactor is.
Speaking of I want to say I know who it is but then again I think I will wait for the reveal within the pages before saying anything. After all I have been wrong before heh. Still what this does is engage the reader so they start thinking off-script, by this I mean using their own imagination to create a scenario based on what they know. I love being engaged in a story and feeling invested in it that makes the connection stronger and it's what keeps us coming back for more.
The interiors here aren't what I was hoping for but that's neither here nor there. The linework is quite simple and it stays around the same weight for the most part until we get into the characters faces and then weights vary. This gives the faces and facial expressions that opportunity to further the characterisation. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective show a good eye for storytelling. Backgrounds, sigh what can I say other than please utilise them. So many blank backgrounds makes me want to cry, to me it feels lazy and cheap and I know that George can do them, that bar scene was perfectly done to expand that moment. The colour work here too is a tad simple as there is a lot of solid colour work. Which would also benefit from colour blocking or some gradation effects as again we see them done and they are spectacular. Page 12 is gorgeous and the detail is phenomenal as is the colours so not knock anyone because we see really is rather good.
Well the story is certainly taking the kind of route that would suggest it's time for Lara to find a new purpose in life. She does have her sidekick in place though she'll never admit it and I like how Ernesto keeps calling her teach. There is this definite feeling that the universe is conspiring to lead Lara towards her destiny and we're just along for the ride and I for one can't wait to see what's next.