Review – Romulus #2 (Image Comics)

Publisher: Image Comics
Story By: Bryan Hill
Art By: Nelson Blake II
Release Date: 30th November, 2016

As I said in my review for the first issue of Romulus, the book was solid, the concept was appealing, especially in this era of conspiracy and cover up, but it did suffer from being slightly imbalanced.

Issue two shrugs off those balance issues and we get just enough information about the world of Romulus and what drives them, their raison d’etre. Like most mission statements from shadowy evil organisations, it’s just plain mean. Or, if you think the planet is a tad overcrowded, it may very well be a reasonable solution to a global problem (but if you think that then you’re probably a bit mean too). We also find out more about Ashlar and the man she saved in the last issue, Nicholas Franklin.

Introductions continue aplenty and we meet Reagan, who appears to be at the head of Romulus. She’s a bit mean too. Then we meet Sozo, a psychic pop star, who represents an organisation which could present a counterpoint to the relentless evil of Romulus. Who they are turns out to be fairly illuminating. Finally, we meet Achilles, one of the new warriors of Romulus, and he gives us balance through action.

Bryan Hill is continuing his world building in a confident manner, with interesting flourishes. It’s certainly intriguing, and it’s nicely complimented by Nelson Blake II’s art, which is definitely growing on me. I didn’t find it quite so flat this time.

I said at the end of my last review that I wasn’t quite hooked just yet. Well, that hook is tickling at the inside of my mouth, and the bait seems to be reasonably tasty. I wonder what’ll happen with issue three? Will I bite? It’s looking more likely. Oh, one last thing, make sure you read the three pages of text at the end of this issue, it’s “The Bitch Delusion”, and it makes for interesting reading.

It’s definitely edging ever closer to a 4, but for now, Romulus gets another…

Rating: 3.5/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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