Review – Spell on Wheels #2 (Dark Horse)

Posted on November 14, 2016 in Dark Horse Reviews

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Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Writer: Kate Leth
Artwork: Megan Levens, Marissa Louise
Release Date: 16th November 2016

After a strong opening issue, writer Kate Leth keeps her foot planted firmly on the accelerator here as her witchcraft road movie Spell on Wheels surges forwards.

In this issue, Jolene, Claire and Andy find themselves crossing paths with Arthur Boldram, a fairly sleazy retired artist who has come into possession of one of the powerful artifacts which were stolen from them in the first chapter. However, with the package containing the artifact not due to arrive until the morning, the trio opt to stay put, attending one of Boldram’s “legendary” parties as they wait.

The characterization is spot-on once again, with Kate Leth giving each of the women their own distinct and contrasting voices which are showcased beautifully in their different reactions to the party itself. Claire shines the brightest here, with a ballsy, no-nonsense approach that actually comes in rather handy when things predictably start to unravel. Oh, and any comic that thrusts an unapologetic middle finger at sleazy, condescending middle-aged men is always going to be a winner in my book.

As with the first issue, artist Megan Levens keeps things lively and energetic, with some wonderful facial expressions and reaction shots from our bewitching trio throughout the course of this chapter. Once again, Claire in particular comes across brilliantly with her exasperation and thinly-veiled disdain at the clumsy and offensive chat-up lines she finds herself subjected to. Marissa Louise rounds the aesthetic out beautifully with her vibrant colours, giving the book a ‘Saturday Morning Cartoon’ vibe that really fits the tone of the story.

Perhaps my only real disappointment about Spell on Wheels at this point is the fact that it’s only set to run for five issues. This definitely feels like a story that could be spun out for quite some time with our witches traveling the country trying to reclaim their stolen goods. As it stands however, we’re just going to have to enjoy these wonderful characters while we can, and let Leth, Levens and Louise take the wheel for the rest of this wildly entertaining ride.

Rating: 4/5.

The writer of this piece was: Craig Neilson-Adams (aka Ceej)
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