Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Artist: Bill Farmer
Release Date: 5th March 2014

I jumped at the chance to review Apocalypse Al #2 because of the potential I recognised in this series’ debut issue. Luckily, Issue #2 does not disappoint. Like a red-headed Buffy the Vampire Slayer, our main character, Allison Carter, has been built up wonderfully during the first two issues. The pacing is superb and Al’s female attributes are not overly used to sell this issue… there is definitely no Hawkeye Initiative material here.

Apocalypse Al reads like a light-hearted take on the supernatural genre, but it should not be disregarded as a spoof, as there is some undoubtedly solid writing by Straczynski in this series. The highlight of the series so far has definitely been the humour; including the businessman who refuses to stop saying “Ultimate Darkness” to the pervy nerd who keeps staring at Al.

Many aspects of Apocalypse Al actually remind me of the Deadpool series, with a hilarious ensemble cast of characters creating ludicrous situations. Bob, agent of Hydra and Weasel being replaced by Mister Abernathy, CEO of Onyx and Ronnie.

The art is solid too, clean, narrow lines and fantastic colouring building up an incredible display of modern comic artistry. The detail in the art is not too in depth, but is there when needed. Despite the previously mentioned lack of Hawkeye Initiative material, Al is still occasionally placed in skin tight skimpy outfits, but it’s not enough to put you off the issue. Nowhere near that level.

I recommend picking up Apocalypse Al to anyone. Give it a go.

Rating: 4/5.

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The writer of this piece was: Blair Stevenson
You can also find Blair on Twitter.