Advance Review – Pariah #2 (of 8) (Dark Horse)

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer(s): Aron Warner, Philip Gelatt
Artist: Brett Weldele
Release Date: 26th March 2014

Trapped in space, the genetically engineered geniuses known as “vitros” must band together and create a plan to get back to Earth before their failing satellite turns into a death-trap. They have been betrayed by earth; and describing themselves as “hobo’s in space” they are now searching space for any “low-orbit trash” that could be utilised to save their satellite and get them safely back home.

Pariah is slowly morphing into an almost Downton Abbey-esque drama in futuristic space, with characters battling many different personal battles at the same time; hopelessness, homesickness, loss, love and desperation. Issue #2 is a slow burning story that delivers very little in terms of character and story development. The art remains strong, sticking with Issue #1’s colour palette of minimalistic black, grey and browns. The claustrophobic atmosphere prevalent in the story benefits again from the art, but in my opinion, that isn’t enough to save this dwindling story.

With another 6 issues to go, I feel that this book may be a little TOO slow-burning for my tastes. The absence of Issue-1’s narrator Herman’s laid back, sarcastic and disdainful attitude leaves me underwhelmed by Issue #2.