Review – The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage: Second Lives #2 (Valiant)

Publisher: Valiant Entertainment
Writer: Jen Van Meter
Artist: Roberto De La Torre
Release Date: 13th January, 2016

The first issue in this series really knocked me for a loop. There was quite a lot to take in for a new reader, and it took me a couple of read-throughs to assimilate what had happened. The general premise concerns a husband and wife team of paranormal investigators, named Hwen and Shan-Fong Mirage. Hwen was killed battling occult forces, but Shan was able to rescue his spirit, and has since been searching for a way to be reunited with her husband in the physical realm. An ancient scroll named the Vita Secunda (second life), holds the key to achieving her wish, but their plan to procure a copy goes awry when a malevolent force escapes from the scroll killing a living being and some spirits in the process.

With a better understanding of the characters and their world, this second issue is far more enjoyable, and deals with the pair’s attempts to secure another copy of the scroll, whilst introducing us to the thoroughly despicable villain of the piece; one who is quite obviously based on a rather famous animator, unless I’ve missed my guess. As with the first issue, the pace is very deliberate and measured. The combination of detailed art and hefty chunks of dialogue do make for a slow, but intense reading experience; however, the script is kept lively and authentic throughout, and it’s clear Jen Van Meter enjoys foraying into occult territory.

Visually, the book exhibits a dark and brooding realism, and it’s expertly highlighted and lit throughout by Roberto De La Torre. Sketchy, but finely detailed lines are broken by deep black shadows and distressed inky smears. There is also some clever use of negative space, and the absence of panel borders during the flashback creates a fittingly nebulous, ghostly mood. Further enhancing the spectral flavour is colourist David Baron, who uses a washed out, unconventional colour palette, to symbolise certain moods and perhaps auras. It’s a jarring on the eye at first, but that’s probably the point, and it’s great to see the possibilities with colour being explored a little further.

Another solid entry on the shelves for Valiant.

Rating: 3.5/5.

ARTWORK PREVIEW
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